After a somewhat surprising win last week against an understaffed Wisconsin team, Indiana headed to Champaign with its bowl hopes alive. A win against Illinois would have had the Hoosiers at four wins before matchups with Michigan State and Purdue teams that have failed to impress this year.
Like Wisconsin last week, Illinois also entered this game shorthanded. Starting quarterback Luke Altmyer was out with an injury, leaving John Paddock - a Ball State transfer - as the only thing between Indiana and bowl eligibility.
With the season on the line, the offense came to play. Behind a high-powered passing attack, Indiana jumped out to a 27-12 lead in the first half.