CHAMPAIGN - Coach Ron Zook will be rewarded today for revitalizing the University of Illinois football program when the Board of Trustees' executive committee meets to approve a handsome pay raise and three-year contract extension.

Zook's total compensation package is expected to rise to $1.505 million a year, an annual increase of $450,000.

That would make Zook the fifth-highest paid head coach in the 11-team Big Ten Conference, trailing leader Kirk Ferentz of Iowa ($2.84 million, plus more with bonuses), Ohio State's Jim Tressel, Michigan's Lloyd Carr and Penn State's Joe Paterno.

The recommended increase, which has the backing of university President B. Joseph White and Chancellor Richard Herman, will be voted on this afternoon when the executive committee meets.

In addition to the pay increase, the proposal also recommends extending Zook's contract through Jan. 31, 2013.

Part of Zook's increased pay is tied to a bowl appearance, and the 5-2 Illini need one more victory to become bowl-eligible. Zook's base salary will increase by $200,000 when he leads the Illini into a bowl game.

"(Director of Athletics Ron) Guenther talked to me about it before the season started," Zook said Tuesday. "He knew once I got into the season I would be involved and can't talk about it much then.

"The thing is, for us and for our staff, it makes you feel good when your boss and administration feel the program is going in the right direction. I think everyone understands we're not where we need to be yet and we have a long way to go. But they're comfortable we're going in the right direction."

Illinois had won just four total games in the two seasons before Zook arrived. And while Zook committed to younger players and began rebuilding the roster with quality recruits, Illinois won just twice in 2005 and twice in 2006, Zook's first two seasons.

But after assembling some impressive recruiting classes, Illinois has started to win again this season.

After losing the season opener to Missouri, Illinois won five straight and moved into the Top 25 before losing at Iowa last weekend. Illinois plays host to Michigan Saturday night.

Zook said the contract extension will aid in recruiting.

"Stability helps in recruiting," he said. "I like to tell kids we will run the same offense, defense and kicking game for their entire careers here. That's something I feel very strongly in. And I plan on being here."

Zook also said he has talked to Guenther about a pool of money that will provide pay increases for his assistant coaches.

"The one great thing about Ron Guenther is that he understands this profession and business. He knows for us to continue to do the things we need to do, we need to do everything we can to keep our coaches here.

"Right now there are a lot of people who look and say, 'Hey, maybe that is a great place.'

"It's a great place, a great university, a great place to raise your children. People see what we felt coming in here."

Dual QBs

Zook said he's likely to use two quarterbacks against Michigan and won't necessarily wait until starter Juice Williams needs help from backup Eddie McGee.

"I think there's a good chance you'll see Eddie come in there, not necessarily at a pre-determined time," Zook said. "A lot of teams have played two quarterbacks. That doesn't mean we will, but if Eddie prepares the way we need him to prepare, there's a good chance we'll use him."

Zook said he and his coaches have become more comfortable with McGee, a redshirt freshman, as he gains experience.

"I think the biggest thing with Eddie is understanding what Juice had to learn. There's more to playing quarterback in the Big Ten than having a few successful plays. It comes down to preparation and how you practice."

Zook was asked if he has considered using McGee at quarterback and lining up Williams as a receiver or flanker.

"That's not out of my mind," Zook said. "Yes, we've considered it."

Position change

Jeff Cumberland is being moved from tight end to wide receiver.

In shifting the 6-foot-5, 244-pound sophomore, Zook said they're trying to make better use of a quality athlete while also hoping to add some blocking punch on the perimeter.

"He's a big, strong guy," Zook said. "Look at Missouri and how they use their (tight ends). They do the same things."

Extra points

Attention tailgaters: Parking lots around Memorial Stadium will open at 7 a.m. Saturday in advance of the 7 o'clock night game. � ESPN's College GameDay television show won't be in Champaign this weekend. Instead, they're heading to Lexington, Ky. for the Kentucky vs. Florida game. But ESPN Radio's GameDay show will be broadcasting from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. from a stage set up near the Assembly Hall. � Those attending Saturday night's game will be treated to a flyover by four F-18 fighter jets, led by Zook's friend, Naval Flight Commander Stan "Spider" Jones. The flyover will take place before the opening kickoff and likely will happen with the teams are in the locker rooms. "I won't even get to see it," Zook lamented Tuesday.

Mark Tupper can be reached at mtupper@herald-review.com or 421-7983.