Ep 262 - Cincy Preview With Radio Crew

·25 min·2 clips

Iowa State faces its first-ever road game at Cincinnati, where the Bearcats have been historically tough to beat at home.

The episode begins with host John Walters introducing analysts Eric Haft and Ryan Harklaw to discuss Iowa State football. They set up the upcoming game at Cincinnati as Iowa State's first-ever visit there, noting the hostile environment and Cincinnati's historical home toughness. The analysts review Iowa State's win over TCU, emphasizing the importance of winning the turnover battle, as Iowa State was +4 in turnover margin. They discuss Cincinnati's statistical anomaly of being top three in Big 12 offense and defense but 0-2 due to turnovers. The conversation shifts to Cincinnati's aggressive defense, coordinated by Brian Brown, who led the nation with 50 sacks last year at Louisville. This poses a challenge for Iowa State's offensive line, which has allowed only three sacks this season. Analysts praise quarterback Rocco Becht's maturity in avoiding sacks and making smart throws, comparing his growth to Brock Purdy. They detail an offensive line adjustment where Jared Hufford was moved to left guard to pair with less experienced tackle James Neal, improving communication. The defense is analyzed next, with Iowa State's secondary having 10 interceptions, but the run defense needs improvement against Cincinnati's offense that averages over 40 rushes per game. Cincinnati quarterback Emory Jones is noted as a dual-threat, rushing for significant yards in previous games. The analysts discuss Iowa State's defensive strategies, including using Zach Lovett as a blitzer and adjusting defensive line pairings for better pressure. They reflect on Iowa State's season as a measuring stick for the young team, with each game revealing more about their potential. The episode ends with a focus on the importance of winning on the road for Iowa State's growth and future success.

As heard by us

A focused road preview built around Iowa State's offensive line and Cincinnati test.

Cincinnati sits as Iowa State's next road test, with the program making its first trip there and trying to build on the TCU win by moving to 3-1 in Big 12 play.

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Why you'd press play

Want the Cyclones' first Cincinnati road test framed through loud homecoming noise, tight quarters, and the line protecting the quarterback?

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