The what-have-you-done-for-me-lately crowd is making noise in Iowa, where coach Kirk Ferentz has critics for the first time in nine years as Hawkeyes coach.

Ferentz guided Iowa to 31 victories in a three-year span that concluded in 2004 and bowl game appearances in the previous six seasons, but criticism grew over the last month. When Iowa (2-4 overall, 0-3 in the Big Ten Conference) hosts No. 18 Illinois (5-1, 3-0) Saturday (11 a.m., ESPN2), the Hawkeyes carry a four-game losing streak and an eight-game losing streak in Big Ten play.

The Hawkeyes have lost 10 of their last 13 games.

"About the only place I go is my house and the office,'' Ferentz said. "I haven't been exposed to all the grumbling. I've read about the grumbling. We're not doing well right now so I won't expect people to be applauding. That's not how it works.

"When you win, people are a little happier, including us. I don't feel like a victim now. The connotation of that word, I'm not there yet.''

A contract that pays Ferentz $2.8 million per season -- the highest in the Big Ten -- drives up his dollars-per-win equation.

Injuries and suspensions gutted hopes for rebounding from last season's 6-7 finish and left sophomore quarterback Jake Christensen without much of a supporting cast.

"If you look at our depth chart from Aug. 1 until now, it's certainly different,'' Ferentz said. "I can't sit here today and say that it really would have been (a great season) had we had everybody. I think common sense will tell you it would have been a little easier.''

The Hawkeyes are without their three top pass catchers. Wide receivers Andy Brodell (hamstring) and Dominique Douglas (suspension) are likely to miss the rest of the season. Douglas' 49 catches led all freshman receivers nationally last fall, but he hasn't played after being charged with unauthorized use of a credit card. Tight end Tony Moeaki (dislocated elbow, broken hand) is out after missing the last two games.

On the offensive line, Iowa is without left tackle Dace Richardson, a junior from Wheaton South who faces a knee injury that threatens his career. Junior Alex Kanellis, the likely starter at right tackle, halted his career because of concussions.

Rob Bruggeman (knee) also figured to start or see considerable action before injury at center or guard. With all the injury and inexperience, the Hawkeyes have allowed 25 sacks -- eight more than any other Big Ten team and a total that ranks Iowa No. 118 among 119 teams in Division I.

Linebacker Mike Klinkenborg (concussion) and safety Devan Moylan (groin) are key starters missing from the defense.

Christensen, an All-America from Lockport, ranks eighth in the Big Ten in pass efficiency and ninth in passing (192 yards per game). He has thrown 10 touchdowns and two interceptions.

Iowa ranks last in the Big Ten in rushing offense (118.3) and scoring offense (17.3).

"We've lost four in a row,'' Christensen said. "Mentally, we're down, but we're going to bounce back. We're all pretty confident in that.''

John Supinie can be reached at Johnsupinie@aol.com. For more coverage, read Illini Talk blog at www.sj-r.com and www.pjstar.com.

A look at the Hawkeyes

Record: 2-4 overall, 0-3 in the Big Ten Conference.

So far: Defeated Northern Illinois 16-3; defeated Syracuse 35-0; lost to Iowa State 15-13; lost to Wisconsin 17-13; lost to Indiana 38-20; lost to Penn State 27-7.

Coach: Kirk Ferentz, 57-47 in ninth season at Iowa, 69-68 in 12th season overall.

Series: Illinois leads 37-28-2.

Players to watch: QB Jake Christensen, LB Mike Humpal (9.2 tackles per game), CB Charles Godfrey (4 interceptions).

Did you know?: Iowa ranks first in the Big Ten and ninth in the country in turnover margin (plus eight).

Quote: "Dramatic changes in the way we do things or what we do, don't expect to see those. Just like the way our team plays. Don't expect that to change overnight.'' -- Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz.