In the 2010s, Alabama was the undisputed boogeyman of college football. But times have changed. Nick Saban retired and Bama hasn’t been the same since. Now, Ryan Day and Ohio State have taken that label, especially after their 2024 natty win. Heading into Week 5, they’re flexing as the No. 1 team in the AP Poll and have become the blueprint for college football excellence. Getting compared to Ohio State is the highest compliment a program can receive. That’s exactly what Iowa’s head coach, Kirk Ferentz, did when he compared another Big Ten program to the Buckeyes, calling them just as much of a threat.

On September 23rd, Ferentz stood at the podium ahead of Iowa’s Week 5 matchup and dropped the Ohio State-level respect to Curt Cignetti’s Indiana Hoosiers: “It’s hard to find a weakness. I’m not saying it’s like playing Ohio State, but there are some similarities in my mind,” Ferentz said. He then praised Indiana’s strong offensive line, two good tight ends, and a talented group of receivers that make it tough for Big 10 defenses to cover everyone. The 28-year veteran coach even said Indiana’s receivers are as talented as Ohio State’s recent NFL-level group.

In fact, it was well deserved praise, if you think about it. Under Curt Cignetti, Indiana has become the shock of the Big Ten this season. They are 4–0, ranked No. 11, and score 54.8 points per game. In Week 4, they crushed No. 9 Illinois 63–10, the most points ever against a Top 10 Big Ten team. Kirk Ferentz openly sounded defeated while giving flowers to Cignetti’s offense.

Indiana’s success is largely thanks to its strong offensive line. Their offensive line is led by experienced players and helped by transfers Pat Coogan (Notre Dame) and Kahlil Benson (Colorado). The line has allowed just 3 sacks in their four games. This has helped the team run the ball well, averaging 308.8 yards per game. They’ve had four straight games with over 300 rushing yards. Against Illinois, Roman Hemby, Lee Beebe Jr., and Kaelon Black combined for 312 rushing yards, making the former No.9 ranked Illinois’ defense look weak.

Based on merit and 4 weeks of football, it’s not insane to say that Cignetti’s Hoosiers might haves the best wide receiving corps in the country. Some might even argue that Hoosiers’ got two WR1 in their roster. Elijah Sarratt has turned 24 catches into 256 yards and five touchdowns, while WR2 Omar Cooper Jr. has racked up 299 yards.

In college football, coaches aren’t eligible to vote for the Heisman, but Ferentz already picked his own choice. “The quarterback might be the best in the country,” Ferentz admitted. “Somebody said he’s a Heisman contender. I don’t have a Heisman vote, but based on what I saw, I’d give it to him. He looks really good.” Quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been outstanding. The Cal transfer has completed 76.8% of his passes for 975 yards and 14 touchdowns, without a single interception. Ferentz gave further props to Mendoza, saying he throws the ball fast and can move well, making him hard to stop.

Can Iowa Pull the Upset?

Iowa comes into Week 5 with a 3–1 record, and their only loss was a close 16–13 game against Iowa State. That game showed how their defense can’t always cover for a struggling offense. Now, they face a much tougher challenge. Indiana has been unstoppable, outscoring opponents 219–42 in four games and looking more like a mini-Ohio State than the Indiana of the past.

But Iowa does have a small advantage: this is Indiana’s first road game of 2025. Kinnick Stadium may not be huge, but it can get loud and hostile, which can shake even strong teams. Indiana hasn’t played away yet, and Ferentz knows that can make a difference. Iowa’s special teams, including Kaden Wetjen fresh off a 100-yard kickoff return, could give them an early boost.

Still, the odds are tough. ESPN gives Indiana a 78.4% chance to win. Iowa’s offense would need quarterback Mark Gronowski to throw for three touchdowns again just to keep up. Even then, the defense must hold strong against Mendoza and the Hoosiers’ attack. Iowa has pulled off upsets before, but with Indiana playing so well, the Hawkeyes will need near-perfect play.