Locked On Hawkeyes - Daily Podcast On Iowa Hawkeyes Football & Basketball - Iowa Hawkeyes defense struggles: What went wrong this season?

Starting point is 00:00:00 What has gone wrong with the Iowa defense? We break down the numbers and what has gone awry for the 6-4 Hawkeyes. David Eichold joins us and some Iowa basketball talk. All today, Locked on Hawkeyes. You are Locked on Hawkeyes, your daily podcast on the Iowa Hawkeyes. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your team every day. Hey, welcome in.

Starting point is 00:00:30 I'm Trent Condon, and this is the Locked On Hawkeyes podcast. Thanks for making Locked On Hawkeyes your first listen every day. We're available wherever you find podcasts. You can also watch us on YouTube. While you're there, hit that subscribe button. Helps us get in front of more Hawkeye fans. Today's episode is brought to you by GameTime. Download the GameTime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase.

Starting point is 00:00:57 Well, we got some football today. We got some basketball today. David Eicholt is going to join us as well as we'll get into both of those topics with one of the beat guys on the Iowa beat. But we begin first with a question that has been certainly bandied about from a lot of Hawkeye fans. How has this season got to this point? And more importantly, how has the defense taken the regression that we've seen throughout the course of this season? Of course, Iowa came into the year with nine starters coming back and with it after what we saw from them a year ago what we've seen over them just recently you thought that at minimum this team if there was a step back it

Starting point is 00:01:36 was not going to be a major step back right yes losing Logan Lee losing Joe Evans on the end. What he had on the outside with Cooper DeGene, yeah, that's impact. I mean, there's no doubt about it. There's no two ways about it. Those were all good football players, and Cooper DeGene was an outstanding football player. However, you had guys with experience. You had guys coming back that you felt comfortable at minimum were going to be adequate in that role. And then the hope was that

Starting point is 00:02:08 you were going to see a leap out of some guys. You were going to see a big jump forward. Could Jay Higgins continue to play at the level that he didn't exceed it? Maybe that's a stretch. Could you see the same for Nick Jackson? But was there another level

Starting point is 00:02:21 for Sebastian Castro? Could we see a bounce back here from Deontay Craig? And the answer to all those is, emphatically, no. This team has not been able to do that. And as we sit here during the bye week, Iowa is 27th in the country in total defense. That's good.

Starting point is 00:02:39 But from what we thought they were going to be, that's a step back. Rush defense, 32nd in the country, solid. 48th in passing yards allowed. 51st in pass defense efficiency. These are all numbers that are fine. But Iowa can't just be fine. The way that they're built with the limitations that they have offensively and certainly in the passing game, they can't just be fine.

Starting point is 00:03:05 And that's what they've been this year. A week ago being gashed by that UCLA squad. That is frankly unacceptable. Iowa cannot have that happen against a UCLA team that came in 133rd in the country in rush offense. You just can't afford it. Their inability on the road to get off the field, their inability to get a stop against Iowa State, and on and on and on. Here's this team that had a lot of expectations. So how did we get here? Let's go inside the numbers and take a look

Starting point is 00:03:36 at the numbers as we have reached the 10-game mark of the season. Crazy how fast it goes every single year, but let's take a look at the numbers and see exactly what they spit out and if it marries with what we're looking at with this Iowa football team. We'll start with the starters up front. Start in the middle. Defensive tackle. Y.A. Black grades out at pro football focus is 73.3. I would argue he's played at a higher level than that. He's been good. There's no concerns there. Aaron Graves grades out better. 77.2.

Starting point is 00:04:09 However, he had the three sacks in the game against Illinois State since then. Just two. And why a black is the guy that's going to be occupying space, taking on multiple blockers, just filling in the gap so other guys can make some plays. And if you're hearing Graves, I think you want a little bit more. I don't want to say disappointing. I just thought there was going to be another level for Aaron Graves. And though he's been good this year, he hasn't been at the elite level.

Starting point is 00:04:36 I thought he was going to get on the outside. Ethan Hurkett, he's played really well this year. You have to be happy with the performance you've seen out of him. Maybe the most disappointing aspect, though, is Deontay Craig. Deontay Craig was just one sack this season. That came on a two-point conversion attempt. That's it for a senior, a guy that had seven and a half sacks two years ago. When we saw him last year, he had four and a half sacks. I know he was banged up last year and thought this was going to be the year. This is the year that Deontay Craig was going to solidify himself. Those long arms.

Starting point is 00:05:09 He was going to be fourth, fifth round draft pick, put together a nice senior season. He was going to be a guy that it all clicked in their last year. And it just doesn't happen. He's 66.9 grade for Deontay Craig and definitely a step back from the guy that we thought was on his way to stardom two years ago ago. Flybackers Jay Higgins stud. No step back. Just absolute monster. He's an all-time. Nick Jackson, his grade is not great. A 67.5. And, you know, Nick Jackson last year during the first month of the season, frankly, he was kind of bad. However, October, November, he started to figure it out. Remember Nick Jackson, when he was at Virginia, this is a guy that was playing in the middle. He

Starting point is 00:05:51 was Jay Higgins. He was doing it in the middle. So he was changing positions. He was going into a new system. I absolutely gave him a bit of a mulligan and we saw what he was in the back half of the year. Has he regressed this year? I don't think regression is the right term. I think he's played fine, but another guy that just hasn't taken that big step forward. At the cash position, Sebastian Castro, he grades out at 72.9. It's been a disappointing year. Last year, he was graded as one of the top slot corners in all of college football.

Starting point is 00:06:23 We haven't seen that same level of physicality from Sebastian Castro, I think, that we grew accustomed to. That's been disappointing. And that's another one that I think you would put this year. Sebastian Castro coming back for another year of eligibility. They paid him out of the NIL funds to come back for another year, and he just, he's been fine. He hasn't been great.

Starting point is 00:06:44 Let's go to safety. Quint Schulte grades out at a 79.1. That does not marry with what my eyes saw. Speaking of guys that I think have regressed, Quint Schulte was a guy that was physical. Quint Schulte was a guy, when he showed up two years ago as a sophomore, he thought, this is a dude.

Starting point is 00:06:59 This is not just another Tommy Soybean, a guy that's out there trying hard. There was physicality to his game, coupled with what he was as a quarterback of the defense. I think that number is way off from him. Xavier Wampa has played his best football of his career over the last month, but still for a five star and what we thought out of him, that's been a disappointing year. Jamari Harris has been a stud. That's the guy that you'd say has taken what we thought of him and taken it to another level. He's taken a big step forward.

Starting point is 00:07:28 Have to be happy with his progress. The unfortunate part, go to the other side. Sean Lee, okay. TJ Hall struggled in that role. Of course, we saw Jon Nestor really struggle in that role, and that's where we are. In a year where you bring back this much experience, Phil Parker did not forget how to coach defense.

Starting point is 00:07:51 Guys just haven't showed up. Jimmies and Joes, I think that's where you point, the disappointment of this year's Iowa defense. And they're sitting at 6-4. It's a bye week. What's left on the table? Nothing. I mean, the difference between playing in the Mayo Bowl

Starting point is 00:08:05 and playing in Detroit, I guess. It's a crappy bowl game. They're all crappy bowl games at this point. It's about the college football playoff. And this was the opportunity and they didn't hit it. We continue here, Lockdown Hawkeyes. Let's talk a little Iowa basketball along with some football with David Eichel. He'll

Starting point is 00:08:21 join us from Hawkeye Insider, part of 24-7 Sports. We'll get David's thoughts on everything going on in the world of Hawkeyes. We continue in a moment. Get ready to tackle the NFL action with FanDuel. It's America's number one sportsbook. Right now, new customers, you can bet $5. You're going to get $150 in bonus bets if you win. The FanDuel Sportsbook app gives you everything you need to place live bets on the NFL all in one place. So when you get the hunch in the middle of a game,

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Starting point is 00:09:37 Never waste a hunch and make every moment more with FanDuel, an official sportsbook partner of the NFL. Talking Hawkeyes with David Eichold as we continue right here. There's so much ground to cover with you. Signing day was yesterday for basketball. I guess let's start there. We'll get to the football since the Hawks are off this week before they take on Maryland.

Starting point is 00:10:01 Boy, how'd he deal? Chad Lysko, hats off to him. Terrific piece from the register when he was out there, chronicled her, watched her practice, et cetera. High expectations, but boy, it certainly seems like she's up for them. She's good, man. She is very, top 10 recruit by 24-7 sports who I'm really proud of the network because we've started to invest more in women's basketball recruiting we have a brand when did that start probably over the past six months but it's been in planning for about 18 months uh so i'm going to give my uh you know tip my cap to them brandon clay is the best in the industry when it comes to women's basketball

Starting point is 00:10:38 is all over the country addy deals number nine in the country she is going to be an instant impact star next year i think she's one of the most naturally gifted scorers in that 2025 class. Journey Houston, I don't think people remember how good she was because she had that knee injury that she's still kind of coming back from, missed the AAU season, missed the final part of her junior year. But she was a five-star crew at one point as well. So if she gets back to 100%, I mean, I think she could be a difference point as well so if she gets back to 100 i mean i think she could be a difference maker as well and then they get layla hayes out of you know alaska six foot four post uh i think she's a

Starting point is 00:11:12 little bit farther along than adio grady at this point but i think they're two very similar players and that's a very good comment especially when you look at o'grady in the progression she's already made this season but i think you look at you know the class they have in now i think you have a great trio because ava hyden is going to be really really good taylor stremmlow is very underrated by the way by every recruiting site because she's been spectacular tegan mulaney then you throw an addy deal that is a strong foundation if you want to continue to elevate the program and i'll call it right now, that 2026 class could go down as the best class in Iowa women's basketball history.

Starting point is 00:11:48 They are in on a lot of top talent. And I also don't think it hurts that guess what? You know, the Midwest is great when it comes to women's basketball, but if you can go out to LA, you can go out to California and you can pluck one of the best and say, Hey, take away the palm trees,

Starting point is 00:12:03 take away the 78 degrees. We're going to throw you in the middle of Iowa in winter. But I also think that's a credit to Lisa Bluter, Jan Jensen, and kind of the mecca that they've built when it comes to women's basketball in Iowa City. Playing in front of 10,000, 12,000 people every night. There's something to be said. Toledo's in town and there's 12,000, 13,000.

Starting point is 00:12:22 And they're all engaged. I mean, nobody's sitting down is a loud environment i mean i'm not afraid to say i think iowa state for women's basketball is probably a top 10 atmosphere i think they do a really good job supporting them i think the entire state does but if you're talking about iowa in the top five best atmospheres women's basketball south carolina yukon usc probably now with Juju Watkins. Tennessee at one point. Tennessee at one point.

Starting point is 00:12:49 I was in the midst of that for sure. Carver can still get loud, regardless of what men's basketball fans will tell you. Let's go there. And it was by far their most impressive performance of the year, including the exhibition game against Minnesota Duluth. That was as good as they have looked. Had a stretch in the first half. They were knocking down shots. Came out on fire in the first half. They're knocking down shots.

Starting point is 00:13:06 Came out on fire in the second half. But for me, it wasn't just making shots. Any team can look good when you're making shots. There was more to it. The athleticism of Traore was a big part. Same thing with Thelwell. When what he was able to do. Is there a decision still to be made at the point guard situation?

Starting point is 00:13:22 Or is this Brock Harding's job? He's going to be the starter. Just depending on matchup, though. That'll kind of dictate how much a foul will we'll see in the course of any given game. Yeah, not to relate to women's basketball, but you mentioned it. It's easy to look good when you make shots. Guess what? Iowa put up 90 plus points against Toledo and Taylor McCabe is the only person that made a three pointer.

Starting point is 00:13:39 And they found a way to score from mid range. They got to the hoop. As far as men's basketball goes, by the way, how good is Josh Dix? Unbelievable. I mean, they had a huge win keeping him in Iowa City. to the hoop as far as men's basketball goes by the way how good is josh dicks unbelievable i mean they had a huge win keeping him in iowa city because if he had entered the portal after that back half the year he had he would have been sought after do you know do you know was he i mean where their where their feelers put out there was the creighton feelers right yeah it was yeah definitely real i mean that was that with multiple players owen freeman i believe could have gotten

Starting point is 00:14:03 a really haul if he answered the portal. Men's basketball, I'm still, we'll see, right? I think it's the same sort of questions as we had, but I will say this. I think as far as their upside defensively, I think they're more equipped to be a better defensive team as far as the individual talent on defense goes. And I told you guys right when this happened, when they got Seydou Traore, i was bought in on him from the start i think he is going to be an absolute dude over the next three

Starting point is 00:14:30 years he's just a different sort of player uh and what i was really impressed by which i don't think people are giving him enough credit defensively and athletically we know what he can bring to the table i think he can guard one to four maybe some smaller fives in conference play but his ability to be a point forward and to handle the ball in that full court press and not turn the ball over, that's a huge help. And it comes down to Drew Thelwell, Brock Harding, and Josh Dix. It gives him another weapon to be able to get the ball past half court line because South Dakota was absolutely trying to speed them up in that basketball game.

Starting point is 00:15:02 And I've kind of gotten to the point with starting point guard Trent where I think Brock should start just to get that little energy there. But it really matters. not in that basketball game and i've kind of got the point with starting point guard trent where i think brock should start just to get that little energy there but it really matters who's going to play down the stretch and who's gonna play in these critical moments and i give fray mccaffrey a lot of credit for this it's very early and still needs time but drew thalwell just looks like a perfect piece for this system especially when you look at where he came from last year he's more of a set player. They ain't run free offense,

Starting point is 00:15:27 drew Thelwell and, you know, Fran's ability to kind of get him to convert to this style. It's been really impressive. That was your point yesterday. Yeah. Yeah. Fran mentioned that after the Southern game,

Starting point is 00:15:36 that completely different system, motion offense, as opposed to the sets that he ran for four years at Moorhead state with a lot of success, it was different. And you'll see Thelwell every once in a while, kind of pounding up runs like, all right, you got to go, dude.

Starting point is 00:15:48 You got to go. But that's just breaking habits. I mean, you've done it for four years. That's going to happen. They're in a good spot. You mentioned Traore and guarding the four because I believe at least their best, maybe complete lineup, Thelwell, Dix, Sanford, Traore, and then Freeman. The question is, can he guard for long stretches of four? Yeah, you can play that way for a three, four-minute stretch.

Starting point is 00:16:09 You can do that way. Can he for a bulk 15, 18, 20 minutes, can he guard power forwards? Here's where I would say this. If he can avoid foul trouble, yes, but I'd also look at this. And with all due respect to Lodgy Dembele, because he has had some flashes, he's still a project. I think there have been far too many defensive breakdowns in that weak side with the belly whether it be closing out on three-point shooters whether it be kind of being slow on the block because i think he's afraid to pick up some extra fouls because if you look at

Starting point is 00:16:37 logic to belly he's built like an nba player like he just has the core strength the tree trunk legs and it's it's hard to move him. Same thing with Traore. Traore has a little bit more of a thin frame, but that dude has some major strength down there. So I think Traore at this point is more willing to be physical when he's defending the four rather than Lodgy Dembele. And the other side, when it comes to Iowa and the defensive side of the ball, okay, let's keep it real. They're not going to hold teams under 60, 70 points often. They're just not. What's going to dictate success for this Iowa team is two things.

Starting point is 00:17:12 One, obviously rebounding the basketball. I'm a little bit more encouraged the fact that they have Seydou Traore at that four spot. Dembele still hit or miss there. I think Owen Freeman will get it together. But can Iowa put 12 to 16 minutes of good defense every single game? And I'm talking four-minute stretch coming out of the gate, four-minute stretch coming out of the second half,

Starting point is 00:17:32 and then when they need to lock it down in crunch time, can they do that for a four-minute stretch? If they can do that, then I think we're looking at the team that's going to be locked for the NCAA tournament at least. I don't want to just throw these upcoming weeks away, but I want to get to Cy Hawk, because I think the state is in for an incredible couple of days of basketball here, because obviously Bill Fennelly's got a really good squad.

Starting point is 00:17:56 I think Chan Jensen does too. I cannot wait for that matchup. It's going to be phenomenal. But then the men's as well. I thought TJ's team would just have their way with them. And I still think that the Cyclones are a better team. Yes. But I think that this is going to be,

Starting point is 00:18:09 I think it's going to be a very entertaining basketball game. I think so too. And I hate to say it, but it's going to tell us two different things. Because one, Iowa women's going to be very battle-tested when they go up against Iowa State. I mean, the women's schedule, you know, granted, they probably thought there was potential of Kaitlin Clark back, and I think that's certainly why obviously Lisa Bluter at that point thought she could potentially be

Starting point is 00:18:32 returning for another season. But that women team, with all the new faces, with Lucy Olsen, who by the way, I'm holding true, she's going to be an honorable mention All-American. I think she's got that sort of upside. I think she's played to it so far. Very in control of that offense. But the men, this is really their only non-conference difficult schedule. I mean, even Washington State, it's going to be the second toughest test. But they're not bad. They gave up 92 to Portland State.

Starting point is 00:18:58 What does that mean that Iowa's offense is going to do? I thought they had a good win a couple of nights ago. They're not a bad team. But if you took the metrics and the advanced analytics, they would probably be the sixth toughest game for the Iowa women. And again, it's going to start this Sunday against Drake, because you know the in-state rivalry they have there. Drake has a very solid program. Jen Jensen, it's a homecoming for her.

Starting point is 00:19:20 But I'm right there with you. I think this could be a very fun couple of days. And I know people thought I was blowing be a very fun couple of days and and i you know i know people thought i was blowing smoke for the last couple of years i'm looking more forward to the women's matchup because i think iowa at that point is going to be a top 20 and potentially top 15 team and we know what iowa state is we know what their potential is going to be i think they're in the lead eight final four caliber team depending on the draw and everybody stays healthy all right we've put it off long enough. Let's talk some football.

Starting point is 00:19:47 David Eichel joining us from Hawkeyeinsider.com. Frustrations, a lost season. They're six and four. I, I didn't see this coming. I, the college football playoff, we talked about it all summer long, David, but you talked about it with us. There was a path for this team to have a special season. It's not happening. The biggest question to me, offense aside, improvements we've seen there, run game got going.

Starting point is 00:20:11 What has happened to this defense? Why this major step back? So I started covering this team professionally in 2018. I've watched Iowa football my entire life, which is why the natural progression when I got hired here, it really wasn't much of a learning curve in terms of the history of Iowa football my entire life, which is why the natural progression when I got hired here, it really wasn't much of a learning curve in terms of the history of Iowa football and everything. I am very comfortable

Starting point is 00:20:29 saying this is one of the most disappointing seasons in the Kirk Ferentz era. Maybe even in the school history. There is no reason why this team should be 6-4. I know I said college football playoff or bust beginning of the year. I'm not going to switch up on that. I still think they should have been potentially in the mix. But guys, they got eliminated in the college football playoff or bust beginning of the year. I'm not going to switch up on that. I still think they should have been potentially in the mix.

Starting point is 00:20:47 But guys, they got eliminated in the college football playoff in week seven. Yeah. And it wasn't because the offense. Nope. I saw this season going a variety of different ways. Never in my wildest dreams, I see this defense taking this big of a step back. I know we talked about beginning there. We were doing our season preview. Can this defense be better? I think all of a sudden big of a step back. I know we talked about beginning there. We were doing our season preview.

Starting point is 00:21:06 Can this defense be better? I think all of a sudden, no. But close. Yeah, I said close. Can they minimize the drop off? Could you go from a top three to a top 15? Because if I was a top 15 defense right now, guess what? They're probably in the college football playoff discussion, at least maybe the next four out.

Starting point is 00:21:22 Because Indiana, by the way, Indiana, that's not a gimme game next indiana by the way indiana that's not a gimme game next year by the way folks especially they none of them are that schedule as a whole i will call it right now and this would be a very interesting question to ask you know your friends over at paramount sports and the cappers iowa's wind toll next year is going to be five and a half yeah not crazy it doesn't matter who they bring in in my opinion the schedules you know going to ramp up exponentially. And the roster that we know right now, I would take the under at five and a half. I would take the under as well.

Starting point is 00:21:50 I know Mr. Optimist, a lot of people think it's a homer pick for me, but I'm telling you, I think there are some very legitimate concerns about the long-term future of this program. But at the same time, I think you've got to be optimistic about the offense. I mean, Tim Wester surpassed every single expectation that I had. The game looks good i think it'll look good next year even with caleb johnson off to the nfl making that fat paycheck on sundays but i was gonna have to go in the portal and i do not envy the job that brad brad heinrichs is going to have do they have the money to compete absolutely no i don't know if they do because guess what they need an edge rusher too because

Starting point is 00:22:23 i think the defensive line is where it all starts i agree completely they need a defensive tackle and they need a pass rusher because you think about these great iowa defenses and every year for the past six seven years right age they have an aj epinesa they have an anthony nelson who by the way i think is one of the more underappreciated players in the current all over the last decade he's been a heck of a pro. They had Chauncey Golston. Again, another really good player, great at setting the edge,

Starting point is 00:22:51 became a pretty decent pass rusher as well. They had a Davion Nixon. And I love Joe Evans, all-time great Iowa leader in the Kirk Ferentz era. He is. And the thing I'll say about Joe Evans, this will be the biggest compliment I could possibly give him. He maximized his potential. the physical attributes that he has.

Starting point is 00:23:10 Iowa does not even have a Joe Evans right now in terms of rushing the quarterback. They need to go get past Rusher, and that's probably the second most expensive guy if you're looking at the portal, besides left tackle and probably quarterback as well. So if you need a defensive edge rusher, you need a quarterback because guess what? They got to get a quarterback. And Tim Lester kind of alluded to that too on Tuesday. But he also spoke kind of glowingly about Stratton

Starting point is 00:23:33 that he wants to work with him. Is that just building up his courage for the next couple of weeks in case he has to be the guy? Or does he believe that Stratton can compete? Well, I think this is where all, and I give Tim West a credit. I think he's been very transparent because he just said, yeah, the passing game is terrible right now. And I gave him immense amounts of credit for being that transparent.

Starting point is 00:23:53 I think he likes the arm talent of Jackson Stratton. He did a lot better than I thought. I mean, you're talking about guys playing scout team linebacker a month ago. Right. Even if he wants to work with them you gotta cough up eight eight hundred fifty thousand dollars to a million dollars and go get a quarterback because iowa doesn't need a top five top 10 quarterback they need a top 25 to 30 quarterback who can make receivers better than they already are because guess what i know i flamed the john budmeier

Starting point is 00:24:21 hire a lot of people did i think you can see the growth of the wide receivers. I think they look, again, exponentially better from blocking to Jacob Gill looks like he's going to be a steal on the portal. I loved it. If Dayton Howard pieces it all together, I think he has a chance to be a really, really special weapon. What about a guy like Castellanos from Boston College?

Starting point is 00:24:40 That's exactly where I was looking at. His quarterback ring's not great. Difference maker. At least he was early in the season before he got hurt. Will Kirk Ferentz want a 5'9 quarterback? college that's exactly where i was looking at his quarterback rings not great but difference maker at least he was early in the season before he got hurt well kirk ferentz won a 5-9 quarterback that's just it because that's how about miller moss too expensive yeah yeah miller moss is uh we're shopping in the i think he's going to michigan we're not going to hyvee we're going to aldi i think i think he's going to michigan but obviously with the news today, too, you see with Bryce Underwood. $10 million for him?

Starting point is 00:25:07 $10.5 million, apparently. Good God. So if you talk about Iowa competing in the portal, got to cough up the big bucks. A lot of sworn beer. Great movie line, right? Scared money don't make none. Man.

Starting point is 00:25:21 Is there a chart as to how much, I mean, what does it cost for a quarterback? What does it cost for an edge rusher? Have you seen anything like that? I thought that somebody put something out this time last year. I think they continue to put things out, but I'll tell you,

Starting point is 00:25:37 I don't probably go north of that. I do. And I don't think there's any consistency. I hate to tell you this. I don't think anybody has a clear idea of how much things are going forward, how much people, because again, you have agents that are in these kids' ears now who are over-inflating their egos and their values. And then the coaches feel like they have to pay it in order to even have a

Starting point is 00:25:54 remote shot at some of these guys. I mean, look at Iowa basketball, for example, just to bring it back. There are a lot of guys on Iowa's team this year that could have left and gotten a whole lot more money. Freeman and Dix. And I'll tell you, I know people like to, you know criticize fran is used to the portal and il i think there's some rightful criticisms there you can't have it one way or the other you have to give fran credit for having the culture and being able to retain the guys who are bought into

Starting point is 00:26:17 his system and you know at the end of the day kirk and fran have one thing in common they will take the heat and they will fall on the sword to defend their players. That's David Eichold joining us from 24 7 Sports. We continue here locked on Hawkeyes. Let's get into that Iowa women's basketball team. A big win last night against Toledo. How high is the ceiling for Iowa women's basketball? We'll tackle that as we continue locked on Hawkeyes. Today's episode is brought to you by Game Time. Basketball is here, and there's nothing quite like being courtside for your favorite team.

Starting point is 00:26:52 Making your way to Carver Hawkeye Arena. How about the back-to-back nights we have coming up here in just a couple of weeks with Iowa State coming to town. Iowa State ranked in the top 10 of both the women's and the men's poll. They'll be coming to Carver, and you can be right there with tickets from the GameTime app. GameTime has this new feature. It's called GameTime Picks. It makes getting tickets to see your favorite teams play live even easier.

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Starting point is 00:28:18 Back with you one final time. I'm Trent Condon. This is Locked on Hawkeyes. Iowa women basketball with a big win over the evening last night as they uh cruise to the undefeated start here in the early portions of the ski season schedule gonna get a little bit more difficult though a lot more difficult uh including starting on sunday here in des moines as they take on drake the bulldogs a perennial power in the mvc they're gonna have good team. That's coming up at 2 o'clock on Sunday.

Starting point is 00:28:47 You can catch that game on ESPN Plus or come to the Capital City and use the Game Time app. Then it's Kansas after that, followed up by Washington State. Take on BYU a little bit later here in the month. Of course, the matchup against Tennessee and the aforementioned Iowa State in Carver-Hawkeye on Wednesday, December 11th. They're going to be battle-tested.

Starting point is 00:29:06 The upside is not Final Four for this women's basketball team, but boy, they can really get it going. You know, we've talked about Addison O'Grady. I just think she's more comfortable in her role this season. Cynthia Fulter making her way back from injury. I love this note from our buddy, Statboy. He's gone. He's got this for you. You can find him on Twitter,

Starting point is 00:29:27 X at B-U-C-H-E-I-S, book ice. Taylor McKay made her second career two-point field goal tonight. Comparing her to the gold standard, which is Devin Ballwinkle. You remember him from the Hawkeyes, including his one year at West Virginia. Ballwinkle had six in his career,

Starting point is 00:29:47 three-year career at the Division I level, went six of 16 at 252 three-point attempts. McCabe at this point shooting 44.7% from three. Ridiculous. 63 of 141. Now just two of 11, though, from behind, from inside the three-pointer. Thank you to Staff Boy for those numbers.

Starting point is 00:30:08 Taylor McCabe, though, coming off the bench. I think that's something to keep an eye on, look comfortable in that role, need her shooting. In fact, she had the only three-pointers of the game. This team eventually will shoot it better. A beer box, I think, looks a lot more comfortable out there. Hannah Stolke, her game has taken another step this year, and those freshmen, Stremlow, Mulaney, Hyden,

Starting point is 00:30:28 they're going to be really, really good. There's going to be moments where we're going to see each of those freshmen, I believe, be the big difference in a game. Can this team be in the top third of the Big Ten? We've talked about it on the men's side. On the women's side, I don't think there's any doubt. Top six, I think that's a minimum expectation

Starting point is 00:30:44 for this squad. And with the right draw, can they get back at least to a second weekend, a sweet 16? I think there is the opportunity there. Let them sleep on this Iowa team. Yes, Kaitlin's not here. They're really good. Lucy Olsen, boy, she is a stud.

Starting point is 00:31:00 Going to be a fun season of basketball coming up here, but we still got football. We got a little bit of everything. Wrestling, Iowa State. We're going to get into that a little bit tomorrow as well. Preview the match against the Cyclones coming up. BTN Plus will have the coverage for that one. We'll talk about that tomorrow.

Starting point is 00:31:15 Tom Cankert will join us and a whole lot more here on the Football Bye Week. Thanks for being with us and thanks for making Locked on Hawkeyes your first listen every day. We'll talk to you again tomorrow. Go Hawks!

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