Indiana @ Illinois preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 8, 2011 ) Illinois 41, Indiana 20

Two winless teams in Big Ten play meet Saturday when Illinois hosts Indiana in a Leaders Division matchup. This could be the best chance for both teams to pick up a conference victory this season. The Illini, who have lost four straight, were off last week after being blanked at home by Michigan 45-0 on Oct. 13. The Hoosiers, who have lost five in row, took Ohio State to the limit before losing 52-49 two weeks ago. Indiana fell flat last week in a 31-30 loss to Navy when it couldn't hold a nine-point lead in the final six minutes.

TV: 12 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: Illinois -1

ABOUT INDIANA (2-5, 0-3 Big Ten): If the Hoosiers could keep their defense off the field, the results would look a lot better. Indiana ranks 93rd among FBS teams, allowing 31.7 points per game and has given up 41 points or more in three of the losses during the streak. The run defense has been non-existent, allowing 226.3 yards per contest. That has negated a solid passing game, which is averaging 303.1 yards and has accounted for 14 touchdowns.

ABOUT ILLINOIS (2-5, 0-3): It has been a long first season in Champaign for coach Tim Beckman. Among FBS teams, the Illini are 114th in average points scored (18.1) and 88th in average points allowed (30.7). Illinois has been outscored 208-59 in its losses, including 111-21 in conference games. The Illini have already committed 18 turnovers and the offensive line has allowed 23 sacks.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Indiana running back Stephen Houston has scored at least once in every game and has nine touchdowns this season.

2. Illinois quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase suffered a concussion in the Michigan game, but is expected to play against Indiana.

3. Illinois has lost nine straight Big Ten games dating back to last season. The Illini's last conference win came against Indiana, a 41-20 victory on Oct. 8, 2011.

PREDICTION: Indiana 34, Illinois 28