Indiana @ Iowa preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 6, 2010 ) Iowa 18, Indiana 13

THE STORY: Iowa looks for its second straight win when the Hawkeyes welcome struggling Indiana for homecoming. Coming off a home victory over Northwestern last week, Iowa aims to stay within striking distance of Michigan State in the Big Ten's Legends Division. Indiana comes to Iowa City on a four-game losing streak.

TV: Big Ten Network. LINE: Iowa -23.5

ABOUT INDIANA (1-6, 0-3 Big Ten): The Hoosiers have been outscored 100-27 in their last two losses, to Illinois and Wisconsin. IU rushed for 223 yards and averaged 5.0 yards per carry in the loss to No. 4 Wisconsin, marking the first time since November, 2007 that the Hoosiers gained more than 200 yards on the ground in a Big Ten game. Sophomore running back Stephen Houston rushed for a career-best 135 yards on 19 carries last week, including a 67-yard touchdown run. Wide receiver Demarlo Belcher, the Big Ten's active leader in career receptions with 189, needs three catches to set the all-time school record, currently held by James Hardy (191).

ABOUT IOWA (4-2, 1-1 Big Ten): The Hawkeyes produced a 24-point fourth quarter, after blowing a 17-point first half lead, to win 41-31 over Northwestern last week. Sophomore running back Marcus Coker rushed for 124 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries, including the go-ahead score. Coker, who has three 100-yard games this year, rushed for 129 yards in his first career start last year at Indiana. Junior quarterback James Vandenberg has completed 65 percent of his passes (112-of-185) for 1,488 yards and 12 touchdowns, with four interceptions. With his 21st career TD catch last week, wide receiver Marvin McNutt Jr. tied a school record. He shares it with former Hawkeyes Tim Dwight and Danan Hughes.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Iowa leads the all-time series with Indiana 41-27-4 and has won the last three meetings, including last year's 18-13 win in Bloomington. McNutt Jr. hauled in a 52-yard touchdown pass with 2:50 remaining to rescue the Hawkeyes.

2. Kirk Ferentz, in his 13th season at Iowa, is sixth among FBS coaches in longevity. Indiana's Kevin Wilson is in his first season as a head coach.

3. Iowa has scored 31 points or more in five of its first six games, the first time the Hawkeyes have done that since 2002.

PREDICTION: Iowa 34 Indiana 20 -- The Hawkeyes have too many weapons and should pull away in the second half.