Illinois Coaching Search Update: Fuente's Memphis Tigers Remain Undefeated

It's no secret that Illinois is already beginning to look for a new head coach following the abrupt firing of Tim Beckman one week before the beginning of the 2015 season. Let's take a look and see how those candidates' teams fared after the fourth week of the season.

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1. Justin Fuente, Memphis (4-0)

Week 4 Result: Win, 53-46 versus Cincinnati

ESPN's Thursday night matchup between these two AAC teams was a good one. The Tigers remained undefeated on a late touchdown run by Sam Craft. It was part of a 22-point fourth quarter that Memphis put up on the Cincinnati defense in a game that featured twelve lead changes. Fuente's squad will travel to take on South Florida this week before a huge matchup against No. 3 Ole Miss the following weekend.

2. Dino Babers, Bowling Green (2-2)

Week 4 Result: Win, 35-28 at Purdue

The Falcons pulled off an impressive seven-point victory in West Lafayette this past weekend. The game featured back-and-forth action the entire way, but Travis Greene's twelve-yard touchdown run with only nine seconds remaining sealed the deal. Babers' team now has upsets over two Big Ten opponents (Maryland and Purdue) and will take on Buffalo to open up conference play next weekend.

.@BGSU_Bookstores is selling this t-shirt following today's win over Purdue. #B1GWins #MACtion pic.twitter.com/SUF7fDWlsC

— Jeremy Guy (@JGuyMAC) September 26, 2015

3. Tom Herman, Houston (3-0)

Week 4 Result: Win, 59-14 versus Texas State

The Cougars are still undefeated on the young season, and he's got himself a quarterback in Greg Ward Jr. He is just the second QB in Houston history with multiple touchdown passes and multiple rushing touchdowns in a single game. The other was another name you might recognize: Case Keenum. Herman's team will travel to Tulsa to take on the the Golden Hurricane this coming Saturday.

4. P.J. Fleck, Western Michigan (1-3)

Week 4 Result: Loss, 38-12 at Ohio State

Fleck's Broncos fell behind 24-6 before the end of the second quarter and from there Ohio State never looked back. Adolphus Washington's 20-yard pick six helped seal the Buckeye win, and sent Western Michigan to a disappointing 1-3 record heading into conference play. The Broncos will take on in-state foe Central Michigan in two weeks after their bye to open up this year's MAC-tion.

5. Jeff Brohm, Western Kentucky (3-1)

Week 4 Result: Win, 56-14 versus Miami (OH)

The Hilltoppers are now 3-1 following an impressive blowout victory over Miami of Ohio last Saturday. WKU put up 569 yards of total offense and QB Brandon Doughty threw for six touchdowns to move Brohm's squad to 2-0 at home this season. Their defense has left something to be desired so far in 2015, but the offense is unquestionably high-powered. They'll travel on the road to take on Rice next weekend.

6. Bill Cubit, Illinois (3-1)

Week 4 Result: Win, 27-25 versus Middle Tennessee

Interim Illini head coach Bill Cubit is certainly a candidate to keep his current job, and his team is off to a solid 3-1 start. Many saw this coming with the three home non-conference opponents on the schedule, but the Blue Raiders pushed Illinois to their limit this past Saturday. The game hinged on a last-second field goal attempt by Middle Tennessee kicker Cody Clark. Luckily for the Illini, it missed wide left.

7. Rod Carey, Northern Illinois (2-2)

Week 4 Result: Loss, 17-14 at Boston College

The Huskies, a week after nearly beating No. 1 Ohio State, fell to Boston College on the road to put them at 0-2 in games away from Huskie Stadium. Running back Jon Hiliman scored on a 21-yard sprint to the outside that sealed up the Eagels victory. NIU will try to further improve their record at home next weekend when they welcome in Central Michigan.

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If you're keeping track, that's a 5-2 record for the candidates during Week Four. Think we've left anybody off the list? Drop by in the comments below and tell us what you think!