Coach's Q&a: Ron Zook

SI: You traveled this summer on a USO tour to see the troops. What was that like?

RZ: Incredible. We flew more than 20,000 miles. We started in Ramstein, Germany, went to hospitals and saw some wounded there. Went to Bahrain, got on the USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier, then went through Kuwait and on to Iraq. Saw about 15,000-20,000 troops. It was an unbelievable experience to see what our troops do and to be able to thank them. Very humbling. It was an amazing honor.

SI: Is there anything you can take from that trip and apply to your team?

RZ: Teamwork. If our players could see the pride that these guys have, the teamwork these guys have, I think it really would change everyone's thoughts.

SI: ARE YOU EXCITED TO PLAY AT WRIGLEY FIELD AGAINST NORTHWESTERN?

RZ: THERE'S A MYSTIQUE ABOUT WRIGLEY, AND OUR TEAM HAS A LOT OF CHICAGO KIDS. IT'S GOING TO BE A THRILL.

SI: Are you happy with how your team has adjusted to all the changes this off-season?

RZ: I really feel good about the way spring went. The attitude of our football team has been great. It shows the type of kids we have here. It shows the type of coaches we brought. Bringing in a new offense and a new defensive system, you'd think there would be some bumps in the road, but it was very smooth.