Now that Iowa State’s historically bad football team is ranked, do we pull for them to succeed?

The Cyclones haven’t felt a national ranking since 2005. They claimed the final slot in the AP Top-25 poll this week after defeating Texas Tech. This Iowa State team has accumulated five wins and only faltered twice.

Thankfully, one of those losses came to the Hawkeyes. The other at the hands of Texas in a game where quarterback Jacob Park threw the tantrum of a century. Realistically, Iowa State is a an overtime loss and an earlier quarterback change from being undefeated.

That is a stretch to make for a team that still has two losses but put all of this is perspective. Iowa State has played seven games and only lost twice. Let that sink in.

Those in black and gold have two common reactions to the Cyclones recent success.

And oh how they differ.

First of all, there are those who believe once Iowa has defeated Iowa State they no longer matter until the early fall matchup comes around again. These typically find it in their heart to root on the Cyclones on days they don’t play.

In all reality, what does pulling for them really do. One is in the Big Ten, the other the Big 12. A majority only pay attention when it is a cy-hawk battle in football, basketball, or wrestling. Does it really impact Iowa if they do bad?

The answer is no.

Especially if Iowa beats Iowa State, pulling for them can only help the Hawkeyes strength of schedule. Plus it legitimizes the rivalry in the nation’s eyes. A sweeping opinion is that the game, at least in football, is a burden to Iowa.

This is a simple, when Iowa State is good the rivalry is better as well. In hindsight, Iowa’s win in Ames could be their most impressive victory.

The other option, which seems to be more non-Iowa residents, is that Iowa State favor has no place in Iowa City. They’d like to see a winless season every year. They have been nearly satisfied in recent years.

This idea leaves no room for anything cyclone. Not in football, not basketball, and not in any sport. These are the die-hard Iowa State haters. They embrace the rivalry like those would see the Iron Bowl in Alabama.

In their eyes, regardless of circumstances, Iowa State must lose to Iowa and finish last in the Big 12. There is no room in their heart for a Cyclone.

It is a question that confuses many Hawkeye fans. When Iowa is good, it doesn’t matter. This year though, while Iowa currently boasts three losses, ignoring Iowa State is impossible. Fans are left with a moral dilemma, how to handle Iowa State being good.

Iowa State faces top-five ranked Texas Christian in Ames. Do you cheer for Iowa State?

The post How to Think About Iowa State appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Once to a Penn State team with arguably the most dynamic player in college football. The other, at the hands of an improving Michigan State team. One came at home, the other in East Lansing.

Four wins and two losses at the midway point sets the Hawkeyes on track to equal last year’s record. Another eight win, four loss would be shooting par in Iowa City.

Although, these two losses have a different value. Both, through a fairly short connection chain, trace back to an undefeated team.

Penn State is simple, they are still undefeated. They’ve risen in the polls from fourth, the ranking given to them prior to traveling to Kinnick, to second after some losses above them. Only the juggernaut Alabama leads the Nittany Lion in the polls.

A close loss to Penn State helps. Obviously a win would’ve carried a greater weight but to play the number four team tough speaks as well.

The loss on the road against Michigan State is slightly more difficult to track. There is a middle man between the Spartans and the unbeaten. Michigan State has one loss to Notre Dame.

Notre Dame, who has snuck unnoticed into the top-15, also only has one loss. Theirs came at the hand

of Georgia. The Bulldogs are the other undefeated with ties to the Hawkeyes.

Both Georgia and Penn State are ranked in the top-three. Both appear, at least thus far, to have a team capable of competing with the Crimson Tide. It won’t be long until the “We Want Bama” signs appear on College Gameday from the Penn State or Georgia faithful.

Iowa, coming off a bye week, gets Northwestern followed by rival Minnesota. Only then do they face the challenge of handling Ohio State and undefeated Wisconsin. If 8-4 is the projected outlook, those are the two games that will drop.

They have their noted struggles but maybe this team isn’t all that bad. It’s a bold move to make but the Hawkeyes get someone every year. Ohio State and Wisconsin, one of them might end up on the wrong side.

The post Glimpse at Iowa’s Losses appeared first on KRUI Radio.

The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, as of recent, is the most notorious offender. They were investigated over the last three years after an ongoing string of fake courses kept student-athletes eligible.

It’s going to cost them big time.

Here’s a hypothetical for you, what if these cheating operations aren’t solely to allow athletes the luxury of no added class pressure? Could they be designed, in part, to aid student-athletes with learning disabilities in meeting the academic requirements of collegiate sports?

The NCAA has methods of allowing accommodations to athletes with learning disabilities as they are progressing through the college application process. They have requirements as part of the Eligibility Center that determine if an athlete is able to compete collegiately.

Education-Impacting Disabilities, as the NCAA refers to them, includes learning disabilities, hearing impaired, mental health, and autism which can be healed once they consult the experts from WhiteSands outpatient center. This primarily applies to athletes entering college, not those who are struggling in the college learning environment.

For those students, who have access to campus resources, the struggle is still legitimate.

The NCAA has created new methods of limiting the amount of allowable athletic related activities each week. The goal was to alleviate stress from the already hectic student-athlete’s schedule.

For a student-athlete with a learning disability, adequately managing a required 12 semester hour minimum work load is a real challenge. When finishing the days tasks, a learning disability is the last thing that should impact their ability to compete athletically.

All initiatives aside, the thorn remains the required hour rule. Even with accommodations such as a reading aid or extended time for exams, the struggles persist. Those tools don’t change the fact that a typically assignment is going to take longer for a student with a learning disability holding them back.

The solution, which for the record is nowhere close to a full blown idea, would allow for a decreased mandatory hour limit. It’s an idea that would allow students to be ‘part-time’ while still competing in athletics. Students who struggle with completing their assignments on time can also look up the best essay writing service reddit for help.

Allowing the hours to be manageable creates an environment that encourage realistic expectations and goals for success. Taking six semester hours, for those that have a learning disability, would turn out to be significantly effective.

These are student-athletes that want to compete collegiately but are struggling do to a learning disability. Why should a 12 hour minimum limit those who are putting forth the effort but simply just can’t do college.

There is a phrase, college isn’t for everyone. Why should that limit student-athletes who want to try but due to limitations, come up short. For many the near requirement to complete college in four years is more of a burden than not. People pace college at different rates.

Altering the current regulations wouldn’t come without added rules. The obvious issue is allowing student-athletes with a learning disability to be part-time. It opens the door to everyone having a learning disability. If you happen to have a hearing dis-ability, you can buy hearing aid accessories on this site. You will find that they are reasonably prices as well.

Schools, undoubtedly will take advantage of a change, as they have in many of cases.

To take advantage of accommodations for student-athletes with learning disability would first require a diagnosis from medical personnel who well be offering fibroid treatment options for all. It would also be on a needs basis.

Student-athletes can’t just declare they have a learning-disability. Additional areas would have to be developed to create a track that allows part-time student-athletes. Moral of the story, why limit student-athletes that want to compete in college can’t due to something they can’t control.

It’s time to find a better way to accommodate student-athletes with learning disabilities that doesn’t cause them to dropout or be deemed ineligible.

The post Column: Aiding Student-Athletes with Learning Disabilities appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Desmond King held a draft party Thursday night with hopes of being selected in the first round. Many others pictured him as a mid to late second round pick. King a former Thorpe Award winner for the nation’s best cornerback returned to school to improve his draft stock.

Tight end George Kittle caught the eyes of scouts with his combine performance, particularly in the 40-yard dash. He climbed into some expert’s top-five tight ends list. Those lists include three who were selected in the first round.

Both defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson and quarterback CJ Beathard, the only Friday selection, played in the Senior Bowl as an extra opportunity to show their talent. Neither attracted as much hype as the others but still showed potential to get early selection.

The local excitement around the draft built the expectation that Iowa players would go very high. Possibly higher than deserved. Now that the draft has come and gone, those watching got a clear explanation of how the team evaluated the former Hawkeyes.

CJ Beathard, QB, 49ers (Round 3)

Beathard, the highest Hawkeye selection, joins the San Francisco 49ers after they called his name late in the third round. Beathard threw for 17 touchdowns each of the last two years.

He joins a roster that is home to veteran Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley. Having those two leading him on the depth chart creates completely different scenarios.

Option one, Beathard ends up sitting behind and learning from two other quarterbacks. Despite neither having a huge amount of success, they have more experience than Beathard. This leaves him as either a potential starter after learning in a few years or as a career backup.

Option two, he finds himself starting as a rookie. The 49ers 2-14 record a year ago presents endless opportunities for a young quarterback. Any of the third could end up under center when the 49ers play Carolina week one.

Jaleel Johnson, DT, Vikings (Round 4)

Johnson came off the board quickly as Saturday began when the Minnesota Vikings grabbed him with the 109^th pick. He won’t be playing far from Iowa City.

Johnson will fit well into the defense in Minnesota especially since defensive line is one of their biggest needs. They have a good amount of players at the position but none have been extremely impressive.

He leaves Iowa as one of many notable defensive linemen over the years including recent player Adrian Clayborn. Johnson has starter talent and could see action as soon as next season in Minnesota.

Desmond King, DB, Chargers (Round 5)

At the completion of his junior season, King was a lock in the first round. He chose to come back for another year at Iowa.

His explanation for returning revolved around the scout’s interest in him developing his speed. King used the opportunity to graduate from Iowa and continue to develop his overall game.

The change was he dropped from a first round selection, as late as the college seasons final week, to a fifth round selection by the Los Angeles Chargers. King was the 151 overall selection.

Whether or not King will fit into the Chargers secondary remains to be seem. What King does have is versatility. In the NFL, he will be able to shift freely between corner and safety.

His ability to impact the game as a hard hitting safety makes King a valuable pickup. He also plays well in coverage, intercepting eight passes his junior season.

King slipped on draft boards leading up to the draft but falling into the fifth round came as a shock for many.

George Kittle, TE, 49ers (Round 5)

George Kittle will join Iowa teammate CJ Beathard as a member of the San Francisco 49ers.

Kittle, who could’ve gone as high as the third round, found his name picked slightly before King at 146. He climbed many teams draft boards after he ran a 4.52 40-yard dash at the Combine.

It may be too soon for comparisons but Kittle has potential similar to former Hawkeye Dallas Clark. Kittle is slightly taller but possesses similar on field skills to be a receiving tight end that can block when asked.

Kittle showed up less this past season with the Hawkeyes due to injury but the previous year spoke prominently for him.

Left Undrafted

Four notable Hawkeye players went undrafted. Offensive lineman Cole Croston, running back LeShun Daniels, defensive back Greg Mabin, and punter Ron Coluzzi. None were expected to be drafted but all are looking to continue their football careers.

Croston, as an Iowa offensive lineman, led the group as the most likely to hear his name called Saturday.

The post Breaking Down the Hawkeyes Taken in the NFL Draft appeared first on KRUI Radio.

By Ben Colin

Iowa City, Iowa – Not your typical Friday night lights.

First off, it’s a mild spring evening, not a chilly fall night. Second, this was a Hawkeye football game of 16,500 people instead of a local high school. Third, the final score; Gold (defense) beat Black (offense) 63-47.

The high scoring affair under the lights that combined to a grand total of 110 points. The missing detail, one team scored on nearly every play, in one way or another. The Hawkeyes spring game uses an intricate scoring system to add a level of excitement.

The best way to score points is obviously a touchdown, just like in a normal game. Tonight, sacks and interceptions loaded the scoreboard for the defense. Junior safety Jake Gervase contributed 15 points through interceptions alone.

Gervase had himself a night. Intercepting starting quarterback candidate Tyler Wiegers twice in the first half, one of which resulted in a 59-yard touchdown. He picked off a Nate Stanley pass in the second half as well.

“I was in the right spot at the right time,” Gervase said. “I just try to take advantage of every opportunity. Nothings guaranteed and I really tried to make the most of it.”

Gervase joined the first team defense after starting safety Brandon Snyder went down with a season ending knee injury just over two weeks ago. Iowa has always plugged the next man in even when a crucial starter goes down.

“Jake was practicing well before that, he got off to a good start this spring,” Coach Kirk Ferentz said. “He’s been on a track that way and its paying off for him.”

Notably missing from the offense was last year’s leading rusher Akrum Wadley. Running backs Toren Young and Toks Akinribade claimed the majority of the carries in Wadley’s absence. Junior Marcel Joly also had a few rushes.

Young, who rushed for a score, is already reminding people of last season’s other thousand-yard rusher LeShun Daniels. Young, who led all rushers in the spring game, has excited his teammate Akrum Wadley.

“I feel like Toren and Toks coming in are capable of doing anything,” Wadley said. “You’ve seen bursts from Toren and ability from Toks, those guys are hungry. It’s entertaining to watch them play.”

The combination of Wadley, Young, Akinribade, and Joly elicited memories of two years ago but Wadley didn’t want to get too far ahead of himself.

Like most positions, nothing is set in stone and Ferentz wants to keep the door open at running back. Seeing multiple running backs is something he said they count on.

“Those two are different kinds of backs, and that’s fine,” Ferentz said. “Both have a lot of growth to go so not having Akrum play was probably a good thing.”

Wadley’s also still been growing, physically and in his game, over the offseason.

“The biggest thing is his weight and he can be a little flighty at times but he’s focused on the right things,” Ferentz said.

Despite quarterback CJ Beathard walking the sideline last night, he won’t be suiting up for the Hawkeyes any time soon. Since he has wrapped up his career, the quarterback competition has taken off. All throughout spring ball the question of who will start day one against Wyoming has been at the forefront.

Both Nate Stanley and Tyler Wiegers played a substantial amount but the battle didn’t get any closer to a decision. Neither played outstanding nor did they play horribly bad. They combined for three interceptions but showed signs of improvement.

If the game were tomorrow the Hawkeyes would have their work cut out for them.

“We’d probably do a coin flip,” Ferentz said. “Luckily we’ll have 15 to 18 practices before we have to make that decision.”

The decision will come

somewhere in camp. Wiegers and Stanley both agree they still have work to do. Stanley threw the game’s only touchdown to Devonte Young for four yards in the first half.

“We are still working on some chemistry and getting everything in the playbook,” Stanley said. “Coming out here and playing live we did alright but there’s a long way to go.”

Wiegers echoed his position partner.

“There’s some plays I’d like to have back, obviously there’s good stuff too,” Wiegers said. “Being more consistent going forward is a big thing.”

Every issue wasn’t completely the quarterbacks fault, multiple receivers dropped fairly catchable balls. Similar to last year, the receiving core has the ability to make or break the offense.

Iowa targeted five tight ends during the game. The most notable positive for the future is youth at tight end. Noah Fant, who played at times last year, plus redshirt freshman Shaun Beyer, TJ Hockenson, and Drew Cook all had multiple targets. Senior Jon Wisnieski joined them on the stat line.

“They have to keep pushing, there’s nothing magical to it,” Ferentz said. “It’s harder to be out there blocking sometimes, but they just have to keep pushing.”

Overall the spring game is an opportunity for everyone to check out the team in live action. The talent level on this team is close, and will make for a competitive summer and fall. The first game is Saturday, September 9 at Kinnick.

The post Iowa Spring Game Leaves More to be Learned appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Nothing new but Colin once again brought up his ideas of Kirk Ferentz’s speed dial. The first number he’d imagine, “1-800-CREAM-PUFF”. Each year Colin ridicules Ferentz for dialing up the Northern Illinois’ and Iowa States of the world.

He has a point; Iowa hasn’t put much into its non-conference schedule in recent years. In addition to Iowa State, only two other power-five schools made the opponent list since 2008. Pittsburgh and Arizona, neither of which have been of the relevance needed to promote a win against them.

Iowa has scheduled strong opponents in the past, especially while Hayden Frye was at the helm. Teams like Penn State and Nebraska, prior to joining the Big Ten, and others including a ranked Arizona State. It isn’t completely out of the picture to play good teams.

Cowherd missed one key element, maybe the scheduling difficulties don’t stem from Iowa. Maybe the lack of teams on the schedule comes from the lack of value a game would have.

Most of this is hypothetical, relying on the idea that Iowa football is bound to be bad sooner or later. Most of us around here hope for a great year but deep down know it’s not out of the question to have a less that desirable season.

That being said, and the fact that everyone around here knows is important to the discussion. If all of us know then it’s hard to believe the schools playing Iowa don’t. They do know what the product on the field could potentially be, especially if they get Iowa on a down year.

Teams scheduling tough non-conference opponents are looking for return on investment. Taking a risk and lining up against another ranked opponent offers positives in both outcomes. Win or lose against a highly ranked team, assuming you’re also a good team, produces results that are very similar.

When Oklahoma and Ohio State plan matchups between them, chances are both will be ranked. A game of that magnitude draws a large national following and has big stakes. Win and the season turns from ‘can we make it in’ to ‘we’re in, let’s stay there’.

Losing that game, although losing is never great, brings with it some positives. You’ve lost to a good team, producing the much talked about ‘good win’.

Iowa can’t guarantee any of that. On a great year, like that of two years ago, losing to Iowa is considered a good loss. That is if there were a team on the schedule needing that. Beat Iowa that year and you’ve picked up a solid win. The only loss on an 11-1 record could help a team trying to make the College Football Playoff.

If Iowa could offer a consistent good win or good loss opportunity, teams would answer if Ferentz called. Iowa would also accept if those schools called. Constantly producing a benefit attracts.

Opponents like Oklahoma, USC or Florida, all of which Cowherd mentioned at some point, would play Iowa if they were sure they’d get a return on the risk. Currently Iowa doesn’t offer enough to make it worth the risk.

Cowherd is right, Iowa could call more. They could try to find a way to schedule opponents that will increase their strength of schedule. He does still miss the point.

College football is uneven; it always has been. Some schools have great years now and again. Regardless of schedule, an undefeated season isn’t easy. Iowa fell exactly to what they earned, if they played a stronger team and won the conference title game loss wouldn’t have mattered.

If someday Iowa is consistently good enough to attract top-tier opponents, it will happen. As for now settling for the schedule will have to do. In the near future moving back towards playing middle of the pack power-five schools, like Pittsburgh, would be a step in the right direction.

For Colin, things like this take time. Right now, Iowa is the fake ID of college football. Sooner or later everyone turns 21 and gets to enter the club.

The post Oh No! Colin Cowherd Missed an Important Point appeared first on KRUI Radio.

Glendale, Arizona – The thought of sitting in the rafters is one thing but actually doing it is another.

Looking past the grey painted, slightly rusted beams supporting the wide spanning roof just to see the figures move on the floor. Sitting in the same plain as the massive light fixtures illuminating the stadium creates its own challenges. Those daring enough to look straight ahead meet with a blinding white light.

On the floor, the players look like ants. It takes multiple trips down the floor before the distant person is matched with a name and number on the video screen. Guessing is the only hope of seeing who committed a foul if more than two players are in the area.

The stadium tries its best. Close your eyes and the floor feels feet away. Floor noise, the bands, and even coaches chatter is pumped out of hanging speakers to increase the experience for the ones on the upper level.

This is how watching the men’s Final Four from the nose bleeds goes for the fans wanting to experience college basketball at its best. Fans jam into a football stadium to watch a game played in an arena four times smaller. Needless to say they are a few difficulties.

Before going forward, the key note to all of this. The Final Four ranks with the Super Bowl in overall fan experience. Nothing beats watching the four teams, down from 68, battle to cut down the nets. Complaining about sitting near the top would be selfish but watching from above does provide a new twist.

From above, everything is within view. Not a very clear or close view but never the less still there. As the lower bowl watched South Carolina quickly move the ball on a fast break, while we saw Gonzaga star Przemek Karnowski lay in the lane clutching at his right eye. On that play the reaction came from upstairs first.

The only problem was no one knew what had actually happened. Some fans thought concussion, others thought he got slapped in the face, and a handful correctly said he’d been hit in the eye. He ended up going to the locker room for treatment, which was clear as day for everyone in the stadium. Karnowski stands taller than seven feet.

An overwhelming amount of fouls highlighted Monday nights National Championship game. Looking down at the scoreboard with just under ten minutes to go to find Gonzaga is in the double bonus. We heard the speaker amplified whistle often during the second half.

At every call very few could truly say, with certainty, they knew what the call was and who it was on. North Carolina senior Kennedy Meeks, who played with four fouls late in the second half, fouled out for many upper level fans numerous times. All eventually came to learn it was a jump ball or a foul on Isaiah Hicks.

If the officials made a decision, most of which are too far away to see visibly, the sure fire way to know is to listen to the crowd. Good call and the crowd is quiet. Bad call and the crowd will erupt, leaving the top deck to figure out what happened.

During the title game people used binoculars to feel closer to the court. With improved internet signal inside University of Phoenix Stadium, fans would have the March Madness app open to live video, giving them up to the minute replays. That was the only way anyone figured out why Joel Berry II shot free throws for an unseen technical foul.

An overwhelming amount of plays left the upper level questioning, thankfully the game was decided by a center court turnover. Everyone got a semi-equal view of the game ending play.

Watching in person and taking in the near unbelievable environment is unmatchable. Whatever seat, high or low, the experience will not disappoint.

There’s nothing like the Final Four.

The post The Final Four Changes the Higher You Get appeared first on KRUI Radio.

It’s been a while since Iowa fans heard from Cowherd, the last followed the early season loss to FCS opponent North Dakota State. The noise quieted but arose again when Dakich opened old wounds about former basketball coach Steve Alford.

Dakich claims that he “brokered the deal” for Alford to leave Iowa and accept a job at New Mexico. The comments aren’t out of the ordinary for Dakich, a well revered college basketball analyst, but the Twitter conversation with two Hawkeye Nation writers’ aids in rivaling him with Cowherd.

The Cowherd Era

Cowherd caught the attention of Hawkeye fans during Iowa football’s undefeated regular season by labeling their beloved team as posers in the College Football Playoff race. He argued that Iowa didn’t belong in the conversation because they aren’t a historic program. To make matters worse, Colin lived it up when the Hawkeyes fell to Michigan State and in the Rose Bowl to Stanford.

Hawkeye fans didn’t take to his comments lightly. Fans, along with the local sports media, responded to Cowherd. The responses, although very valid, elicited an onslaught of Hawkeye football criticism. He went as far as naming Iowa the ‘Fake ID’ of college football.

Cowherds main talking point revolved around Iowa’s lack of out of conference strength. The opponents Iowa faced weren’t up to the standard that Cowherd says it takes to be considered a contender. The Hawkeyes schedule, in Cowherd’s words, was a “creampuff”.

The FS1 host claims he isn’t anti-Iowa but that he is anti-poser. He feels teams need to earn their place at the table by beating all of their top-level opponents. Winning all of the games isn’t enough for him, something that drove Iowa fans up the wall.

Cowherd did offer Iowa ways to steer-clear of his criticism. He says he likes team that take risk and win games against legitimate opponents. The near future doesn’t offer any big time opponents for Iowa so Cowherd will likely return as soon as the Hawkeyes step onto a national stage again.

The Challenger, Dan Dakich

Frustration with Dakich stems from his Twitter antics. Earlier this year he engaged in arguments over social media with Michigan State fans. Dakich isn’t a favorite for many Big Ten schools outside of Indiana.

Iowa fans didn’t have much against him until Saturday morning when he took to Twitter against Hawkeye Nation writers Rob Howe and Jon Miller. Howe and Miller expressed their interest in Dakich’s comments about why Alford left Iowa City. They gave their accounts and Dakich attempted to justify his.

Saturday morning on ESPN, Dakich claimed that Alford left Iowa because the fans in New Mexico offered better fan support. He said that New Mexico would draw an average crowd of 15 thousand or more.

Miller responded with the true statistics. Iowa only trialed New Mexico in attendance in Alford’s final year. Fans jumped at the opportunity to defend their local writers against Dakich, who insulted the entire fan base.

Dakich’s final defense was to resort to name-calling. He referred to Howe as a ‘fan boy’ as well as tweeting that he ‘doesn’t know the truth.’ Again the Iowa fans backed their writers.

Hawkeye fans don’t take criticism of their teams lightly but they especially don’t enjoy their support to be questioned. Howe and Miller defended the fan base by arguing Dakich’s claim that the fans made Alford leave.

Although no one may ever pass Cowherd as Iowa’s most disliked, Dakich stole the spotlight for a brief moment. As for his comments about Steve Alford, it remains to be seen how much more of the past will be brought up as his name is considered for the vacant Indiana job.

The post ESPN’s Dan Dakich Joining Cowherd in Iowa Fans Minds appeared first on KRUI Radio.

CBS reviled the field of 68 Sunday afternoon, leading most college basketball fans around the country to fill out their brackets. Each fan hoping to win their work pool, or the much more unlikely option, having a perfect bracket.

The name of the tournament speaks for itself, the tournament is unpredictable. The odds to accurately predicting a flawless bracket are about 1 in 9.2 quintillion.

Even with such unpredictability, there are a couple themes stand true about who is likely to be making the trip to Glendale for the Final Four. Year after year, the tournament is complete madness but the road to the Final Four is more simple than it would seem.

Veteran Guards Win Championships

Over the last ten years the team that cuts down the nets features a star, usually veteran, guard. Half of the last ten years Final Four Most Outstanding Players were upperclassmen. Add the Russ Smith and Payton Siva from Louisville’s win in 2013 to the mix as well.

Last year, Villanova’s Ryan Arcidiacono led his team through the gantlet NCAA tournament to their first National Championships since 1985. Coach Jay Wright touted Arcidiacono’s leadership skills, even saying he was a mini version of himself.

Arcidiacono scored 16 points in the championship game but was highlighted by the assist to Kris Jenkins that led to the buzzer-beating shot. Graduating a year ago, Villanova will be without Arcidiacono.

Villanova, among others, features a veteran guard. One that can assist is leading their team through the NCAA tournament.

Josh Hart, a senior for Villanova, is averaging just over 18 points-per-game, leading the team to their number-one seed in East Regional. Not only will his experience in college help but playing on the biggest stage last year won’t hurt.

Hart, a shooting guard, is at the mercy of sophomore Jalen Brunson leading the offense. Brunson and others still are able to find their leader to put on the points for the Wildcats.

Two other veteran shooting guards on power-conference teams have the ability to lead their squad deep into the tournament. UCLA’s Bryce Alford and Duke’s Grayson Allen both have experience on the big stage, Allen won the national championship in 2015.

Alford is playing for his father, Steve, who won the national championship in 1987. Now head UCLA coach, Steve played guard in college as well.

UCLA’s guard play is among the best in the country, featuring Alford and super-star freshman Lonzo Ball. Between the two, UCLA leads all teams averaging over 90 points-per-game.

Midwest Region number-one Kansas also has a two headed monster. Senior Frank Mason III and junior Devonte’ Graham, who alternate at point-guard. As a result, Mason and Graham account for around a fourth of the team’s points.

Mason is among the nation’s top scorers and that is something that is unlikely to change once tournament play begins. He is averaging 20 points-per-game this season.

Conference rival and Big 12 champion Iowa State is a slightly less likely championship contender. Despite being a five-seed, the Cyclones senior Monte Morris holds similar qualities to the above named guards.

Morris leads Iowa State is scoring and has played a key role in the Cyclones peaking at the right time. Morris isn’t the only veteran guard, three of his teammates that rank second, third, and fourth in scoring are also senior guards.

While Iowa State might not be Villanova or Kansas, they could be a team to watch.

Some lower seeded teams aren’t necessarily looking to raise the trophy in Glendale. Their hopes are to win just a game. Having a guard with a hot hand makes that all the more possible.

Winthrop senior Keon Johnson is top-ten in Division I with over 22 point-per-game. His Winthrop Eagles are a 13-seed and will play Butler but that isn’t anything to stop a player shooting 40-percent from behind the arch.

Making over a fourth of Winthrop’s points, Johnson will be an under the radar senior guard to watch on the first weekend.

Don’t Underestimate Anyone

It’s easy to pick by the seeds, and chances are that will result in a solid bracket. Since 2010, 62-percent of top-four seeds have advanced on to the sweet-sixteen. Fairly good odds with as many upsets that due happen.

Each year there are a group of teams that shake up the field and make it further than anyone expected. Whether 15-seed Florida Gulf Coast advancing to the regionals or George Mason making the Final Four, crazy things happen.

Last year was Syracuse, and it very well could be again, that made the Final Four as a double-digit seed. Teams like Wichita State, Butler, and VCU have recently advanced to the final weekend.

Other times it’s an early round upset that busts a bracket. Most times those are harder to predict. Trying to selected a low-seed that will take down a perennial power, it isn’t easy.

Year after year it seems that a 12-seed will knock-off a 5-seed. In the last five years, multiple 5-seeds have fallen each year except 2015.

Often the 12-line corresponds with the bubble. The teams assigned a 12-seed are either the last of the at-large or the best of the small automatic bids. This year that line includes UNC-Wilmington, Nevada, Princeton, and Middle Tennessee.

All four of the 12-seeds will be dangerous in the second round. Each squad boasts a factor that cannot be ignored.

UNC-Wilmington ranks top-five in offensive efficiency. Nevada’s Marcus Marshall averages just under 20 points-per-game. Princeton enters the tournament on a 19 game winning streak. Middle Tennessee, one year removed from upsetting 2-seed Michigan State, returns nearly their entire roster from last years’ team.

Even though the seeds are high, the Big Ten schools tend to show up when it matters. Michigan sits on the seven-line and Wisconsin an eight-seed.

Major conference schools that feel they are seeded low will show two different outcomes. Some will roll over and others will go out with something to prove.

The Big Ten, as a conference, is seeded lower than in the past. In addition, the committee also left out three teams form the big dance: Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana. Watching how the Big Ten will respond could present an entertaining tournament.

When All Else Fails, Pick a One-Seed

A one-seed has never lost in the first round of the NCAA tournament. It’s been close recently, Arizona and Gonzaga both narrowly escaping with single digit wins. The closest a 16 has ever come is one point.

The field features three number-one-seed teams from major conferences and one from a small mid-major. Villanova, Kansas, and North Carolina out of power basketball conferences are the odds on favorites to head to Glendale. Gonzaga, the West Coast Conference champions, have the best record of any team in the tournament.

Villanova and Kansas could face intriguing matchups in the third round. 8-seed Wisconsin is one win from Villanova and 9-seed Michigan State the same distance from Kansas. Both teams played in the Final Four two years ago.

North Carolina, the one-seed in the South Regional, has been the third most talked about school of the region. Both ESPN and CBS thought higher of Kentucky and UCLA out of that bracket than the Tar Heels, despite their regular season ACC title.

Multiple teams, all seeded anywhere from one to three, could have been on the one-line. UCLA, Duke, Kentucky, and Oregon could all make a run at the Final Four.

Look for the high seeds to be strong, even with as crazy as the year has been. The one-seeds have history on their side.

The post What to Look for in March Madness appeared first on KRUI Radio.

IOWA CITY, Iowa – It isn’t the popular opinion, but all of the Patriots should make the White House visit. If it isn’t for something else planned, there are only reasons for the players to go meet President Trump.

The twist is that by attending they could still convey a message, and possibly a significantly more powerful one.

Earlier this week the University of Iowa Athletic Department held a town hall meeting for its student-athletes. The focus on the meeting, discussing diversity and inclusion. As thoughts were shared, the New England Patriots players who have decided to skip the White House visit were mentioned.

The topic brought about a critical response, from both perspectives. Some felt it hurt the team for the players not to attend, others said they have every right not to go. The media around the much anticipated visit was even brought into question.

Overall, the reaction to the players pledging their absence was that they need to make a statement against what they feel is wrong and that by not attending they will do so. Notable Patriots players Martellus Bennett, Devin McCourty, and LeGarrette Blount all have expressed that they will not attend, citing President Trump or the government as their reasoning.

Others have joined the list of players choosing to stay away. Dont’a Hightower’s reason was he had already attended in college; he also did not attend when the Patriots won Super Bowl XLIX. Alan Branch decided to be with family and Chris Long didn’t give any more reason than he didn’t want to go.

The players holding out because of their disgust or anger with the new President came as no surprise. Many athletes have expressed their displeasure with the President and his actions over the campaign and into office.

Results from many of those who spoke out was what ultimately lacked. High profile statements have a cause and effect. One side will feel empowered while the other will lash back at whatever the statement was, just as it happened when players announced they wouldn’t visit the White House or when Colin Kaepernick sat during the national anthem.

The difference for these players, and the reason why they should still attend, is that they are public figures. They have abilities and opportunities that the average American citizen doesn’t have.

Whether someone is for or against President Trump they have an opinion. And the players have made theirs’ clear, but these players are also being given a chance that everyone else isn’t. A chance to speak to the President himself, in person.

Blount, who has been outspoken about feeling unwelcome in the White House, has the opportunity to meet face to face with the person so many Americans are frustrated with. He has a chance to express his concerns to the source of what many see as the problem. By not attending, he doesn’t have that.

These players can use the White House visit to spread their message to the ultimate target. They have the ability to be ambassadors to the President for the American people. They can be a more direct route than many of the politicians that are also causing frustration.

Being able to stand up for what you believe says more about ones character than letting the opponent win. Not attending sends a message but it brings no tangible results along with it. Speaking to the President does.

The old fashion way of solving problems is to talk it out. Today it is easier to avoid a problem or to speak out with no result than it is to go to the source. Discussion can solve problems; an idea the country was built on.

By these players attending, they would be able to tell the story of how the President acted with them. Was he rude, as many think would happen, or was he willing to talk? Did the President listen to the concerns of the players or did he allow it to go in one ear and out the other?

There would be no more powerful a message to the American people than a professional athlete, someone who to many is a role model, telling them how the President acted and what he said. Being able to say that he listened, or didn’t.

If the Super Bowl Champions, New England Patriots players could return and tell the American people they expressed their thoughts directly to the President it would leave a lasting impact. A message to stand up for themselves but also that discussion to work things through is much stronger a weapon.

The town hall for the student-athletes ended with similar words from the panel. Finding the people who can help tell the message and confronting it head on. Issues today need to be solved by working them out, face to face.

The post All of the Patriots Should Go to the White House appeared first on KRUI Radio.