Iowa
Can Iowa volleyball turn ‘winning points’ into winning B1G matches?
Iowa Hawkeyes center hitter Delaney McSweeney (blond, proper) huddles with teammates throughout their Huge Ten Convention volleyball match towards the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Xtream Area in Coralville, Iowa, Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
IOWA CITY — Good luck discovering something at an Iowa volleyball observe that doesn’t have a rating.
“The entire observe is scored,” head coach Jim Barnes mentioned. “One thing’s on the road for all the pieces.”
The objective is to achieve as many “winner factors” as potential, which three managers tabulate on the aspect of the courtroom.
The winner of a drill may get a degree. If one aspect is hitting too many balls out, he may give “winner factors” to the opposing aspect for each ball hit out of bounds. The nearer somebody is to the factors chief, or the “queen,” the much less working they’ll need to do after observe.
“In order that competitors makes them do what I need them to do — hit much less balls out or get extra kills,” Barnes mentioned. “It’s probably the most good factor through the years I feel we’ve ever executed.”
The objective is to organize gamers for the competitiveness of matches contemplating Barnes has “by no means been in a recreation the place they don’t hold the rating.”
The successful factors in observe haven’t translated to successful matches within the Huge Ten, although, within the first yr of Barnes’ rebuild.
Iowa went 10-21 in 2022 and 4-16 in Huge Ten play. It was Iowa’s third consecutive 4-16 end within the convention.
The person who scores nearly all the pieces in observe has been making an attempt to look past the scoreboard in video games.
“All you see is these numbers within the public eye,” Barnes informed The Gazette, referencing the convention and total data. “There’s much more victories that they’re not seeing that we’re pleased with.”
Having “everyone pulling collectively” on a workforce with a number of new faces is an instance of the victories for Barnes that “don’t present on the scoreboard.”
Barnes particularly has pleasure in Iowa’s success in serve-pass.
“That’s one thing you don’t see on the stat sheet,” Barnes mentioned. “We beat nearly each workforce in serve-pass. … Coaches would come as much as me and go, ‘I can not consider you all simply beat us in serve-pass.’ … I’m going, ‘Properly, we’ve bought to win that since you’re going to win the block and kills.’”
Iowa had shut calls, taking No. 5 Purdue and No. 14 Penn State to 5 units. Purdue followers standing exterior Iowa’s locker room informed Barnes “we haven’t seen that from Iowa” as his workforce exited.
Iowa’s wins to shut the season towards Michigan and Michigan State confirmed the “actuality that the center of the league shouldn’t be actually that distant,” Barnes mentioned.
“Our subsequent step is attending to the center of the league,“ Barnes mentioned.
Had Iowa, ranked 133rd in RPI, not overwhelmed Michigan, Barnes is assured the Wolverines would have earned an NCAA berth.
However his Hawkeyes must win matches towards groups like Michigan and Michigan State frequently to take this system to the following stage. Iowa break up its matches towards last-place Rutgers and likewise suffered losses to Maryland and Northwestern.
“The gap isn’t so far as some individuals suppose, however you’ve nonetheless bought to get the expertise to do it persistently, and that’s what we’re engaged on,“ Barnes mentioned.
Barnes has turned to the switch portal to rapidly construct his roster.
In his first offseason in Iowa Metropolis, Barnes added seven transfers. He often doesn’t launch gamers from this system, he mentioned, though final yr fell below “extenuating circumstances.”
He’s energetic in pursuing gamers from the portal after the 2022 season as properly, asking present gamers to inform him this week whether or not they’re staying or aspiring to switch so he is aware of what number of scholarships he can provide.
However the switch portal has been a two-way road. Gamers Iowa misplaced amid the teaching change have discovered success elsewhere.
Courtney Buzzerio transferred from Iowa to Pittsburgh, the place she earned first-team all-ACC honors. Hannah Clayton transferred from Iowa to Purdue and, like Buzzerio, is enjoying on a workforce that may compete within the NCAA match this weekend.
“We downgraded in expertise total,” Barnes mentioned. “We have been capable of win extra (than the 2021 workforce) with much less expertise. Once more, that doesn’t present on any scoreboard. However we all know it, and the gamers comprehend it.”
Barnes sees the switch portal as a brief repair, not a everlasting resolution, for constructing a program. He truly shouldn’t be a fan of the portal in lots of circumstances.
“Usually I might say I don’t prefer it in any respect as a result of I feel it offers a child a simple street to greener pastures that they suppose exists,” Barnes mentioned. “Most of these youngsters don’t get the end result they have been pondering.”
However elevating a program that has not had an above-.500 end within the Huge Ten for the reason that Clinton administration doesn’t fairly classify as regular circumstances.
“Proper now it helps us to get an infusion of expertise we’d like immediately to get higher,” Barnes mentioned. “However total, I might not need that as a every day factor.”
What Barnes is making an attempt to do within the Huge Ten, probably the most aggressive volleyball convention within the nation, isn’t any small feat. Others have tried to revitalize this system and have been unsuccessful.
Iowa employed Sharon Dingman in 2008. Her Huge Ten report peaked in her first season, when Iowa went 6-14.
Bond Shymansky subsequent took on the problem of rebuilding Iowa after elevating a Marquette program that had by no means reached the NCAA Championships to the nationwide tournaments in three consecutive seasons and successful a Huge East title.
Shymansky’s Iowa groups peaked at a Sep 11 report in Huge Ten play, and Iowa fired him after he paid for a participant’s lease — an NCAA violation on the time that might now be avoidable with a reputation, picture and likeness deal from a booster.
Then Shymansky’s affiliate head coach, Vicki Brown, took over as head coach and had a 9-43 report in Huge Ten matches earlier than her midseason dismissal in 2021.
Brown was on the helm for two-and-a-half years, together with the yr affected by COVID-19 — the shortest stint for an Iowa volleyball head coach since 1990. It possible didn’t assist that she was taking on a program on NCAA probation.
Iowa’s athletics division management gave a vote of confidence in Barnes with a seven-year contract. Barnes is properly conscious, although, he can’t be “kicking my toes up.”
“If we don’t do the job, we’re not going to be right here for seven years,” Barnes mentioned. “If we don’t present enchancment, if we don’t get higher, we received’t be right here.”
The successful factors from Barnes’ practices additionally is usually a metaphor for the offseason. After Iowa’s 4-12 Huge Ten end, Barnes is the one needing to take additional laps on the recruiting path now.
“We get higher athletes, not the blue-chippers but,” Barnes mentioned aspirationally. “However we get higher ones that may get us in that center pile, after which we’re having loads of followers, and we’re upsetting among the prime (applications). Now, I’m going to snare among the blue-chippers.”
Feedback: john.steppe@thegazette.com
Nebraska heads to Iowa City on Friday for the annual Black Friday matchup against the Hawkeyes. At 6-5, the Huskers are bowl eligible for the first time since 2016. Iowa comes into the game at 7-4, having won three out of their last four. Of the two teams’ mutual opponents, Iowa lost to Ohio State 35-7, beat Wisconsin 42-10, and lost to UCLA 20-17.
On behalf of the Common Fan podcast, here are three keys to victory for the Huskers, and two keys to victory for all the fellow Common Fans.
NEBRASKA’S KEYS TO VICTORY
Stop (or Slow Down) Kaleb Johnson. After having an atrocious offense last season, Iowa is back to being respectable on the offensive side of the ball, especially when it comes to the run game. The Hawkeyes boast the #13 rushing offense in the nation. Starter Kaleb Johnson has rushed for 1,492 yards and 21 touchdowns this season, averaging 6.7 yards per carry. He is legitimately one of the best backs in the country. What’s more, Iowa is on their fourth starting quarterback of the season. While there have been some rumblings this week that Cade McNamara and/or Brendan Sullivan–both of whom have started games under center this year–would play on Friday, it sounds like Jackson Stratton will be the guy. Stratton attempted a total of 14 passes last weekend against Maryland, completing 10 for 76 yards. Considering the strength of Nebraska’s defense has been stopping the run all season long, this matchup should favor the Huskers. But it’s Iowa, so who knows. If the Big Red can contain Iowa’s run game, I like their chances to win the game.
More of That Offense, Please. Iowa teams of recent years have been known for great defense. Not just great defense – they have had some elite defensive units. This year’s Hawkeye defense is perhaps not quite as dominant as what we’ve seen in recent years, but they’re still very good. They come into the game ranked #17 nationally in total defense, #12 in scoring defense, and #26 in rushing defense. They have been susceptible to giving up the big play, and currently rank #41 in opponent yards per play, after finishing the 2023 season at #1 in that category.
What will we see out of Nebraska’s offensive unit this week? Are we going to see the squad that had its way with Wisconsin? Or will we see the unit that struggled to move the ball for most of the year? If new offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen can sprinkle a little more magic on the Nebraska offense, perhaps they can get out to a lead and take Iowa out of their comfort zone.
Make Special Teams Special. Another defining characteristic of Iowa teams in recent years has been outstanding special teams play. On the other side of the equation, all Common Fans know that Nebraska’s special teams play has struggled for most of this season. That said, against Wisconsin, Jacorey Barney had a 45 yard kickoff return to set up Nebraska’s first scoring drive, and place kicker John Hohl was 3-for-3 on field goals. Progress.
Can someone make a game changing play against the Hawkeyes? Can the Huskers at least make sure special teams doesn’t hurt them on Friday?
COMMON FAN KEYS
Soak It In. This is painful to say, but it’s the first time in eight years that Nebraska will be playing Iowa with bowl eligibility already secured. Husker fans don’t have to hold our breath, stressing that the team’s postseason fate rides on this game. I’d love nothing more than to see the Big Red pick up where they left off against Wisconsin, come out and pummel the Hawkeyes. But whatever happens, this isn’t the end of the road for the Huskers.
At least for me, the Iowa game has emerged as a great Thanksgiving weekend tradition. Iowa is the closest thing we have to a rival since joining the Big Ten. Embrace it. Enjoy it. We’re going bowling this year, no matter what happens against Iowa. So load up with some leftover turkey and mashed potatoes, maybe an extra piece of pie, and enjoy the ride, Husker fans.
Going to Kinnick? Common Fan Podcast co-host Matty O was in the house for the Wisconsin game, and after the win, pulled the trigger on tickets for the Black Friday battle against Iowa. He and his son will be making the trek to Iowa City on Friday. That’s the impact of beating the Badgers, getting to bowl eligibility, and starting to believe in this program again.
Are any other Common Fans out there going to be in the house? Hats off to anyone representing the Big Red in enemy territory. And, if you are going to be there on Friday, we’d love to hear from you. Send us an email to commonfangbr@gmail.com or hit us up on social media (@commonfangbr on X) to share your experience. Send pictures, stories, smart remarks…whatever you’ve got! Let’s go 1-0 this week and beat those Hawkeyes!
As always, GBR for LIFE.
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LOS ANGELES – Senior Michelle Urquhart set Iowa’s single-season service aces record in the Hawkeyes’ 3-1 loss to UCLA on Wednesday night at Pauley Pavilion. Iowa drops to 10-21 overall and 4-15 in the Big Ten.
Urquhart needed two aces to surpass the single-season rally scoring era record set by Becky Walters in 2010. With the third set tied at 10-10, Urquhart dropped in a soft serve to secure her 42nd ace on the season.
The senior from Virginia Beach, Virginia, also recorded a double-double, registering 13 kills and 12 digs. Freshman Dominique Phills and sophomore Hannah Whittingstall were in double-figures with 12 and 10 kills, respectively. Phills was a spark off the bench, drilling five kills in the opening set.
Senior libero Joy Galles notched a career high in digs, finishing with 24. She neared a double-double, tallying eight assists.
MATCH SUMMARY
SET ONE (UCLA, 25-23)
After trading points early on, the Hawkeyes strung together three consecutive points to take a 5-3 lead, courtesy of a kill and ace from Urquhart. UCLA answered with a run, pushing ahead 13-8. Phills was a spark off the bench, helping Iowa pull within two on several occasions. The Hawkeyes rallied all the way back in the opener, tying the set at 23-23 before the Bruins capitalized on back-to-back kills to win the set. UCLA had only one attacking error in the first set, while Iowa had seven.
SET TWO (UCLA, 25-11)
Despite gaining momentum at the end of the first set, Iowa fell behind 9-1 to begin the second. A timeout slowed the Bruins’ progress, but they gained early control of the set. Iowa chipped away in the middle of the set on terminations from Phills and UCLA errors. UCLA ended the set on a 5-0 run.
SET THREE (IOWA, 25-23)
Iowa quickly regrouped for a competitive set in the third. A kill from Whittingstall and ace from freshman Jenna Meitzler kept the pressure on UCLA early. Urquhart notched her record-setting ace, breaking a 10-10 tie in the third set. The teams headed into the media timeout with UCLA leading, 15-14. It wasn’t until late in the set before Iowa pulled away, using a 3-0 run to go up by two at 20-18, courtesy of kills from freshman Malu Garcia and Phills. After a UCLA timeout fueled back-to-back points for the Bruins, Iowa sealed the set with a kill from Whittingstall and error from UCLA.
Mickey’s record-setting ace! 💛#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/PlUu17YR2R
— Iowa Volleyball (@IowaVolleyball) November 28, 2024
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗰𝗲𝘀 👑
With Michelle’s second ace tonight, she has set the program record for service aces in a season during the rally scoring era (42).#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/fimM7XstTc
— Iowa Volleyball (@IowaVolleyball) November 28, 2024
SET FOUR (UCLA, 25-15)
UCLA recovered and regained momentum, leading 6-2 to begin set four. A pair of kills from Urquhart and a termination from Garcia brought Iowa back within one at 7-6. The Hawkeyes stayed within striking distance but could not take the lead in the set. The Bruins used a run in the middle of the set to take control. A block from senior Anna Davis and Garcia stopped the run at 19-13. UCLA finished the set on a 5-1 run to win the match.
UP NEXT: Iowa heads across town for its season finale, battling No. 20 USC on Friday evening. First serve is set for 9 p.m. (CT) from the Galen Center. The match will be broadcast on B1G+ and the Hawkeye Radio Network.
Former Iowa Hawkeyes star George Kittle is in the midst of what has to be the most trying season of his NFL career.
Kittle’s San Francisco 49ers—who were Super Bowl contenders heading into 2024—fell to just 5-6 with their loss to the Green Bay Packer this past Sunday, further hindering their playoff chances.
However, the tight end is not giving up hope in the midst of severe adversity.
“My optimism is not broken by any means,” Kittle told reporters. “We still have a lot of very talented players. We will get some guys back. And I still have full trust in the coaching staff to put our guys in position to make plays, and I got no worry about that. But definitely an uphill grind, and going to see what we’re made of, which I’m looking forward to.”
You have to love Kittle’s fighting spirit, but it seems hard to imagine the 49ers righting the ship in their current predicament.
San Francisco is dealing with a plethora of injury issues up and down the roster, which includes quarterback Brock Purdy, who missed the Packers game with a shoulder problem.
Kittle himself had a strong performance in Week 12, logging six catches for 82 yards and a touchdown. He has also been his usual impressive self overall this season, totaling 49 receptions for 642 yards and eight scores in nine appearances.
But not even Kittle can save the Niners from all of their current troubles.
The 49ers will face the Buffalo Bills in a matchup that could ultimately decide their playoff fate this Sunday.
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