Anyone wondering how tough the Big Ten will be this season should take a look at Iowa’s plight.

The Hawkeyes (11-2) are flying high, having won six straight for their best start in eight years. They have a pair of emerging stars in Aaron White and Devyn Marble and their league opener already is sold out. And yet the Hawkeyes probably will be underdogs in each of their first three Big Ten games.

Iowa kicks off play in by far the nation’s toughest league by hosting fifth-ranked Indiana (11-1) on Monday. The Hawkeyes then travel to second-ranked Michigan (12-0) before a relative breather – No. 19 Michigan State in Iowa City.