Swarmcast: An Iowa Hawkeyes podcast · 247Sports, Iowa, Iowa Hawkeyes, Iowa football, Iowa athletics, College Football

Can Iowa pull off massive upset against No. 9 Oregon

·40 min·3 clips

If Iowa beats Oregon, their playoff chances could skyrocket from 6% to 40%, putting them back in national contention.

David Eickholt and Elliot Klopp of HawkeyeInsider.com preview Iowa's upcoming home game against the ninth-ranked Oregon Ducks. This episode analyzes the high-stakes matchup with major College Football Playoff implications for both teams. The hosts examine the game's key factors, from weather conditions to specific player matchups. The College Football Playoff committee ranked Iowa in the top 20, a mark of respect the AP Poll did not grant. Oregon's schedule strength is questioned, as the teams they have beaten hold a combined 4-18 record. The hosts note Indiana provided a potential blueprint for beating Oregon by using disguised blitzes and zone defense. Iowa's offensive line is graded by PFF as the best in the country, which could be crucial in a physical, weather-affected game. Oregon's punt coverage has allowed negative one yard all season, while Iowa's returner Cade Wetrich is a major threat. A key matchup will be Iowa's linebackers, like Jay Higgins and Nick Jackson, covering Oregon's talented tight ends, including Kenyon Sadiq. The health and performance of Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara is a recurring topic, as is the need to pressure Oregon's freshman quarterback Dante Moore. The hosts suggest Iowa might use running back Jaziun Patterson more, comparing his style to Indiana's Roman Hemby who had success against Oregon. One surprising insight is that a win could raise Iowa's playoff probability from an estimated 6% to around 40%. The hosts believe the game hinges on whether it becomes a contest of Oregon's athleticism or Iowa's physicality. They speculate Iowa might unveil new playbook wrinkles, like the slow mesh or trick plays, for this critical game. A memorable moment is Eickholt revealing he is skipping his step-sister's wedding to attend the game. The discussion highlights how Oregon's offense has struggled when forced to press and play from behind. Cornerback TJ Hall's development into a potential NFL Draft pick is noted as a major asset for Iowa's defense. The tone is analytical and deeply invested, blending statistical breakdowns with passionate fan perspective. The style is a conversational dialogue between two knowledgeable insiders, focused on strategic X's and O's. This episode is perfect for Iowa fans seeking a detailed, hype-building tactical preview of the season's biggest game. Listeners looking for a neutral, national perspective or entertainment-focused narrative might want to skip it.

As heard by us

A focused Iowa-Oregon preview that treats the game like a real pressure test.

Iowa-Oregon is treated as a meaningful game, with College Football Playoff stakes giving the discussion real weight. David Eichel and Elliot Klopp cover the main pressure points: weather that could help Iowa, the need to avoid digging an early hole, Oregon's willingness to sell…

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You want the Iowa-Oregon upset case, and you want it argued like it matters.

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