When Indiana and Illinois faced off in 2003, it was a battle to stay out of last place in the Big Ten. Both teams went into the Nov. 8 game with 1-8 records. Both were buried at the bottom of the conference standings. And both desperately needed a victory.

Going into this Saturday’s matchup, neither team is in much better shape than it was a year ago. The Hoosiers’ 3-6 record is enough to keep them ahead of both Illinois and Penn State in the Big Ten – but not by much.

A win over Minnesota last weekend gave Indiana its first conference “W” since beating Illinois, but the Hoosiers aren’t letting the victory get to their heads.

“Whether we just come off a big win or a big loss, we don’t dwell on either one,” said Indiana head coach Gerry DiNardo. “We just focus on what is next, and that is the Illinois game.”

While the Illini suffered their first shutout since 1998 when they faced the Gophers, the Hoosiers managed a 30-21 victory.

Indiana needed the win after suffering a tough 30-7 loss to Ohio State in Columbus on Oct. 23.

“Two weeks ago, we took a step back,” DiNardo said. “This past week we moved in the right direction.”

One element that has been propelling the Hoosiers is senior tight end Aaron Halterman. Halterman caught two passes for 39 yards against the Gophers. While he is not putting up the best numbers on the team, he is a third-year starter whose experience and consistency have been key to keeping the team together.

“It is rare that you don’t get a good performance from him,” DiNardo said. “This is very important when you are planning because you know what you have. He has gotten better each year, but you always know that he is going to play well.”

But Illinois coach Ron Turner said he is more concerned about overcoming Indiana’s defense than with stopping its offense.

“They’ve got a lot of the same guys they had in there a year ago, defensive line-wise,” Turner said. “Their front four is very impressive. All four of them started last year – three of them are seniors and they are playing the defense extremely well.”

Turner said quarterback Matt LoVecchio is one of Indiana’s most effective offensive weapons.

“(He) runs their offense very well,” Turner said. “He can scramble and he can run the option.”

DiNardo is most impressed with Illinois’ kicking game and west-coast offense. But he knows he cannot forget about the Illini on the other side of the ball.

“Defensively, they are very aggressive,” DiNardo said. “They are very well-coached, and they have a blend of youth and experience.”