JayhawkSlant.com caught up with Invoice Seals, writer of CycloneReport.com, to get his ideas on immediately’s sport.
Iowa State is off to a 13-2 begin and 4-0 in league play. What’s been the largest key?
I believe the crew’s defensive mentality is what set the tone early within the season, however as of late it’s been the Cyclones’ improved effectivity on the offensive finish. Throughout TJ Otzelberger’s first season on the helm, loads of video games had been offensive struggles with scores within the 50s and 60s, however Iowa State is evolving in yr quantity two. And it’s performed so, surprisingly, with out the likes of Izaiah Brockington and Tyrese Hunter. It was a rollercoaster journey with Gabe Kalscheur and Caleb Grill throughout final season’s Candy 16 run, however these two have been capturing at the next clip as seniors. Kalscheur’s field-goal proportion is up six factors, and his 3-point proportion is up greater than 10 factors to a decent 33 p.c this season. Grill, who put the Cyclones on his again to defeat then-number-one North Carolina in Portland in late November, is capturing 4 proportion factors greater from the sphere and his 3-point proportion can also be as much as 39.1 from lengthy vary. The facilitator has been level guard Tamin Lipsey, a real freshman who was initially planning to be Hunter’s understudy for one season. The native product was thrown to the wolves early however has proven regular enchancment and has gotten extra concerned on the offensive finish. Iowa State’s protection is at all times going to be there and travels nicely, however the improved offensive manufacturing makes this crew much more troublesome to deal with.
What, if something, has stunned you probably the most about this crew?
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As I alluded to above, it’s most undoubtedly been the work performed by Kalscheur and Grill capturing the ball. A lot discuss within the offseason was on what the Cyclones would do with out the likes of Brockington and Hunter, then heralded switch combo guard Jeremiah Williams suffered a torn Achilles’ tendon throughout the preseason, and there went one other possible double-figure scorer. But, one way or the other by 15 video games, Iowa State is averaging six extra factors than it did final season. With an inflow of put up gamers this season, the Cyclones have gone larger and that’s supplied one other enhance. Massive man Robert Jones is a completely completely different participant than he was a yr in the past and has grow to be a key contributor even with the addition of transfers Osun Osunniyi and Hasan Ward.
For ISU, what would be the greatest key tomorrow in Lawrence when it comes to being profitable?
The Cyclones’ protection ought to journey nicely, however I believe the largest secret is limiting any large scoring runs by the defending nationwide champions. ISU did that nicely on the street towards Oklahoma and TCU, by no means letting the house crew maintain a lot of something. As we noticed earlier this week in KU’s sport towards Oklahoma, leads might be erased shortly. With the celebration of 125 years of Jayhawk Basketball and all the previous gamers and coaches returning, the Phog goes to be rocking. ISU should climate the storm and stop one other run just like the one KU had on the Sooners the opposite evening. In his first journey to Lawrence, Lipsey should additionally rise to the event and proceed his environment friendly play.
How do you see the sport enjoying out?
No person outdoors of this system anticipated the Cyclones to be 4-0 at this level and tied for first place within the Massive 12, similar to hardly anybody is relying on a victory in Lawrence on Saturday. The Jayhawks are favored by 13 factors, however I believe this one will likely be a lot nearer than that. I’ve bought the Jayhawks profitable a detailed one, with this one happening to the wire.
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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John Reichart stands outside his home in Indianola, Iowa. November 2024.
CBS News
“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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Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube, and visiting HuskerMax.com daily.
