News and notes from Tuesday's UI football practice:

A SLIGHT DIP

Illinois is 113th in the latest computer rankings done by Jeff Sagarin, which appear each week in USA Today. That's a drop of one spot from 112 last week. It's a change from recent weeks, which had the Illini dropping several spots after each loss. The team fell from No. 45 to 53 to 64 to 84 to 87 to 97. Illinois still trails several Division I-AA programs, including Western Illinois (81), Richmond (87), Eastern Washington (90), William & Mary (98), Northeastern (104) and Northern Arizona (105). Michigan is the top team from the Big Ten at No. 6. The Wolverines are followed by Ohio State (10), Penn State (12), Purdue (17), Iowa (18) and Michigan State (19). Illinois' opponent Saturday, Indiana, is listed at No. 86. Northwestern, which visits Champaign on Nov. 8, is at 61.

TOUGH COMPETITION

Of Illinois' seven losses this season, six have been against teams among the top 27 in the latest Associated Press poll. Penn State is No. 2, followed by Washington State (10), Iowa (15), Purdue (18), Southern Mississippi (24) and Wisconsin (27). The Illini have games remaining against No. 9 Ohio State and No. 21 Michigan State.

A GOOD OMEN?

While Ron Turner's new team looks for its first win of the season, his old team finally got one. The Chicago Bears rallied from a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter Monday night to force overtime at Miami. A fumble by the Dolphins set up Jeff Jaeger's winning field goal.

NEXT UP

The Illini return to practice today at 3:30 p.m.

INJURY UPDATE

The Illini had no new injuries in Saturday's game. Defensive end Ryan Murphy and defensive tackle Garrett Johnson both made it through the game.

POSITION WATCH

Robert Jackson is firmly entrenched at strong safety and will likely finish his freshman season as a starter. Jackson displaced sophomore Asim Pleas.

COUNTDOWN TO INDIANA

3 days

SERIES HIGHLIGHT: The 1983 Illini clinched a trip to the Rose Bowl with a 49-21 win over Indiana in Champaign. Illinois built a 27-0 lead in the first half before Indiana put in its backup quarterback to attempt a rally. Current Hoosiers coach Cam Cameron came in during the second quarter and completed 15 of 27 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns. Jack Trudeau hit 10 of 15 passes for 156 yards. Thomas Rooks gained 134 yards and 18 carries and scored two touchdowns.