CHAMPAIGN – Miami (Ohio) isn't on the Illinois schedule. This year or into the future.

So, it's difficult for Ron Zook to know exactly what Minnesota's Tim Brewster is feeling this week. Brewster was a star player for Mike White at Illinois in the 1980s, helping the '83 team to a 9-0 season and a spot in the Rose Bowl. For the first time in his career, Brewster will be the head coach against Illinois at Memorial Stadium.

How would Zook handle coaching against his alma mater?

"I think everybody's different," Zook said. "I think when you get into those kind of situations, you're best not to think about those things and just stay in your own element.

"I know Tim is very, very fond of this university. We got to know him a little bit when we were recruiting his son (Clint) two years ago. It will be an opportunity for him to come back home here. I'm sure he'll be impressed with the facilities and the stadium. He will have his football team ready to play."

Big turnaround. The Gophers are 5-1 after going 1-11 in 2007. One of the wins came at Bowling Green, which knocked off Pitt earlier in the season.

Zook said he isn't surprised by Minnesota's fast start.

"You've got to get out and work," Zook said. "You've got to go out and sell your program. (Brewster) has done that. It wasn't like they hadn't won before. Minnesota's been to a lot of bowl games. I think last year was the first time they've missed a bowl game in a while. You've got a lot on that football team that know how to win."

On the air. Former Illini linebacker J Leman, who is waiting for a call from an NFL team, will keep busy this weekend working for the Big Ten Network.

Leman will be part of the network's "Friday Night Tailgate" show, appearing in Evanston before the Northwestern-Michigan State game.

On Saturday, Leman will provide pregame reports from a temporary studio setup in Evanston.

Leman said the appearances will serve as his tryout for the network.

"I'm just looking for different opportunities," Leman said.

Leman's primary goal these days is to get another shot at the NFL. He was released by the Minnesota Vikings before the start of the season.

It's not a shocker that a television network is interested in Leman, who always was comfortable during interview sessions as a player.

"I'm happy for him and proud of him," Zook said. "J's going to be successful at whatever he does."

Catching up. Future Illini quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase can be seen on Fox Sports Midwest at 7 p.m. Thursday when Kansas City Rockhurst hosts Minnetonka, Minn.

Rockhurst is 5-1 this season and is working toward a second consecutive state championship.

History lesson. Two years ago, the Illini went to Michigan State early in the season and beat the Spartans. Then they didn't win another game.

"The one thing our football team has done is they've done a pretty good job of learning from past mistakes," Zook said. "That's the one thing about the Big Ten, I don't care who you're playing or where you're playing them, you better be strapped up and ready to go."

Safety first. Donsay Hardeman made his second Division I-A college start Saturday at safety. Zook said the junior college transfer continues to improve.

"I had a pro scout tell me he looked like he was getting better with every play," Zook said. "And I think that's true. He's a big guy. He's a tough guy. He missed a tackle on the second kickoff and he came right to me and said, 'Coach, it's my fault.' So, it's important to him."

Big fan. Zook is impressed with Minnesota quarterback Adam Weber. He is third in the conference in total offense and passing efficiency.

"I thought last year he was one of the better quarterbacks we'd faced," Zook said. "And I'll say it again this year, he'll be one of the better quarterbacks we face. I thought the first one (Missouri's Chase Daniel) was really, really good. This guy is very, very accurate. A big, strong guy. He runs the offense, knows where to go with the football. Competitor, winner, all those kinds of things you would expect to have."

Staying in. Linebackers Russell Ellington and Sam Carson will continue to get extended playing time, Zook said.

"They graded out well," Zook said. "I think the more guys you play, the fresher you're going to be. There's only one way you get experience; you've got to go play."