BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — After 125 years of college football, Indiana is trying to start a new legacy against No. 9 Ohio State.

The Hoosiers want to write a new chapter in this decidedly lopsided series and they’re hoping Memorial Stadium on Saturday night will be filled with more red-clad Hoosiers fans than red-clad Buckeyes fans.

Yes, it’s a chance to change all those pesky perceptions about Indiana football.

‘‘This is a program that is getting better,’’ Indiana coach Bill Lynch said. ‘‘We are going to urge the students to sell out their section and the others because this really is a showcase game for us.’’

Oh, the Hoosiers (3-1, 0-1 Big Ten) understand how difficult the challenge will be.

Ohio State (3-1, 1-0) has won 14 straight over Indiana, and the Hoosiers haven’t been closer than 10 points since 1993. Most don’t believe much will change this week against a Buckeyes team that now looks like the favorite to win another conference crown.

The Buckeyes were installed as a 17 1/2-point favorite early this week, even after the Hoosiers nearly won their first game at Michigan since 1967. And Lynch has pleaded with fans all week to give Indiana at least a semblance of a home-field advantage.