WHO: Penn State Woman Lions (11-6 general, 2-4 Large Ten) WHEN: 11:31 AM (Saturday, January 14) WHERE: Carver-Hawkeye Enviornment (Iowa Metropolis, Iowa) TV: BTN (Mike Corridor and Meghan McKeown) ONLINE: foxsports.com/reside RADIO: Hawkeye Radio Community (Rob Brooks and Jaime Cavey Lang) | Sirus/XM 158 or 196
In Carolyn Krieger’s first three years at Penn State, the Lions went 7-23, 9-15, and 11-18. These outcomes present regular enchancment, however the baseline was so low to begin that they had been nonetheless one of many worst groups within the convention final yr. I don’t suppose Krieger was on the recent seat heading into this season, however one other poor yr or a step backwards for the staff possible would’ve gotten her shut.
Fortunately for Krieger, Penn State appears to have taken a step ahead this yr. The Woman Lions at present sit at 11-6 general and 2-4 within the Large Ten. They’re averaging 3.6 factors per recreation extra and giving up practically 9 factors per recreation fewer factors than final yr whereas enjoying at an identical tempo. The Woman Lions aren’t significantly near the NCAA Event bubble as of now, however competing in the course of the Large Ten nonetheless exhibits stable enchancment they’ll construct upon.
For the previous couple of years, Penn State has performed a method just like Iowa’s. The Lions have most popular to play quick and attempt to outscore their opponents. That model has brought about points, although, as a result of for the final three years Penn State simply hasn’t had the expertise to maintain tempo in a shootout. Now Penn State’s model is extra balanced with extra environment friendly scoring and a much bigger dedication to protection.
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Penn State’s Prime Gamers
Penn State is led by senior guard Makenna Marisa. Final yr, Marisa was among the finest scorers within the convention, averaging 22.2 factors per recreation. She’s just a little off that mark this yr, averaging 18.4 ppg, however that’s largely as a result of she’s taking fewer photographs. Marisa has considerably improved her three-point taking pictures this yr, leaping from 34.1% final yr to 42.2% this yr. She additionally averages 4.6 rpg, 4.2 apg, and a couple of steals per recreation.
Redshirt sophomore guard Leilani Kapinus is the staff’s greatest defender and rebounder, averaging 3.1 steals per recreation and 6.0 rebounds per recreation. Kapinus can be an offensive menace, significantly off the dribble. She averages 11.3 factors per recreation, and shoots 53.8% from 2. Her huge weak point is three-point taking pictures, as she shoots simply 23.3% from three.
Lastly, freshman guard Shay Ciezki has had a great begin to her faculty profession, averaging 10.7 ppg and taking pictures 41.5% from three. She isn’t as properly rounded as Marisa and Kapinus, however is a deadly taking pictures choice.
Key to the Recreation
Iowa has struggled in the previous couple of video games with gradual begins. Michigan jumped out to an enormous lead over Iowa early, and Northwestern even led Iowa by 5 factors very early in Wednesday’s recreation. In opposition to Penn State, I feel Iowa wants to begin a lot quicker.
Penn State is improved this yr, however it isn’t a staff that ought to severely problem Iowa at dwelling. If the Hawks begin quick, they’ll possible construct a large enough lead early to take management of the sport. In the event that they let Penn State’s offense get rolling or let Penn State’s protection power turnovers, then Iowa may find yourself in a 40-minute shootout.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Atin Wright scored 18 points as North Texas beat Northern Iowa 68-48 on Thursday night at the NIT Season Tip-Off.
Wright shot 7 for 15, including 3 for 8 from beyond the arc for the Mean Green (6-1). Latrell Jossell shot 4 of 9 from the field and 6 of 6 from the free-throw line to add 15 points. Jasper Floyd went 5 of 6 from the field to finish with 12 points.
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The Panthers (3-3) were led in scoring by Ben Schwieger, who finished with 13 points. Leon Bond III added eight points and eight rebounds for Northern Iowa. Jacob Hutson also put up eight points.
North Texas took the lead with 19:39 left in the first half and did not relinquish it. Wright led his team in scoring with 10 points in the first half to help put them up 34-21 at the break. North Texas outscored Northern Iowa by seven points over the final half, while Jossell led the way with a team-high 13 second-half points.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Indianola,Iowa — Santa Claus isn’t driving a sleigh this year in Indianola, Iowa — and instead of presents, he’s bringing joy and light, decorating every house on his block for the upcoming holiday season.
John Reichart, 74, loves Christmas but there’s something else he loves more: His wife of 53 years, Joan. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s four years ago, and since then, the Marine veteran has made it his mission to keep making her memories.
“If it wasn’t for my wife, I don’t know if I would’ve done it,” Reichart said. “But she wanted Christmas, so I’d give it to her. I’d do anything to make her happy.”
Now there are tons of extra hands on his project, helping set up lights, decorations and more. A steady stream of admirers are also coming to check out the holiday cheer.
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“I think the whole neighborhood feels very blessed to have him in this neighborhood,” one neighbor said.
“It’s moving,” added one spectator. “That’s what Christmas is all about.”
Reichart said he can’t see himself stopping the tradition now.
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“As long as she’s OK,” he said. “And even if she would pass, I’m gonna do it in her memory as long as I can do it.”
Joan said that she’s loved the holiday spirit her husband has brought to the neighborhood.
“I didn’t know what to think,” Joan said. “But I’m glad he did it. I love him.”
To thank Reichart and celebrate Joan, his neighbors have set up a P.O. box to receive Christmas cards. They’ll give the cards to Reichart to read them to his wife.
CBS News is inviting viewers to send cards. To mail a card to the Reicharts, address it to this P.O. box:
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John Reichart C/O Frank Ewurs P.O. Box 133 Indianola, Iowa, 50125
Nancy Cordes
Nancy Cordes is CBS News’ chief White House correspondent based in Washington, D.C. Cordes has won numerous awards for her reporting, including multiple Emmys, Edward R. Murrow awards, and an Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award.
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.
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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
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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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