Locked On Hawkeyes - Daily Podcast On Iowa Hawkeyes Football & Basketball - Iowa gets HUGE Top=5 non-conference game | Will Dane Belton be the star of Iowa's secondary? | What would happen if Hawks make Big 10 Championship Game?

Episode Date: October 8, 2020

The men's basketball team is getting a BIG TIME game versus a top-5 team in Gonzaga this December. We break down that game and what Gonzaga brings to the table before addressing some interesting UNI Panther fan comments. Segment number two has us breaking down the safety position in day 9 of our positional preview before we hop in to a hypothetical game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Ohio State Buckeyes if they were to meet in the Big Ten Championship game. Let me tell you, there are some weaknesses on this Buckeyes team.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Rock AutoAmazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you.Built BarBuilt Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON,” and you’ll get $10 off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You are Locked On Hawkeyes, your daily podcast on the Iowa Hawkeyes. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day. Welcome back, Hawkeye Nation, to a Thursday morning episode of the Locked On Hawkeyes Podcast, your daily podcast covering your Iowa Hawkeyes on the Locked On Sports Network. As always, I am your host, Andrew Wade, and today's episode is brought to you by rockauto.com. Amazing selection, reliably low prices, all the parts your car will ever need, rockauto.com. And on today's show, we're going to talk a little, there's some basketball news. We're going to talk about the scheduling news that we got late on Tuesday evening. That's right. I did not get a chance to talk about it on yesterday's show, so I'm going to talk about Iowa versus Gonzaga and some of the fallout from that as well.

We heard a report from John Rothstein that we are not going to get the Gavit games, something we kind of assumed at this point as well. That's the annual tournament between the Big Ten and the Big East. And then, as always, University of Northern Iowa fans are clapping at Iowa as if they actually can compete with a Gonzaga in terms of quality of opponent. But we're going to talk all about that on segment number one. On segment number two, we're going to jump into that safety position. As we talked about a couple days ago, the linebacker position, a position that has a lot of question marks, I would say the safety position has some question marks as well. Lots of guys, a lot of talent, but not a lot of experience,

I would say, back there. Lots of potential. So again, high ceiling, low floor. Who can replace Geno Stone? What is going to happen with Jack Corner? Who's going to take over that cast position? We're going to talk about that on segment number two. And then segment number three, we're going to do something a little bit different. We've been doing that preview of Iowa season, and it's been easy because we had eight regular season games. So over the last eight days, eight weekdays, I should say, we've talked about each of those games. And my prediction was, I believe Iowa goes six and two based off of all of those games. However, these next few days, we're going to talk about who's Iowa's opponent could be in the Big Ten East vs. West conference showdown.

So we've already talked about Iowa vs. Penn State and how they match up with them initially. And my prediction is Ohio State finishes 1, Penn State finishes 2, and Michigan finishes 3. I believe if Iowa finishes 6-2, they're going to be 2nd or 3rd. If they go undefeated, they're going to be obviously No. 1. I guess there's a chance, theoretically, if Wisconsin drops a couple games and their relatively weak schedule that they go six and two. So there's a chance that Iowa could finish anywhere from one to three in my opinion. So what I'm going to do is talk about the Ohio State game. If Iowa were to get that number one seed in the west side, they will be playing Ohio State. So I'm going to talk about how Iowa matches up with Ohio State on today's show if they were to play

them. Keeping in mind though, it isn't going to be pretty. Ohio State has a ton of talent, but there are a few weaknesses I found when doing my research on the Buckeyes, so we're going to talk about that on segment number three. That being said, though, I want to get you right into the show, so let's do it on this Thursday morning. I've talked enough about what we're talking about. Let's actually get into the conversation. And first and foremost, let's start with the big news. actually get into the conversation. And first and foremost, let's start with the big news.

Iowa has announced, or sorry, Iowa has not officially announced, but it sounds like Iowa is going to be announcing a non-conference game with Gonzaga in South Dakota. And I cannot tell you, I cannot, I cannot tell you how excited I am. I guess I can't try, but it's not going to come out, but I am pumped because Gonzaga is a very, very good team. We're going to come out but I am pumped because Gonzaga is a very very good team we're going to find out very quickly what kind of team Iowa has Gonzaga is consistently considered a consensus top five team among all national media outlets and widely regarded as the number one team by a lot of media outlets as well heading into this 2020-2021 season. So Iowa gets to take on Gonzaga in December, and that is going to be a freaking battle. That could be a really good opportunity for Iowa to prove

that it belongs on that national stage, and I firmly believe that they do. When I look at this Gonzaga team, though, I'm not actually that impressed with what they bring back per se. They lost four of their top six scores including one guy Felipe who went for you know went to the pros but they do return 6-7 guard forward Corey Kispert and Joel Ayai who is a dynamic player at the guard position their big the big thing that they can kind of hang their hats on though is they have a stud recruiting

class coming in led by Jalen Sugg, a two-sport star in Minnesota. A guy who was, I believe, a four-star prospect on the gridiron and a five-star prospect on the basketball court. Iowa was recruiting him in both sports. I thought there was an outside chance that Iowa could potentially snag him. Clearly, Iowa's wrong. He ends up at Gonzaga to play basketball, which seems to be his calling. But he is going to be the main freshman coming in. But they also have the No. 67 player in the nation, Julian Strother, a small forward,

and Dominique Harris, the No. 69 player in the nation, a combo guard. So they do have a lot of talent on this Gonzaga team, and I never bet against a Mark Few-led team. What he has done with that program is absolutely impressive. So super excited about the Iowa vs. Gonzaga game. As we get more details, we'll cover that. And then obviously as we get closer to that game, we'll break it down a lot in a lot more detail so you can get a better idea about how Iowa matches up with Gonzaga.

Personally, especially early on in the season with Gonzaga having a little bit of transitional period, obviously losing four of their top six scorers, bringing in a lot of freshmen, I think that favors Iowa playing Gonzaga early on in the season, just given Iowa's experience and what we talked about on yesterday's show that we heard from Fran McCaffrey. One of the things that came out of Iowa playing Gonzaga, though, and this is laughable, is that some UNI fans are actually saying that Fran is scared to play Iowa.

I think that is absolutely ridiculous. Honestly, playing you and I just doesn't do a lot for Iowa. It doesn't, at least the last couple of years, you and I had a very good basketball program. They're definitely on the rise now and doing well at this point, especially with AJ Green there. But in the last couple of years, it just didn't make sense playing you and I are playing Drake just really didn't help Iowa's standing nationally. So honestly, if you're one of those fans who truly thinks that Iowa is scared of UNI, I don't know how to help you on that one because they're playing a number one team in the nation in Gonzaga. Clearly, they're not scared of UNI. That being said, Iowa is doing a multi-team tournament,

and I believe UNI should be in the running to be in that tournament, a local team, a team that would be good from an audience perspective if Iowa is able to have some fans in the stands. If not, it at least generates a lot of interest across the state. So I do believe there is a chance that Iowa still gets a game against you and I. And also, I do believe when I'm looking at some of the teams, one of the teams I'd be interested in seeing Iowa be able to get in that Thanksgiving tournament, if that is when they're planning on having it, is Marquette. Right now, they do not have any high-level competition games during that time.

They have a game against Chicago State and another team on Saturday. I'm blanking my mind on right now. But those opponents are not nearly as worthy as playing an Iowa or a UNI, so maybe we could see Marquette, given the proximity and their talent level as well, getting another good game in for that Iowa basketball team that is looking to make a run this season. And last thing I want to cover is no Gavit games. It sounds like we are heading towards not seeing the Big Ten play the Big East this year, which is really a bummer because I was really, really hoping Iowa got a chance to play Creighton this year. I've been wanting to see it. I think it could be a fantastic matchup. Creighton has been a historically very good team the last 10, 15 years,

and I think Iowa and Creighton would be a really good battle, a la an Iowa versus Gonzaga. And the fact that they're just a quick drive down I-80, I think that would be a lot of fun for fans to be able to see that as well, especially given the prominence of Creighton in that Omaha area and likely that western Iowa area as well, considering that's kind of a mix of Nebraska, Iowa State, and Iowa fans. And then if you are aware of how Nebraska fans typically are, if you are in Nebraska, you typically like Creighton basketball.

At least that's kind of what I've come to glean. That's not a knock on Nebraska. I totally get it. Creighton's a much better basketball team. They're the hometown team in Omaha. I know one of my best friends, a huge Nebraska fan, and he's more concerned about Creighton basketball, which I totally get. But I think that'd be a lot of fun for the fans as well.

So hopefully Iowa can figure that out. Unfortunately, if they're doing that Thanksgiving tournament, I don't think it's going to be a Creighton playing there because Creighton is playing in the battle for Atlantis in South Dakota as well. So not going to be getting Creighton in that tournament, I don't think, but it would be a lot of fun to see them play a regular season game. So that is the news and notes from the basketball scheduling. The news we got, a couple of days ago with Iowa versus Gonzaga and wanted to make sure I broke that down on today's show. Coming up on segment number two, we're going to break down that safety position, who is going to be replacing Geno Stone, who is in line in the future, and what can we expect

from that cash position all coming up on segment number two. Before we hop into that though, we do have an announcement from one of our sponsors from the show today. And that is rockauto.com, a family-owned business that has served auto parts customers online for 20 years. Go to rockauto.com right now to shop for auto and body part needs from hundreds of manufacturers. And I'm not kidding when I say hundreds. They literally have everything you could possibly need from engine control modules and brake parts to tail lamps, motor oil, and even new carpet. And their catalog is unique and remarkably easy to navigate. So let me tell you a quick story. I actually had the experience, a great experience going through rockauto.com. I took my car to the dealership. They recommended

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your car or truck and write locked on there. How did you hear about us box? So they know that we sent you amazing selection, reliably low prices, all the parts your car will ever need rockauto.com all right we are back for segment number two of the lockdown hawkeyes podcast your daily podcast covering your iowa hawkeyes and on segment number two we're going to be continuing with day nine of our positional preview getting into the safety position and that cash position. And we are having to replace Geno Stone. Over the last two years, Iowa has had two safeties go to the NFL, and it's left this position a little bit empty. I guess I'm forgetting about Jake Gervais.

When I say they go to the NFL, I meant drafted. But Jake Gervais also left the program and was with the Rams for a little bit, signed with them a little bit, and played with them a little bit this offseason as well. So that's three starting safeties in the last two years that Iowa has lost. That's tough on a program. Then you factor in last year. We go into the season. We have Kayvon Merriweather starting next to Geno Stone.

He does all right against Miami of Ohio. Gets injured, though. Jack Corner takes his spot and keeps it the rest of the year. The walk-ons continue to crush things in the University of Iowa. Jack Corner, though, had a boating accident this offseason, a very scary accident, him and his friend. Obviously, prayers go out to his friend who still seems like recovering from that. But a guy who started at the strong safety position

and really surprised a lot of people, considering, again, that he was a younger walk-on, ended the season with 81 tackles, 1 interception, 5 pass breakups, and 1 forced fumble in 11 starts. So he is undoubtedly the starter at that strong safety position. He's going to be the veteran leader of this safety group, of this cash-in safety group, as long as he's healthy enough to play. And all things considered, it seems like that is a go for Jack Corner. That is what we are hearing right now, that he is good to go.

But who takes over that free safety position right now? It appears to be Dane Belton. And you might remember Dane Belton because he filled in at that cash position last year, came on strong towards the end of the season, played in eight games as a true freshman, started four. And I was really impressed with what he was able to do, playing in a role that's relatively new in this Iowa football defense. But in those four games, or in those eight games, I should say, in the four starts, he had 33 tackles, two tackles for a loss, and I think the expectations are sky high for Dane

Belton going into year two. I believe he can fill those shoes of Geno Stone. I believe he's a little bit more athletic than a Geno Stone, but what we're going to be missing is potentially those instincts which you develop over time. It'll be interesting to see how those instincts develop. I mean, we saw Geno Stone and Imani Hooker make some ridiculously good plays based off of what they saw and what they were able to react to. Can Dane Belton do that?

I believe he can in time, but regardless, the athleticism is definitely there. That's why it seems like he's going to be playing that free safety position, playing over top and not letting anything get deep past him. But who are his backups? At this point, it's kind of a hodgepodge. We have Kayvon Merriweather, the guy who was starting for Jack Corner last year, who ultimately got his spot taken. I believe he is a guy who could, if there was an injury, I have no problem with Kayvon Merriweather stepping in. I firmly believe in him. I liked what I saw against the Miami of Ohio team in the first game of the season.

There's obviously a few things he kind of messed up here and there, but overall, I was very impressed with what he was able to do. The other guy, Manning, one of the other backup safety spots, has definitely been a guy who we've had high expectations for but haven't seen it come to fruition on the field. The highest-ranked player in Iowa's class of 2018, had 22 offers, has only played in one game, redshirt sophomore at this point, Dallas Cradeth. Right now, to me, we haven't seen him play,

so there's not a lot to go off of here. But his ceiling is clearly high. When you're ranked that high, you're a top 400 recruit, your ceiling is high. But also, it seems like the fact that he has not played in any games, the floor might be a little bit lower. Not sure what to expect from him, but those are the two backups right now. And then at that cash position, obviously, you know,

theoretically Iowa could have Dane Belton play that cash position, but it seems like he's trending towards that free safety spot. I believe the cash position is going to be taken up by Julius Brents. And we talked about this on the show yesterday. Phil Parker wants to get the most talented 11 guys on the field. And I believe the talent wise, there is a ton of talent in that locker room at that secondary position which is why Julius Brent will get the nod there at that cash position if he doesn't win the role over Riley Moss I think Riley Moss could also fill in that cash position pretty well in fact I think Riley Moss probably is better suited as a safety but obviously has the good catch-up speed and is still refining those fundamentals at that cornerback position,

and he could come out and win that position. Other guys who we could see kind of alternate between those cash and safety positions, in my opinion, Jamari Harris, another guy who is kind of listed as a corner slash safety. I believe he could take that cash position or could be a backup at least at that cash position and be a backup corner as well. Also, Sebastian Castro. Watch out for this guy, a hard-hitting, smaller guy, 5'11", 195 pounds,

known for laying the rock on people. If that doesn't remind you of Bob Sanders, I don't know what will. A small guy who loves to hit. Redshirt freshman, has been in the system for a year. We could see him get some playing time as well. And don't sleep on A.J. Lawson and Reggie Bracey, both safety hybrid types, in my opinion. Again, we saw Dane Belton take over that cash position as a true freshman. Don't sleep on an AJ Lawson and a Reggie Bracey. Both guys, Iowa is very high on. So that kind of does it for that safety slash cash position.

If I had to pick which position I was the most concerned about on the Iowa Hawkeyes, it's undoubtedly that linebacker position, as we talked about two days ago. The safety position, though, does have some concerns, just for the fact that there's not a lot of starting experience. But I do believe the talent there is very high. The potential there is very high as well. So I'm excited to see what this safety position can do. And obviously what they can do with coaching from Phil Parker, who is the best in the biz at coaching up defensive backs and a defense to playing strong team defense. So that's my thoughts on the safety position.

Coming up on segment number three, we're going to be breaking down that potential Iowa versus Ohio State game. You might be thinking, wow, Andrew, you are really jumping the gun. You're probably right. Don't care. I want to cover it. I want to talk about Ohio State because it is a team that we could be playing. It's a team that Iowa expects to play because they want to win a Big Ten West title. I believe in Iowa. I believe this team, as we talked about yesterday, is very close. And I think there isn't a chance that they could. Their schedule isn't perfect, but it's not an undoable thing. They could win eight games. It's going to be tough, but if they do, they'll be facing Ohio State. So we're going to be covering that on segment number three.

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four grams of sugar and four grams of net carbs. Go to built bar.com and use promo code locked on and you can get $10 off your next order of built bars. Use promo code locked on for $10 off at built bar.com. All right, we are back to arguably our most, uh arguably our biggest projection from an Iowa football season perspective. If Iowa does run the table, who could they be playing? I believe it's going to be Ohio State. So we're going to just talk about that game as if there is a chance that it could really happen.

And I think the first thing I want to clear up before we get into this, Ohio State is going to have more talent than Iowa. It does not matter what way you spin it. They are going to have more talent than Iowa. It does not matter what way you spin it. They are going to have more talent. Talent does not always win football games and talent alone does not win football games. That is why Iowa smoked Ohio State a couple years ago. Talent was not the issue there. Ohio State would beat Iowa in talent a hundred out of 100 at this point, especially with where that program is from a recruiting perspective. But what Iowa does is they play the Iowa way.

They force turnovers. They manage the clock. And they come out swinging with a few surprises. And they play good teams very tough. So when we look at it, Ohio State is going to be favored. People are going to be saying Ohio State is easily going to win this game. But do not sleep on Iowa ever because there's always a chance. And when I looked at this team from an offensive and defensive perspective,

there are some weaknesses in this Ohio State defense. Again, with the caveat that Ohio State has a ton of really good players and they're likely going to fill in with another four or five star recruit. But with that being said, let's hop into the offense where they return first round quarterback prospect Justin Fields, a guy who was on QB1, a guy who was a highly touted recruit who went to Georgia and then joined the Ohio State program, knocked Tate Martell out of that program because he wasn't going to start over Justin Fields. So he's back. He's a dynamic quarterback who likes to throw the ball but can't get it done with his legs.

Again, Iowa has trouble with running quarterbacks. At the running back position, they do have to replace J.K. Dobbins. But, of course, Ohio State has another guy to replace him despite having injuries at that position. And that is Trey Sermon, a guy who would rush for 2,000 yards and 25 touchdowns in an Oklahoma offense that likes airing the ball out. Wide receivers are a bit thin. But, again, this is a team that's going to have four- and five-star guys. and 25 touchdowns in an Oklahoma offense that likes airing the ball out. Wide receivers are a bit thin, but again, this is a team that's going to have 4- and 5-star guys. They do return Chris Olave, though, who had 12 touchdown catches last year and averaged 17.3 yards per reception. So this team does, you know, they are going to have speed.

They are going to have talent at that wide receiver position. But this is a team that you would be kind of surprised if you don't watch Ohio State games. They do love to run the ball, and with Trey Sermon, that can be very easily accomplished. At the tight end position, though, a former top 40 player in Jeremy Ruckert, and the offensive line is bolstered by the return of first-round prospect Wyatt Davis, who had originally opted out. He has now opted back in. That is a huge gain for this Ohio State offensive line.

Defensively, though, it's a bit interesting. Because their secondary in their defensive line has lost quite a few people. On the defensive line, they lost No. 3 overall pick Jeff Okuda. And surprise first rounder Damon Arnett. On the defensive line, they lost Chase Young. And replacing those guys, they also lost Jordan Fuller as well at one of the safety positions. And they lost two of their depth guys at safety because they were indicted on rape and kidnapping charges. So their only guy who really has a lot of experience returning is Sean Wade,

who has the potential to be a first rounder, also opted out with Wyatt Davis, now has opted back in. He is a guy to watch out for in that secondary. Ohio State, to me, should be considered one of the DBUs because they do such a good job of producing fantastic defensive backs. But at that safety position, you've lost a lot of talent. You're returning Sean Wade, which is fantastic, but there's a lot of talent to be replaced. Can they do it? I think they can from a talent perspective, but can they be willing and can they actually live up to those expectations? That remains to be seen. That is definitely a weakness. The biggest weakness I see, though, is the defensive line

because they have right now for their four starters, they are returning a combined 28 tackles and three sacks. The best thing to help a strong secondary is a strong defensive line and vice versa, and neither of those things are strong coming into the season. So those are definitely some weaknesses. The linebacker position is not a problem despite losing Malik Harrison to the draft as well. Baron Browning had 11 tackles for losses and five sacks as kind of a linebacker pass rusher hybrid. Pete Warner was their second leading tackler last year and Tuff Borland was their fourth leading tackler. So linebacker will be fine. But defensive line and secondary is definitely a concern for me.

The keys of this game is containing Justin Fields, stopping the run, forcing him to air it out, and then I believe Iowa's wide receivers actually match up well with this secondary. So I think offensively, Iowa might be fine, but this is going to be an offensive battle. And can Iowa keep up with Ohio state and can they force a few timely turnovers in a game like this? When you are definitely out talented, you need to be able to force a few turnovers and get the ball in your possession, get the lead in your possession. That way you

can control the clock with a strong running game. You know, when I look at the athletes, Iowa has, they're not going to match up with Ohio State, but guys like Amir Smith-Marset and Tyler Goodson do. Those are the guys you want to see be able to make plays for this offense. Brandon Smith is another guy to watch out for. That whole wide receiver group is fantastic. Offensive line-wise, with a

weak defensive line, I think Iowa's offensive line can control the line of scrimmage. Can Iowa's relatively new defensive line control the line of scrimmage. Can Iowa's relatively new defensive line control the line of scrimmage against Ohio State? That remains to be seen as well. But there's definitely a possibility here. Ohio State, when I looked at them on paper,

don't look like the juggernaut that I initially had thought they were. They are going to be very good, don't get me wrong, but they have a lot of positions they need to replace. So that will be interesting to see. And obviously if this does come to fruition, we'll dive way deeper into this. We have a long ways to go to get to a Big Ten championship game, but should be a lot of fun to watch Iowa go through their eight-game regular season and make a run at the Big Ten West title, which is what the Iowa Hawkeye football team expects to do this year.

I love the confidence by this team. I hope they can make it happen, and I would love to see Ohio State in a Big Ten championship game. But that will do it for our third and our final segment of the show. And ultimately wraps up the show today. Again, if you liked the show, please give us a five-star review. Uh, there was a couple of one-star reviews from guys. Well, once our review in general, I think from a guy who hated the fact that I knocked on Nate Stanley, not winning against Wisconsin. Um, if you were one of those people, I'm sorry if I offended you.

But if you love the show, make sure to cancel out that guy who wanted to give me that one-star review because he didn't like my thoughts on Nate Stanley. I am an analyst. It is my opinion. If you don't like it, I apologize. You can respectfully disagree with me and still like the show. But that is neither here nor there. Make sure to follow us, though, if you do like the show. Give us that five-star review and find us on Facebook,

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All of you listeners out there listening to the lockdown Hawkeyes podcast. Again, have a fantastic Thursday though, Hawkeye nation. And as always, let's go Hawks.