Elite 8 Is Halfway Done! Duke - UConn & Michigan - Tennessee Preview, plus Indiana Football Updates

·54 min·5 clips

Illinois wins a gritty Big Ten battle, Arizona ends Purdue's Final Four dream after 25 years, and today's Elite Eight matchups could reshape the tournament.

The episode opens on March 29th with host Galen Clavio noting the Elite Eight is halfway complete. He recaps Illinois' victory over Iowa, describing it as a classic Big Ten game where Illinois overcame an early deficit by forcing Iowa into scoring droughts. Keaton Wagler's performance as a freshman is highlighted as a key factor. Arizona's win over Purdue is analyzed, with Arizona erasing a halftime deficit via a 16-3 run; Purdue's offensive struggles and Brayden Smith's inefficiency are cited. Clavio discusses why Purdue's physical style, often tolerated by Big Ten refs, fails in the NCAA tournament, contrasting with Illinois and Michigan. He previews today's games: Michigan vs. Tennessee, favoring Michigan due to offensive firepower, and Duke vs. UConn, leaning toward UConn despite Duke's efficiency. The second half focuses on IU football. A listener question prompts a deep dive into the defensive line, noting returning stars Mario Landino and Tyreek Tucker, plus transfers Joshua Burnham (Notre Dame), OBS (Kansas State), and Joe Shell (Tulsa). Clavio explains how last year's line used players like Mikael Kamara to open opportunities for others. He then discusses new quarterback Josh Hoover, observed at spring practice, comparing him to Fernando Mendoza and Curtis Rourke. Clavio suggests Hoover's turnovers at TCU may be system-related and notes his new weapons like Nick Marsh and Charlie Becker. The episode concludes with mentions of upcoming pro days and positional breakdowns.

As heard by us

A focused Elite Eight episode that turns Big Ten momentum into a clear Indiana basketball concern.

The Elite Eight gives the episode its frame, but the real focus is Indiana's standing inside a Big Ten that keeps measuring itself deep into March.

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Why you'd press play

You get March bracket tension, an IU reality check, and a football update before the next round arrives.

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