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Iowa State at The Voice of College Football

Iowa State at The Voice of College Football

By: The Voice of College Football Network
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Welcome to Iowa State at The Voice of College Football Network, your home for In-depth discussion, debate, & analysis on all things Iowa State. We have you covered from offseason all the way to game day. Join us as we embark on another season!Go Cyclones!For business inquiries please contact: Markrogerstv@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.The Voice of College Football Network Football Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Wrapping up the Cyclone MBB Season & Offseason Priorities | Iowa State Cyclones LIVE #61

    Wrapping up the Cyclone MBB Season & Offseason Priorities | Iowa State Cyclones LIVE #61
    Apr 1 2026
    Episode Overview Host: Levi Stevenson (also associated with CF After Dark).Main Topics: Wrap-up of the 2025-26 Iowa State men's basketball season (29-8 record, Sweet 16 appearance), offseason priorities for T.J. Otzelberger's program, a brief note on quiet football spring practices under Jimmy Rogers, and a deeper dive into the women's basketball roster crisis plus Big 12 expansion news on flag football.Tone: Conversational, fan-focused analysis with optimism for MBB continuity, concern for WBB, and excitement about potential new sports. Men's Basketball Season Recap Season ended with a Sweet 16 loss to Tennessee (size/rebounding mismatch highlighted).Key injury: Joshua Jefferson (All-American forward) was unavailable due to ankle injury; he wasn't close to playing even in a potential next round. Without him, the team was "doomed" in that matchup.Strengths shown: Hustle plays, 3-point shooting at times, defensive effort.Weaknesses exposed: Rebounding (especially without Jefferson), free-throw shooting (team-wide issue, notably Blake Buchanan at ~49%), size down low against taller/longer teams like Tennessee.Levi notes the loss was a tough matchup; even beating Tennessee likely wouldn't have led past Michigan without Jefferson. Offseason Priorities for Men's Basketball Levi outlines clear focus areas for building on the core: Retain Talent: Confirmed/Expected Returns: Blake Buchanan (Jr, big, explicitly said he's back), Killyan Toure (rising freshman guard, strong defender), Jamarion Batemon (rising freshman guard, 3-and-D upside), Dominykas Pleta (big, returning). This gives a solid young core.Milan Momcilovic (elite 3-point shooter, ~16.9 PPG): Declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft (standard process; he can return). Future depends on draft feedback—likely mid/late first or second round. Levi sees development upside in defense, playmaking, rebounding, and toughness. Money/NIL will factor in; many expect him back unless a strong first-round projection. Address Size and Rebounding (Especially at 4/5): Need athletic length, motor, and rim protection/rebounding to avoid small-ball issues seen vs. Tennessee.Targets: Transfer portal for a versatile 4/5 (ideally 6'8"+ with hustle like a "Dustin Hogue" or "Melvin Ejim" type—high-motor rebounder who makes dirty plays).Incoming freshmen mentioned: Dorian Ronaldo Comlin (6'10" French big, raw but potential rim protector/lob threat; friends with Toure), Jackson Kiss, Christian Wiggins (Mr. Basketball Minnesota; bucket-getter with defense), Yusuf Gray (developmental). Replace Hustle/Junkyard Dog Role (Nate Heise/Tamin Lipsey): Losing two high-effort guys who made tough plays. Develop Dom Pleta into a taller, skilled version (6'8"+ Nate Heise type—hustle, rebounding, corner 3s, rim defense).Expand Pleta's game using his European tape (perimeter skills, shooting, attacking). Develop Young Core (Toure, Batemon, Pleta, Buchanan): Toure: Improve decision-making, pick-and-roll orchestration, jumper efficiency.Batemon: Control energy/adrenaline in big games; refine as a 3-and-D scorer who attacks selectively (Naz Long 2.0 upside).Buchanan: Free throws (priority—Levi cites Victor Wembanyama as proof bigs can shoot better), add strength (~10-15 lbs), low-post moves/touch, distributing off handoffs/pick-and-rolls. He's a "finished product" to some degree but still improvable.Pleta: Full offseason (visa issues limited last one) to get comfortable; potentially stretch him to 4 or develop as a hustle wing/forward. Free-Throw Shooting & Other: Team-wide emphasis (unacceptable last season).Portal activity expected for scoring guard depth and size; mid-major upgrades have been a successful Otzelberger strategy. Overall optimism: Strong returning pieces + portal/recruits position them well for another competitive Big 12/NCAA run. Women's Basketball Situation "Tsunami" of transfers: Down to essentially 2-3 players (Evangeline Apolk/Paulk, Ariana Jackson, Audi Crooks—her status uncertain). Multiple starters/role players (including Addy Brown, Jada Williams, etc.) entered the portal.Levi's take: Program "not working" for a while; recent tournament success tied to standout scorers/defenders like Ashley Joens or Crooks.Recommendation: Bill Fennelly needs deeper conversations with AD Jamie Pollard, family, staff, and remaining players to diagnose issues and plan forward. Heavy portal reliance incoming with limited high school recruits. Big 12 Flag Football News Report from Ben Portnoy (Sports Business Journal): Big 12 exploring flag football (likely women's, possibly men's) as an official sport, aiming for competition in 2028. Partnership with NFL involved.Context: Replacing the defunct gymnastics program. Women's wrestling was the expected favorite due to Iowa's wrestling culture and in-state talent pipeline.Levi's analysis: Flag football has lower startup costs (minimal equipment: flags, balls, cleats; can use existing indoor/outdoor facilities like football/soccer fields or rec ...
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Cyclones are Sweet | Jimmy Rogers Speaks | Iowa State WBB | Iowa State Cyclones LIVE #60

    Cyclones are Sweet | Jimmy Rogers Speaks | Iowa State WBB | Iowa State Cyclones LIVE #60
    Mar 25 2026
    Opening & Overall Structure Levi Stevenson opens the show, introducing himself and noting his role with CF After Dark.The episode covers three main Iowa State topics: football (shortest segment), men's basketball (Sweet 16 run), and women's basketball (transfer portal news).Levi interacts with live chat comments throughout (e.g., from Carter, Redbird, Duke).Tone is candid, fan-oriented, and appreciative of the new football coaching era's straightforward communication. Football Segment: Jimmy Rogers' First Spring Media Availability Spring practice begins Thursday, March 26, 2026.Rogers held his first media session before practice. Levi plays and discusses clips (courtesy of Jake Brand).Key quotes from Rogers: Excited to see players "compete" and "do football things" after meetings/walkthroughs.Growth seen in winter workouts: team relationships, getting faster/bigger, movement efficiency.Emphasis on building chemistry with many new players (transfers and returners); noted players spending spring break together.Things "moving in the right direction" — now comes down to execution. Levi contrasts Rogers' frank, matter-of-fact style with Matt Campbell's vague/platitude-heavy answers. Praises Rogers for being honest and direct (even on self-reflection questions).Additional notes: Defense (led by Tyler Babbitt/Roll?) appears ahead or on pace; Rogers expressed full trust in offensive coordinator Tyler Roll (formerly with Lions/Bears influence) and said offense is progressing well due to Roll's detail-oriented approach.Rogers takes a "CEO" style like Campbell: coaches the coaches more than micromanaging players.Recruiting/staff: Discussion of retaining players like Francois (from Minnesota); hiring a new recruiting/social media staffer from Wisconsin.Spring showcase planned for ~April 25 (practice + scrimmage elements, open to public, no full spring game).Positive on roster chemistry despite turnover; building relationships is priority early. In-state 2027 RB recruit Isaiah Hansen (Newton HS) highlighted — Levi shares tape impressions: tough runner, good vision, speed (4.4 camp time), stiff arm, MVP at a St. Louis camp. First 2027 commit under Rogers. Men's Basketball: Sweet 16 vs. Tennessee (Friday, ~9-10 PM CT in Chicago) Iowa State (2-seed) faces Tennessee (6-seed) after beating Kentucky convincingly without Joshua Jefferson (ankle injury, progressing but questionable).Levi's take: ISU can win without Jefferson by replicating the Kentucky game plan (force turnovers, transition buckets, efficient FTs/jumpers). Tennessee is very slow (306th in pace), rebound-heavy but star-reliant on Jacoby Gillespie (solid but streaky 3PT shooter ~34.5%, struggles vs. elite defenses).Weaknesses: Poor 3PT team overall, not efficient from 2, turnover-prone, mediocre FT shooting.Iowa State's elite defense (top-5) should feast; KenPom projects a close but winnable game (~4-pt favorite). Strategy talk: Use Mulder sparingly for fouls/rebounding if needed. Avoid letting Tennessee dictate slow pace.Broader tournament outlook: Levi "called his shot" earlier — potential loss spots were 2nd round (pre-injury), Elite Eight (Michigan), or Final Four/Natty. Still believes in a deep run (possibly to Indy). Michigan matchup preferred over Alabama (pace/shooting variance).Optimism high despite Jefferson's status; depth and defense carry the team. Women's Basketball: Transfer Portal Fallout Big (and painful) news just before/during the show: Addie Brown entering the transfer portal (one year eligibility left). Described as a "really big loss" — second-best player on the team when healthy.Other transfers mentioned (multiple players entered today, creating roster uncertainty).Context: ISU had a strong regular season (top-10 at times) but struggled in postseason (e.g., recent first-round NCAA exit). Brown's back injury limited her this year.Levi's analysis: Hard to blame Brown for leaving — she could land big NIL money at a blue-blood (Maryland, South Carolina, etc.).Raises big questions for Audi Crooks (elite scorer but defensive liability — doesn't leave paint, doesn't contest drives well) and Jada Williams (strong transfer year). Will they stay?Program at a crossroads: Bill Fennelly is a legend (Mount Rushmore of ISU WBB, possibly broader), has the fire to continue, and has a lifetime deal. But has he adapted to NIL/modern game?No calls to fire him — he deserves to choose his exit. But tough questions needed on roster building and competitiveness.Crooks' offense is historic (fastest to 2K points, great touch/passing), but defense is a major weakness that teams exploited. Needs fixing (effort/stamina/system?).Roster uncertainty: Can they retain core and add shooters around Crooks? Or was this year's group their best shot? Other Notes & Wrap-Up Wrestling quick hit: Tough NCAA Championships — team finished 8th (below expectations due to injuries). Yonger Bastida reached finals but lost 5-0 to NC State's Isaac Trumble (still a huge...
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    55 mins
  • Cyclone Bracketology | Iowa State Cyclones LIVE #59

    Cyclone Bracketology | Iowa State Cyclones LIVE #59
    Mar 18 2026
    Opening & Housekeeping (00:00–02:08)
    • Welcome to Iowa State Cyclones Live; shift from football to basketball/March Madness.
    • Iowa State is a #2 seed in the Midwest Region.
    • Host is organizing chaotic group merch efforts with CF After Dark crew.
    • Looking for a potential co-host — interested people can DM on X/Discord or email.
    Iowa State's First Round: vs. #15 Tennessee State (02:08–07:00)
    • Tennessee State: Ohio Valley Conference champ, low/mid-major profile.
    • KenPom projects ~24-point Iowa State win.
    • TSU strengths: Decent 3-point shooting (Aaron Akuma ~34%, Travis Harper ~42%), good FT% (~76%), okay offensive rebounding.
    • Weaknesses: Poor overall offense (#173 KenPom), little else stands out.
    • Iowa State advantages: Elite defense (forces TOs, contests shots), recent offensive surge (last 5 games very strong, recent form hides earlier lull).
    • Verdict: Safe double-digit win barring major laziness/early hot shooting from TSU's shooters.
    Midwest Region Second Round & Sweet 16 Path (07:00–~28:00)
    • Potential 2nd round opponents: Winner of Kentucky (#7) vs. Santa Clara (#10).
      • Kentucky: Long/athletic but inconsistent, poor shooting outside a few guys, young/expensive roster, borderline home crowd advantage.
      • Santa Clara: Excellent offensive rebounding (#9), strong 3PT% (~35%), multiple shooters (40%+ guys), low TOs, but very poor FT attempts and mediocre defense.
      • Levi leans Santa Clara wins (doesn't trust Kentucky's inconsistency).
      • Iowa State vs. Santa Clara concerns: Shooters can punish slow rotations; no-middle defense vulnerable if ball swings.
      • vs. Kentucky: Length/athleticism but limited backup plan if rim attacks fail; Iowa State's pressure likely causes havoc.
      • Slight preference to face Santa Clara (Cyclones should score consistently), but matchup feels riskier due to volume shooting threat.
    • Other Midwest notes:
      • Virginia over Tennessee (Tennessee in offensive slump, Virginia balanced + better shooters).
      • Alabama over Hofstra (Hofstra dangerous upset pick — can score, Alabama weak post/no D).
      • Texas Tech over Akron (with Christian Anderson healthy).
      • Michigan over Georgia/St. Louis winner.
    • Sweet 16 projection: Iowa State over Santa Clara → Virginia.
      • Virginia: Slow pace (#354), good rim protection/blocks, mediocre offense outside offensive rebounding; hard to grind vs. ISU defense.
    Elite Eight: Iowa State vs. Michigan (projected) (~28:00–33:00)
    • Michigan: Post-heavy (Yaxel Lendeborg dominant), mediocre guards, similar to Arizona style but weaker perimeter.
    • Iowa State advantages: Experience vs. post-heavy teams (Arizona, Kansas, etc.), elite guard play (Toure pressure), trapping potential on Lendeborg.
    • Verdict: Winnable; ISU takes it to Final Four (first since 1944).
    Rest of Bracket & Final Four/National Title Thoughts (~33:00–end)
    • Other regions quick hits:
      • Duke over TCU/Kansas path.
      • Arizona over BYU (despite AJ DeBonsa's potential heroics).
      • Florida over Houston/Illinois path.
    • Final Four: Iowa State over Arizona (third matchup; hard to beat great team 3×; ISU nearly won last time despite subpar nights from key players).
    • Championship: Iowa State over Florida.
      • Florida: Strong post (Condon, Chinielu) but poor 3PT volume/shooting; essentially "Arizona but worse at shooting."
      • Scout advantage: Florida lacks live experience vs. ISU pressure vs. Arizona's two games.
    Levi's Bottom-Line Iowa State Scenarios

    Three realistic outcomes only:

    1. Lose in Round of 32 to Santa Clara (hot shooting + defensive lapse).
    2. Lose in Elite Eight to Michigan (post dominance overwhelms).
    3. Win the whole thing (if they reach Final Four, momentum/vibes carry them).
    • Team hot: BartTorvik has ISU as #1 in country last 5 games.
    • Keys: Make jumpers, limit turnovers → long run possible.

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    55 mins
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