Staff Picks: Predicting Indiana's Week 5 clash with Iowa

Indiana football put it to Illinois last Saturday, dominating the Illini from start to finish to improve to 4-0 on the season. Next up for Indiana is the first road test of the season against Iowa.

Each week throughout the season, our staff will break down the upcoming matchup and make their predictions on how things will play out. From big-picture storylines to score forecasts, our weekly picks aim to give fans a snapshot of expectations heading into game day.

This week, the focus is squarely on the Hoosiers’ road clash with the Hawkeyes — a chance for Indiana to improve to 5-0 on the year.

Zach’s Pick

This is a tough game to pick for me. Not because I’m having trouble with who I think will win, but I could see the final score going so many different ways — in favor of the Hoosiers. On one side of the coin, Indiana’s offense is one of the best in the country, and the Hoosiers just put up 63 points on a pretty good Illinois defense. However, this game is on the road in what will be a loud environment in Iowa City. Not only that, but I believe this Iowa defense, especially playing in front of its home fans, is better than the Illinois defense that Indiana dismantled a week ago. I think the Hoosiers get it done on the road, but they will be tested. I think this could easily be Indiana’s “worst” performance of the year — as in the Hoosiers could struggle at times to move the ball and stop the Iowa ground game. However, until this team proves otherwise, I can’t bring myself to think that the Hoosiers will do anything other than win by multiple scores and prove that they can do it on the road.

Prediction: Indiana 35, Iowa 14

Alec’s Pick

Indiana is not only riding a lot of momentum, but it is also coming into its first road game of the season with a lot of confidence. Iowa is always a difficult place to play and is an improved team from last year. However, injuries and still a non high powered offense remains. Iowa won’t be able to score with Indiana so the question is, will Iowa be ale to limit what the Hoosiers do? Based off of the first few weeks, it doesn’t appear so. We’ll learn a lot about the improvements in Indiana’s ability to contain running QBs as Mark Gronowski is one of the more efficient runners at the position in the conference. Iowa likes to play physical but so does IU. Hoosiers dominate at the skill positions and control this from the kick.

Prediction: Indiana 30, Iowa 13

Colin’s Pick

Indiana passed its first real test of the 2025 season, but up next the Hoosiers will have to deal with a road environment for the first time this year. Iowa presents as a challenge, but in what is certainly a winnable game. The 3-1 Hawkeyes don’t have the same offensive firepower that the Hoosiers do, which I think could play a major factor on Saturday. Even in the trenches, an area where Iowa usually shines, Indiana dominated last week against Illinois, and could very well do the same this week. I think with a combination of strength and downfield options, Indiana gets it done in what many describe as a “trap game.” No trap here, as Fernando Mendoza keeps up his Heisman campaign with another great performance in Iowa City.

Prediction: Indiana 38, Iowa 17

Kyler’s Pick

The Hoosiers are once again the hottest team in the country after they dominated Illinois from start to finish last week. This Saturday provides such an interesting challenge and some may even argue a more difficult challenge than what they had last week. Playing on the road at Iowa is never an easy task and this Iowa team is interesting enough to maybe cause some problems for Indiana at times this weekend. I do expect Indiana to win this one however it will not be as clean as to what it has mostly been for the Hoosiers this season. Expect Iowa to make this one a grind it out game for Indiana. We will find out a lot about the Hoosiers in this one.

Prediction: Indiana 31, Iowa 17

Drew’s Pick

Coming off a statement win over Illinois, Indiana football has a ton of momentum, but going into Kinnick Stadium and coming out with a win is not an easy task. All week, I have called this a potential trap game due to the difficult road environment and the game being sandwiched between the Illinois win and the bye week ahead of a trip to Oregon. While Iowa has one of the best offensive lines in the country, I don’t see their offense as good enough to outscore the Fernando Mendoza-led Hoosier offense that is averaging 54.8 points per game. I expect Iowa to look to control the clock and try and keep the Indiana offense off the field as much as possible, but I don’t think they have the offense capable of doing that for a full game against the Indiana defense. I do think they will be able to shorten this game and limit possessions, but I don’t think it will be enough to beat Indiana.

Prediction: Indiana 31, Iowa 10

Coach Griff’s Pick

Indiana comes into this matchup ranked No. 11 and riding a wave of confidence after their dominant win over Illinois. Offensively, the Hoosiers have found a rhythm behind quarterback Fernando Mendoza, with running backs Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black giving them a balanced one-two punch on the ground. That balance will be critical against an Iowa defense that thrives on making opponents one-dimensional. Defensively, Indiana’s front seven continues to set the tone. Aiden Fisher and company have been disruptive at the line of scrimmage, creating negative plays and forcing quarterbacks into mistakes. If the Hoosiers can control Iowa’s rushing attack and put the Hawkeyes behind the chains, the game shifts in Indiana’s favor. Special teams remain a steady edge for the Hoosiers, where reliable kicking and disciplined coverage units have minimized costly mistakes. Against a team like Iowa that relies heavily on field position, that could make all the difference.

Prediction: Indiana 27, Iowa 17

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