This is no ordinary Big Ten weekend.

IU (17-13, 2-2 Big Ten) and Purdue (13-12, 2-2) square off for the 216th time in school history when they meet at 7 p.m. today at Victory Field in Indianapolis.

The Hoosiers and the Boilermakers enter the game playing their best ball of the season. Purdue has won 11 of its last 14 games, including a four-game split with Minnesota in last weekend's Big Ten opener. IU has gone 9-5 during the same span of games and also split its Big Ten series with Penn State.

But the teams were polar opposites Wednesday.

While the Boilermakers were upsetting No. 30 Indiana State, the Hoosiers were getting pounded by Miami (Ohio), 29-6.

That's why it's important to constantly look forward, not behind.

"It was one of those games where they were hot and we were awful," IU coach Bob Morgan said. "But sometimes it goes like that. It's a little bit of a reality check. Hopefully, it will make our guys more persistent for this weekend."

As if the Hoosiers needed any additional incentive to prepare for their up-state rival, last year the Boilermakers eliminated IU from postseason contention with a four-game sweep. But Morgan doesn't think revenge will play a part in this year's series.

"Last year was last year, and we have a completely new team this year," Morgan said. "We're going to have to control what we can control.

"But it's IU-Purdue, no matter what the sport is."

And just like any other sport, when the two teams battle, it's more than for wins and losses.

"Its a natural rivalry," Purdue acting coach Bob Sheppard said. "We're approaching it like any other Big Ten series, but bragging rights are on the line in the state for the year."

One player who is familiar with the intense nature between the schools is senior first baseman Roger Rodeheaver. He grew up in Lafayette rooting for the Boilermakers. But that's in the past, as is the sweep of a year ago.

"Growing up (in Lafayette), I can tell you there's no love between IU or Purdue," Rodeheaver said. "But I'm a Hoosier now, and those days are behind me. The rivalry is something that you try to forget about, but it's always in the back of your mind.

"It's not so much a revenge factor as it is that it's the seniors' last chance at playing Purdue."

The series will kick off in spectacular fashion, as the teams stand against each other at the Indianapolis Indians' new ballpark, Victory Field.

This is the first-ever college game at the stadium, something both teams are eagerly anticipating.

"It's going to be one of the greatest things I've done here at IU besides win the Big Ten title (in 1996)," Rodeheaver said. "It's a great honor, and a lot of alumni will be there for both teams. It's going to be good playing in that type of atmosphere."

The new park features a sweeping view of the Indianapolis skyline. Coupled with thousands of frenzied IU and Purdue fans, the historical event will be a special evening.

The Hoosiers will send senior righthander Kyle Boyd (4-1) to the mound to face Purdue's Russ Morgan (3-1).

IU will host a doubleheader against the Boilermakers at 1 p.m. Saturday at Sembower Field before a 1 p.m. game Sunday in West Lafayette at Lambert Fiel