Indiana faces top-10 Illinois in pivotal Big Ten clash, both 3-0, with playoff implications.

Indiana, ranked 19th, focuses on fundamentals—line of scrimmage, turnovers, explosive plays, and clutch performance—ahead of a crucial Big Ten showdown against No. 9 Illinois. Both teams enter 3-0, with Indiana excelling at the line and Illinois boasting a strong offense. Though not deciding the conference title, the game could shape College Football Playoff positioning. Indiana, rising under coach Curt Cignetti, has strengthened via transfers, while Illinois faces challenges, including Indiana’s quarterback Fernando Mendoza playing without injured running back Lee Beebe Jr. The matchup marks one of the biggest in the rivalry’s 75-year history.