Gruen's Big Ten Glance: Bill Cubit's Impressing At Illinois

By Seth Gruen--

(CBS) The Bill Cubit era was thought to be over before it even started at Illinois. The Illini interim coach, Cubit took over the program one week before the season started, under circumstances that seemed insurmountable.

The program's former coach, Tim Beckman, was a publicity nightmare who over the years had used chewing tobacco on the sidelines of one game, got in a sideline shouting match with Cubit that nearly turned physical and once challenged the media to be more positive in helping "the state of Illinois to be the best it can be," whatever that means.

Beckman finally was dismissed days before the season amid allegations of player mistreatment, including that he forced some to play through injuries. In walked Cubit, named interim coach for the 2015 season. "Interim" never had a stronger a meaning.

Though Cubit associated himself little with Beckman — Beckman even once called Cubit the "head coach of the offense" — it was thought that the controversial and oft laughable Beckman era was too much of an eyesore to shake.

Then the 2015 season began. Cubit decided to reinvigorate a tortured fanbase. He speaks to students every Friday and has carried himself well.

But more importantly, Cubit has won. The Illini are 4-2, two wins away from bowl eligibility. Illinois beat Nebraska, which while underperforming still has plenty of talent. And most recently, Illinois played No. 22 Iowa close in Iowa City.

Cubit appears on pace to guide the Illini to their best record since the Ron Zook era. The program can only get better if Cubit is given a chance to recruit his own players.

Moving forward, he appears to be clueless athletic director Mike Thomas' best option beyond 2015.

Let's digress for just a second on Thomas: He once sat in front of Beckman, interviewed him and then decided to hire him.

There were rumors that Thomas attempted to hire Mike Leach, who instead chose the Washington State job. When Thomas decided to unceremoniously fire men's basketball coach Bruce Weber, he then dragged a proud Illini program through the embarrassment of public rejections by Brad Stevens and Shaka Smart. In some respects, Thomas is as much to blame for the state of the football program as Beckman. His women's basketball coach, Matt Bollant, has had allegations of racism and abuse levied against him.

There's enough on Thomas to fill an entire future column, but this one here is about Cubit.

Illinois is a six-point underdog this Saturday against a Wisconsin team that has ruled the Big Ten's West Division. It's Cubit's chance to put his signature on the 2015 season. And if he wins, Cubit should be offered a extension Sunday. Failing to do so would make Thomas look even worse, assuming that's possible.

Right now, it's hard to imagine a better fit for the Illini program. Cubit has head coaching experience — seven years at Western Michigan and a record above .500. (Coincidentally, current Western Michigan coach P.J. Fleck would also be a good fit for the Illini. But why would he take the job?)

It's likely that if Illinois decided to fire Cubit, it would seek out a mid-major coach anyways. Unlike a young up-and-comer who might use the Illini as a stepping stone, the 62-year-old Cubit appears content at Illinois. By all indications, he would be fine ending his career in Champaign.

Cubit loves Illinois. Illini nation should love him.

Big Ten power rankings

1. Ohio State (7-0, 3-0) -- One has to wonder if a quarterback controversy might, at some point, result in a loss.

2. Michigan State (7-0, 3-0) -- Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good.

3. Iowa (7-0, 3-0) -- With the possibility of an undefeated season, the Hawkeyes are entering the outskirts of the College Football Playoff conversation.

4. Michigan (5-2, 2-1) -- LOL.

5. Penn State (5-2, 2-1) -- Both losses — to Temple and Ohio State — have come to ranked opponents.

6. Wisconsin (5-2, 2-1) -- The Badgers should win out.

7. Illinois (4-2, 1-1) -- A win over the Badgers would put the Illini in second place in the West.

8. Northwestern (5-2, 1-2) -- It's a trap game at Nebraska

9. Nebraska (3-4, 1-2) -- If the Huskers are to make a bowl, it's a near must-win against the Wildcats on Saturday.

10. Minnesota (4-3, 1-2) -- I expected more from this team.

11. Indiana (4-3, 0-3) -- After winning four straight, the Hoosiers are at risk of losing four straight with the Spartans looming.

12. Rutgers (3-3, 1-2) -- It will be a glorified scrimmage against Ohio State.

13. Maryland (2-4, 0-2) -- Can I stop these power rankings?

14. Purdue (1-6, 0-3) -- How are the tailgates?

Seth Gruen is columnist for CBSChicago.com, focusing on college sports. You can follow him on Twitter @SethGruen.