BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The first hint slipped out at Louisville, where Illinois fumbled away a winnable game against what turned out to be a lousy team.

The next clue surfaced at Iowa, where Illinois showed up void of energy and emotion despite the presence of a fierce rival and its foul-mouthed fans.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Jay Rodgers doesn't not lack confidence.

Still, the former Champaign resident was wondering what went wrong in his two starts leading up to Saturday's game against Illinois.

Finally, the University of Illinois catches a break from the NCAA.

The break extends to Middle Tennessee State. And Northern Iowa. And Eastern Illinois.

Earlier this week, the NCAA Division I Board of Directors approved a rule that allows I-A football programs to count wins over I-AA schools toward bowl eligibility. The rule takes effect in 1998.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – By rule, somebody has to win.

The 0-7 Illinois football team visits the other Memorial Stadium today for a game with 1-7 Indiana.

For Illinoisans, the "thin line" between winning and losing seems wider than the Mississippi River these days.

News and notes from Thursday''s UI practice.

   News and notes from Wednesday''s UI football practice:

News and notes from Tuesday's UI football practice: