Iowa

Hines mailbag: What happened to Cyclones in Iowa State football’s first loss?

Published

3 months ago

November 9, 2024

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Hines mailbag: What happened to Cyclones in Iowa State football’s first loss?

AMES – We are officially underway.

The Iowa State football season has hit its first patch of adversity while the top-10 men’s and women’s basketball seasons, along with wrestling, have tipped off.

We are in the thick of it.

We’ll know how football handles its first loss well before we know a whole lot about either the men’s team (first difficult opponent: Nov. 25 vs. No. 11 Auburn) or women’s team (Nov. 28 vs. No. 1 South Carolina), but this month of overlap keeps things humming on campus.

While coach Matt Campbell’s bunch suffering their first loss of the season certainly put a damper on things, it’s still an incredible time for Iowa State athletics . Much of it has built on anticipation, but now is the time for the doing.

Football needs to get back on track. Hoops needs to deliver when it’s time later this month.

If they do, it’ll be one heck of a winter in Ames. If they don’t, well, we can worry about that in March.

Let’s get to your mailbag questions.

Football: The offense last Saturday just looked off. Was it the Tech defense, the bye week, injuries, play-calling? What are your thoughts?

I have a few.

I think it’s likely that all those factors you mentioned played a part as well as some others. Probably.

But I think more generally speaking, one of two things happened against Texas Tech.

Either Iowa State just had a bad night or the Cyclones’ improvement is starting to get incrementally smaller (or going the other way).

I think it’s more likely it was just a bad night.

The Cyclones have been great at winning the turnover battle. They lost it while losing their first fumble of the season. The came into the night the least-penalized team in the country. They were flagged time and again against Tech. They’ve made the big play when it mattered most all season long. Against Tech, they couldn’t get that final stop.

That seems like a lot of out-of-character stuff coming out of a bye week. You certainly can’t just dismiss it, but the simplest answer is the Cyclones finally had a poor game. And it cost them.

If you’re more on the pessimistic end, I do think there’s evidence that there’s something more structurally afoot.

The injuries could be catching up to them. The play-calling could be getting predictable from a first-time play-caller. The grind of the season – and the pressure of real expectations – might be weighing on the team. Opponents might be game-planning better with more film.

Even if those things are true, all of those, save one, are correctable.

The one that can’t be fixed is injuries. In fact, I’d guess Iowa State’s injury situation gets worse before it gets better.

None of the linebackers are expected back until December, if at all. The lingering issues aren’t going to go away during the season’s most physically demanding month. Which is to say, I don’t know that you can count on seeing a 100 percent healthy Carson Hansen or Cael Brezina again this regular season. Or anyone else dealing with the physical stressors that come from a demanding season.

That’s the concern I have. Iowa State has to make due with what it has now – and maybe even less, given how injuries are possible on every snap.

Basketball: Can we get more explanation on why Milan Momcilovic isn’t starting, after he did last year?

We got some coach-speak from T.J. Otzelberger about his lineup after Monday’s pummeling of Mississippi Valley State, but here’s my assessment.

Tamin Lipsey and Keshon Gilbert are locks to start. If Momcilovic starts at the three, you can’t start Curtis Jones. If you start Jones at the three and Momcilovic at the four, you’re stressing both of them in defensive mismatches while also likely surrendering rebounding.

In order to do that, you have to score enough to offset that situation. And, thus far, the evidence is not there to suggest that lineup can deliver over long stretches. In spurts? Sure, but I don’t think it’s there yet to survive over the bulk of 40 minutes.

So that leaves you with a Jones or Momcilovic starter question, and it’s clear the staff has decided Jones is the better option. At least for the moment.

I think the staff certainly wanted to get more out of Momcilovic at times – basically begging him to shoot more aggressively – but I think this is more of a “making the pieces fit” issue than this being used to light-a-fire type deal.

I imagine both Jones and Momcilovic are part of Iowa State’s core and probably closing lineup, but it may have to be staggered or without one of those two other guards on the floor for Iowa State to make it work right now.

Iowa State columnist Travis Hines has covered the Cyclones for the Des Moines Register and Ames Tribune since 2012. Contact him at thines@amestrib.com or (515) 284-8000. Follow him on X at @TravisHines21.

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Iowa

How much is Fran McCaffery’s contract buyout for Iowa basketball?

Published

7 hours ago

January 28, 2025

Press Room

How much is Fran McCaffery’s contract buyout for Iowa basketball?

Hawk Central staff
| Des Moines Register

The grumbles are getting louder in the Iowa men’s basketball fan base about the direction of the program after the Hawkeyes’ 82-65 loss at Ohio State on Monday.

The Hawkeyes have been defeated in four consecutive road games by margins of 31, 10, 24 and 17 and dropped to 13-8 overall, 4-6 in Big Ten Conference play. They next host Purdue, one of the top teams in the league, on Feb. 4.What would the University of Iowa owe 15-year head coach Fran McCaffery if he is not retained through the end of his contract?

Here are the details:

How many years does Fran McCaffery have left on his contract? How much does the Iowa basketball coach make?

McCaffery’s most recent contract was signed on March 12, 2021, in the wake of Iowa getting a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, an agreement that extended his services through June 30, 2028.

If Iowa wanted to get out of the deal – termination without cause – it would owe McCaffery “60% of his base salary for each year (or portion thereof) remaining” in his contract.

The “base salary” is key language here, because while McCaffery’s total compensation for the university for the 2024-25 season is $3.4 million, only $2,050,000 of that is considered “base salary.” McCaffery is due an additional $900,000 for this contract year for public-speaking appearances, fund-raising and camps; he gets $300,000 for television and radio appearances (half of which is paid by Learfield Communications); and $150,000 from Nike for apparel/shoes (paid by Nike but guaranteed income).

What is Fran McCaffery’s buyout?

McCaffery’s base salary for the three years remaining on his contract (after the current one) are $2,100,000 for 2025-26; $2,150,000 for 2026-27; and $2,250,000 for 2027-28. Taking 60% of that total equals $3.9 million.

If Iowa were to terminate McCaffery on, say, April 1, he would also be owed 60% of his base salary for the remaining three months of this contract year (through June 30) – which computes to $307,500.

Thus, McCaffery’s buyout would be roughly $4.2 million if he were fired around April 1. Add a few thousand bucks if such a move was executed earlier in March. Iowa’s final regular-season game is March 9. The Big Ten Tournament runs March 12-16 in Indianapolis.

Also, according to McCaffery’s contract terms, Iowa could pay the buyout over the course of 36 months, meaning on average it would cost the university athletics department about $1.4 million per year for three years to move on from McCaffery.

Fran McCaffery contract with University of Iowa

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Iowa

Ohio State 82, Iowa 65: On the Road (Getting Blown Out) Again

Published

18 hours ago

January 28, 2025

Press Room

Ohio State 82, Iowa 65: On the Road (Getting Blown Out) Again

COLUMBUS, OHIO — On Monday night, Iowa (13-8, 4-6) lost its fourth game in five contests, falling to Ohio State (12-8, 4-5) on the road, 82-65. Just six Hawkeyes scored in the loss, as Iowa racked up its fourth defeat of ten–plus points since the start of the new year,

Here are Three Takeaways from the loss.

Where’s the Help?

Only six Hawkeyes scored in the loss to the Buckeyes, with four reaching double figures Drew Thelwell (20), Owen Freeman (14), Payton Sandfort (13) and Seydou Traore (13). Pryce Sandfort added two points and Carter Kingsbury chipped in a late three-pointer.

As a team, the Hawkeyes shot 24-of-61 (39.3%) from the field and 7-of-25 (28%) from three, while shooting 10-of-17 (58.8%) from the free throw line. The 65 points they scored were a season low.

“I just felt like we got a little rattled at times,” Traore told Gary Dolphin after the game. “I know we’re way better than what we showed today. We’ve got to get back in the gym and execute our plays and stuff. We’ve got to stay mentally strong and stay together.”

The second half is where things got particularly out of hand for the Iowa offense, as the Hawkeyes trailed by just four at the break, 30-26. They were outscored 52-39 in the second half.

“We scored the first possession of the second half, and we felt good about it,” Fran MCaffery said postgame. “They went on a little bit of a run. We didn’t respond correctly in that stretch. … When we were missing, we didn’t get any back. We had seven offensive rebounds in the first half. We ended the game with seven offensive rebounds. When you have a stretch like we did there where the ball’s not dropping, even when we’re executing and getting good shots, you’ve got to go back and get one and put it back in. And that way you can get your defense back.”

Josh Dix, arguably Iowa’s best player, scored zero points on 0-of-7 shooting from the field.

If Iowa is going to put together its first win on the road, performances like what happened tonight from Dix and the supporting cast simply cannot happen. Dix, who is consistently one of the more efficient and consistent scorers in the Big Ten, has to get going, and get going quickly for the Hawkeyes to be effective offensively.

“Josh felt good. He doesn’t hunt shots,” McCaffery added. “He’s not selfish in any way. He took good shots. I thought every shot that he took was going in, and not one of them did.”

No Freeman, No Rim Protection

Freeman’s offensive output — 11 of his 14 points came in the first half — might be considered the least important part of his contribution on the night. He led the way on the glass with eight rebounds, and finished at only -6 in the plus/minus ratings for the game.

His defensive presence around the rim kept the Hawkeyes within reach in the first half, but he only played nine minutes in the second half.

“He got a little bit tired,” McCaffery said. “I would have put him back in, but he’s got a couple things going on. At that point, I just went with Riley (Mulvey), and I thought he was really good.”

Without Freeman on the floor, Iowa’s ability to defend near the cup greatly suffered. In Ladji Dembele’s minimal five minutes (all in the first half), the Hawkeyes were outscored by ten points.

But Freeman can only do so much.

“When Owen is running, and he’s screening, and he’s rolling hard, he’s tough to stop,” McCaffery said. “If he starts to get a little winded, then it’s not quite the same. I just have to make sure I get him enough rest.”

Another Blowout Road Loss

First, Iowa lost to Wisconsin in Madison. Then USC and UCLA on the trip to California, and now, a fourth loss of 10+ points on the road for Iowa. The defeat at the hands of the Buckeyes was the third of 17+ points over the stretch of road losses.

Iowa isn’t just 0-5 on the road. They’re getting clobbered every time they step into a Big Ten opponent’s arena. It isn’t going to get any easier for the Hawkeyes going forward, either:

McCaffery’s emphasis to the team following the game was that there needs to be some significant change if the Hawkeyes are to right the ship.

“We always remain positive, but we have to do a better job on the road where the team goes on a run,” he said. “We have to be able to manage that situation better. We need some leadership there, and we’ve got to be able to get stops when the ball’s not dropping.”

“There’s still a lot of basketball left,” Traore added. “We can’t hold our heads down. We’ve just got to keep getting better.”

NEXT: Iowa will take on No. 10 Purdue (16-5, 8-2) at home on Tuesday, February 4 at home. The game will be broadcast on Peacock at 6 pm CT.

Don’t miss out on any of our exclusive football, basketball, and recruiting coverage. Sign up with Hawkeye Beacon here.

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Iowa vs. Ohio State Prediction, Odds and Key Players for Monday, Jan. 27

Published

1 day ago

January 27, 2025

Press Room

Iowa vs. Ohio State Prediction, Odds and Key Players for Monday, Jan. 27

Two Big Ten teams seeking some consistency will look to get some at the expense of the other on Monday night.

Iowa travels to Columbus to face Ohio State on Monday night in league play as the Buckeyes enter as substantial favorites. However, Iowa’s offense has proven formidable even against sturdy competition for much of Big Ten play thus far. Will it hold up on the road?

Let’s find out with our betting preview!

Spread

Moneyline

Total: 156.5 (Over -105/Under -115)

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

Iowa

Owen Freeman: The big man has stepped up in a big way for the Hawkeyes, fresh off a 16-point, nine rebound effort in a one point win against Penn State. The Hawkeyes offense is reliant on high octane shooting from all over the floor, but its Freeman’s elite play around the rim that has played a big role in Iowa ranking third in effective field goal percentage.

Ohio State

Bruce Thornton: Thornton continues to stuff the stat sheet for the Buckeyes, scoring 11 points, grabbing six rebounds and dishing out five assists in the stunning second half rally against Purdue. Can Thornton continue to dictate the pace on offense and guide Ohio State to another win?

While Ohio State deserves credit for beating Purdue in a monster second half rally, I’m not going to look past what this team has put on paper of late, including losing four of five prior to that win with its lone win involving a double overtime win at basement dweller Minnesota.

The Buckeyes offense has struggled in Big Ten play, ranking 13th in effective field goal percentage while turning it over at a bottom two rate (20%). While Iowa’s defense has been incredibly poor, the team does generate turnovers at an above average rate that could steal possessions in what should be a high scoring affair.

Meanwhile, the Buckeyes defense has been fairly fortunate all season, allowing .08 points per possession fewer than expected, per ShotQuality. With Iowa’s explosive offense that is third in effective field goal percentage, that’s a recipe for disaster.

Further, can we trust Ohio State to win with margin? The team beat Rutgers by 14 back in December, but it’s two other Big Ten wins have come by one at Minnesota and three at Purdue.

Now, Iowa had a nightmare road trip out west, losing to USC by 19 and UCLA by 24, but the team also nearly stunned Michigan on the road in Big Ten play, losing by two on the road.

I don’t trust Ohio State to win big like this against an elite offense, I’ll take the points.

PICK: Iowa +7.5

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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