Punting Is Winning

In this episode we talk about our observations at the recent spring football practice for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes. What we liked, what concerns us still and what improvements can be made going forward.

The postseason has arrived and departed, leaving Hawkeye fans with a mix of incredible highs and tough goodbyes. On this episode of Punting is Winning, we dive deep into the final tournament runs for both the Iowa Women’s and Men’s basketball programs.T

he Women’s Tournament: A Bitter Exit

It was a rollercoaster of a week for the Iowa women. We recap the gritty, hard-fought opening win over a mismatched Fairleigh Dickinson squad that tested Iowa's resolve early. However, the journey ended sooner than many hoped with a devastating double-overtime loss to Virginia in the Round of 32.

In this segment, we discuss:

- Breaking down the defensive lapses and offensive execution in the Virginia game.

- The immediate future: What does this team need to find in the transfer portal?

- Roster evolution: Which returning players need to step into larger leadership or scoring roles next season?

The Men’s Tournament: A Historic Elite 8 ChargeOn the men’s side, the Hawkeyes reminded everyone why you can never count them out in March. We trace the path from the opening tip to the final buzzer of an unforgettable run.

- Round 1: A methodical, defensive masterclass in the 67-61 win over Clemson.

- The Florida Upset: Iowa stared down the #1 seed and didn't blink. We relive the final 8.9 seconds where Stirtz found Alvaro Folgueiras for the legendary go-ahead corner three to stunned the Gators.

- Sweet 16 vs. Nebraska: A classic Big Ten battle. After trailing at the half, the defense locked in, leading to the late-game heroics from Stirtz and the dagger from Pryce Sandfort to secure the 77-71 win.

- Elite 8 vs. Illinois: A familiar foe proved to be the final hurdle. We look at where the game was lost in the 71-59 defeat and celebrate a season that exceeded all expectations.

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Go Hawks!

It's time to fill out those brackets! Join us as we unpack the NCAA Tournament selections for the Iowa Hawkeyes. We're talking seeding, survival, and what it's going to take to keep the run alive for both the Men's and Women's teams.

The Men's Road:

We start with the first-round battle against Clemson. We discuss the tactical matchups and the pressure points. But the job doesn't stop there—we also break down the potential second-round nightmare matchup against Florida and how Iowa can prepare for it now.

The Women's Road:

The Women's team is ready to dance against Fairleigh Dickinson. We talk about maintaining focus and avoiding early exits. Plus, we look at the probable Round 2 challenge against Georgia and why that SEC defense will be a major test.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or just filling out a bracket for the office pool, this breakdown gives you the insider insight you need!

In this episode, we dive into the exciting seasons of Iowa's men's and women's basketball teams! The Iowa women had an impressive run, finishing 2nd in the conference with a stellar 24-5 record and making it to the conference tournament finals. We break down their big wins over Illinois and Michigan before facing a tough UCLA team in the championship. With a likely #2 seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament, the future looks bright for the Hawkeyes!

On the men's side, it was a challenging end to the season, with a 3-game losing streak, including narrow losses to top conference rivals Michigan and Nebraska. We discuss what the team needs to do in the conference tournament to regain their momentum and make a splash in the NCAA Tournament. Tune in for all the insights and analysis!

Get ready for an exciting recap of Iowa's thrilling week in sports! In this video, we dive into the Iowa women's basketball team's dramatic performances, including a nail-biting victory over Purdue and a commanding win against the #6 ranked Michigan Wolverines, where their defense shined brightest. Discover how players like Ava Heiden and Taylor Stremlow stepped up in Hannah Steulke's absence, leading the Hawks with career-high points.

On the men's side, we cover the rollercoaster week that saw Iowa upset #9 Nebraska before facing #24 Wisconsin. With two significant upcoming matchups against Ohio State and Penn State, it's a crucial time for the Hawkeyes!

Plus, we revisit our previous discussion on football scheduling and the historical records in conference opening games. Don't miss out on all this action!

Join us as we dive into the thrilling week of Iowa sports, highlighting both the women's and men's basketball teams! The Iowa Women have bounced back strong with impressive victories over #25 Washington and Nebraska, led by standout players Ava Heiden, Taylor Stremlow, and Hannah Stuelke, improving their record to an exciting 20-5. As they gear up for a crucial matchup against #6 Michigan, the anticipation is palpable!

Meanwhile, the Iowa men faced challenges last week, including losses to Maryland and #7 Purdue, struggling with rebounding and shooting. They'll aim to turn things around against Nebraska next Tuesday.

Plus, we'll discuss the ongoing debate about bias in Big Ten football scheduling, as Iowa has faced notable challenges over the past 28 seasons. Don't miss this engaging overview packed with insights on Iowa Football and Basketball action!

Dive into the thrilling world of Iowa sports as we break down an eventful week for both the Iowa women's and men's basketball teams! Join us as we discuss the tough losses against USC and UCLA, highlighting the impact of losing senior leader Taylor McCabe.

We’ll also celebrate the men's stunning 2-0 week, featuring a nail-biting victory over the Trojans and a solid win against Oregon. Plus, get ready for the upcoming match against the Golden Gophers and more!

And don’t miss our insights on Iowa football, as we reveal the challenging 2026 schedule that includes tough away games and a much-anticipated clash with Ohio State.

Whether you're a die-hard Hawkeyes fan or just love Big Ten football and basketball, this video is packed with exciting analysis and updates you won’t want to miss!

In this action-packed episode, we dive into the thrilling world of Iowa Football and Iowa Basketball, debating the Hawkeyes' latest transfers from the portal and their potential impact on the Big Ten landscape. Did Iowa strengthen their team, or will these lower-level standouts struggle in the FBS D1 arena?

We’ll also recap the Iowa men's basketball team’s hard-fought 68-62 victory over Rutgers, where Tate Sage shone brightly, sinking crucial three-pointers and free throws.

Plus, we celebrate the Iowa women's incredible week, including a nail-biting overtime win at #15 Maryland and a commanding 91-70 victory over Ohio State. With big matchups against USC and #2 UCLA on the horizon, find out what has the Hawkeye spirit soaring!

Join us as we analyze game highlights and player performances that keep Iowa’s sports prestige alive and vibrant!

Women’s Basketball: The 3-0 Rally

The Hawkeyes are officially on a tear. We break down a perfect 3-0 week that showed this team’s grit:

• The Bloomington Comeback: How Iowa erased a 16-point halftime deficit to stun Indiana 56-53. We highlight Ava Heiden’s 13 points and Hannah Stuelke’s monster 12-rebound performance.

• Defending Carver: A look at the 74-66 win over Oregon. Addie Deal had her breakout moment, and Stuelke continued her dominance to help Iowa survive a late Ducks surge.

• Statement Win: Iowa snapped Michigan State’s 9-game winning streak with a 75-68 victory. Stuelke nearly put up a double-double (22 pts, 9 reb), proving she is the engine of this offense.

  
  

• On the Horizon: A massive Top-15 road test looms against Maryland.

The men went 1-1 this week, but the fashion in which they finished has fans buzzing:

• Mackey Magic is Tough: We recap the 79-72 loss to #5 Purdue. Despite the result, Bennett Stirtz (19 pts) and Kael Combs (16 pts) showed they can hang with the elite.

  
  

• Silencing Assembly Hall: A wire-to-wire 74-57 demolition of Indiana. We discuss the defensive masterclass that held the Hoosiers without a field goal for nearly 10 minutes in the second half.

  
  

• What’s Next: The Hawkeyes return home to host Rutgers.

  
  

To wrap things up, we’re diving into Transfer Portal talk. We give our perspective on the current "haul" and analyze how these new additions are shaping the roster for the coming season. Is this the group that takes Iowa to the next level?

Join us in this exciting episode as we dive into the latest happenings for the Iowa Hawkeyes basketball teams! The women's squad secured a gritty road win against the Northwestern Wildcats, featuring a standout performance from Eva Heiden, who scored 23 points despite the team's foul troubles. Now, they're gearing up to take on the Indiana Hoosiers! Meanwhile, the men's team faced a challenging week, suffering tough losses to Minnesota and Illinois. Despite creating opportunities to tie the game, cold shooting and illness held them back from victory. With a record of 12-4, the men are looking to bounce back against the Boilermakers next! Plus, we’ll discuss the latest playoff matchups and exciting player additions to the Iowa roster. Don't miss out on all the thrilling insights and updates in Iowa sports!