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Sooner or later, there are no more excuses. It already has reached that point in the football season for struggling Illinois. Saddled with a front-loaded schedule that included games against Missouri, Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan State — teams with a combined 17-6 record heading into the weekend — Illinois has stumbled to a 1-4 start. But when Illinois plays today at Indiana, it’s a step …

When Illinois plays at Indiana on Saturday, it’s a step down in degree of difficulty for the Illini. With a loss here, the Illini battle history and face a big-picture question. If they can’t beat Indiana, who can they beat?

When Illinois plays at Indiana on Saturday, it’s a step down in degree of difficulty for the Illini. With a loss here, the Illini battle history and face a big-picture question. If they can’t beat Indiana, who can they beat?

The Indiana Hoosiers spent all week hearing questions. On Saturday night, they can change the whole conversation with a victory over Illinois. ‘‘Last week was tough,’’ defensive end Jammie Kirlew said. ‘‘But the only way to lead is to put it behind us and move on.’’

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — The first win was fortunate, 19-13 over Eastern Kentucky thanks to a late turnover. The second win was more fortunate, 23-19 over Western Michigan thanks to, unbelievably, another late turnover. The third win, then, was fun, 38-21 at Akron with solid play on both sides of the football. The first loss was discouraging, 36-33 at Michigan, because the Hoosiers came so close to …

The 51st annual Homecoming parade will start at 5:30 p.m. tonight. IU football greats George Taliaferro and Anthony Thompson will serve as grand marshals.

Big Ten Conference-Around the Big Ten

BLOOMINGTON #8212; For those who want to blame coach Bill Lynch for the Indiana Hoosiers #8217; freefalling ways and push him over the can #8217;t-fire-him-soon-enough abyss, linebacker Matt Mayberry has a request:

The Indiana Hoosiers spent all week hearing questions. On Saturday night, they can change the whole conversation with a victory over Illinois.

Hoosier Hysteria, Indiana’s version of Midnight Madness, will give fans the chance to see Maurice Creek and Jordan Hulls in IU gear at Assembly Hall for the first time. Indiana coach Tom Crean also said fans will see a more talented team.