The Hoosiers have exceeded expectations through the first half of the Big Ten season, rolling up four wins in their first five games.

While Indiana did not have a challenging non-conference schedule, the Hoosiers have been solid in their first two conference games. They lost their opener at Wisconsin, but the 41-24 score did not reflect how tough a game the Hoosiers played. When they hosted a struggling Illinois team the following week, Indiana won with fourth-quarter dominance and recorded an easy 36-13 victory.

The team has clearly gotten a charge from the organization, enthusiasm and discipline of Terry Hoeppner, but QB Blake Powers has been sensational. He has thrown 18 TD passes in the first five games, breaking the single-season TD pass record previously held by Antwaan Randle El who had 17 in 1999.

Powers is not impressed with records. "To be honest, the record really doesn't mean much," he said. "I'm not really worried about any individual statistic. I'm more worried about winning games."

Powers is not just spouting football cliches -- he is serious about turning Indiana into a winner. The Hoosiers have a chance to climb the ladder this week against an Iowa team that struggled in losses to Iowa State and Ohio State, but may be hitting its stride.

The Hawkeyes won on the road for the first time this year in a 34-17 victory at Purdue. The Hawkeyes got production from Drew Tate -- 357 passing yards and three TDS -- as well as their long-dormant running game.

The Hoosiers defense will likely have a hard time slowing down Iowa. Indiana is ranked 54th in total defense and 84th in rushing defense this year.

That means that Powers will once again have a great deal of responsibility on his shoulder. The Hawkeyes feature outstanding LBs Abdul Hodge and Chad Greenway, while CB Jovon Johnson is experienced and savvy.

However, the Hawkeyes rank 79th in pass defense and Powers has a chance to do some significant damage. Iowa may have a difficult time covering WR James Hardy and Hoeppner will try to exploit that weakness at Kinnick Stadium.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: Indiana would like to see RB Chris Taylor run the ball against the Hawkeyes after he went for 132 yards vs. Illinois. However, Iowa will not be as easy to run on as the Illini. That means that QB Blake Powers will try to take to the air and he has an outstanding wide receiver in James Hardy. So far, the two have combined for 34 catches for 571 yards and seven touchdowns.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The Hoosiers know they will have a difficult time stopping Iowa QB Drew Tate, who got a big assist from the running game last week as RB Albert Young gained 165 yards. However, Terry Hoeppner's defense can't allow the Hawkeyes to get their yardage and TDs in big chunks. They need to earn their points on long drives.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Being 4-1 is a great feeling. We haven't been in this situation in a while. As a team, we have to make sure that we stay focused, take it one game at a time, and try to get better every single week as we get ready for our next opponent." -- Indiana QB Blake Powers as the team attempts to gain respect in the Big Ten.

THIS WEEK'S GAME: at Iowa, Oct. 15 -- The Hoosiers start climbing up the Big Ten food chain this week. The Hawkeyes improved to 4-2 with their road win against Purdue and QB Drew Tate is starting to hit his stride after an unimpressive start.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Blake Powers -- He had a sensational game against Illinois, completed 22-of-35 passes for 198 yards with four TDs and one interception. Powers has an eye-catching 18-to-6 TD-to-interception ratio this season.

LB Kyle Killion -- One of the most underrated players in the Big Ten. He is second on the team with 32 tackles (four TFL) and one forced fumble. Killion is tough and physical and is also very smart in his decision making.

DB Will Meyers -- One of the best defensive players in the Big Ten last week. He had 11 tackles, a forced fumble and an interception in the win over Illinois. Meyers has 27 tackles for the season, ranking third on the team.

P Tyson Beattie -- The unheralded weapon for the Hoosiers. He is averaging 42.1 per punt and was excellent against Illinois Oct. 8 as he averaged 45.8 yards on six punts.

ROSTER REPORT: Wide receiver Jahkeen Gilmore (undisclosed) is questionable against Iowa. Defensive back Buster Larkins (Achilles) is expected to miss the remainder of the season.