Two Guys: Iowa State's special teams decision, Ranking the most ANNOYING Big Ten/Big 12 fanbases
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Iowa State plans to prioritize special teams, involving their top playmaking athletes to secure better field position and prevent previous costly errors.
- Iowa's special teams, particularly punting and kicking, may face challenges this year, influencing their overall game strategy.
- College football fanbases can be annoying or endearing depending on their attitudes, arrogance, and rivalry persistence; Utah and Nebraska often top the annoyance list.
- The level of player and fan engagement in rivalries, especially Ohio State vs. Michigan, is changing due to transfers and media influence, which can dilute traditional rivalry intensity.
- Controversies like Jayden Daniels' jersey number dispute reflect the childish behavior sometimes seen in NIL and player identity issues.
- Participation in local events, live shows, and contests like tailgate giveaways provides fan engagement opportunities and enhances community connection.
Summary
Iowa State's Special Teams Strategy and Concerns
The hosts discuss Iowa State's recent emphasis on special teams, highlighting Coach Jimmy Rogers' initiative to give more importance to special teams by creating dedicated office space for the coordinator and involving top players like Aiden Flora and Cam Pettaway in return roles. The conversation stresses how vital special teams are, especially for Iowa State's playing style, which relies on field position and hidden yardage to succeed. The discussion emphasizes that top players should be involved on special teams to maximize team strength and avoid costly mistakes like muffed punts or poor coverage, which have plagued them in the past.
Iowa's Kicking and Quarterback Predicaments for 2026
The episode also touches on Iowa's ongoing struggles with kickers and punters, questioning whether special teams will be as reliable this year. Attention is given to the quarterback competition, particularly the debut of the new quarterbacks like Heklinsky and Tony Diaz, and how their performances will influence the season. The hosts express excitement to see these new players in action and hope for improved offensive output. They reflect on past quarterback struggles and root for players like Kade McNamara, despite injuries hampering his debut.
Ranking and Debating College Football Fan Bases and Rivalries
A significant portion of the episode ranks the most annoying or captivating college football fan bases in the Big 12 and Big Ten, with Utah and Nebraska leading the annoyance as they display arrogance and persistent rivalry antics. They criticize fanbases like Iowa, Ohio State, and Northwestern for their attitudes and perceived arrogance. The hosts also explore the sincerity of college rivalry rivalries, especially between Ohio State and Michigan, with discussions about player attitudes and fan importance. The debate extends to whether you need to be an alum to truly be a fan and questions the influence of media and transfers on traditional rivalries.
Controversies and Rumors in College Football and Player Transfers
The hosts discuss controversies involving LSU football quarterback Jayden Daniels' attempt to control the use of his jersey number, which is met with criticism for childishness and arrogance. They also talk about college players with significant NIL issues, like Daniels' disagreement over his number, and how these affect the program's image. Additional topics include the personality and brand of players like Tyrese Haliburton returning to Iowa State, and the humorous speculation about relationships and status among athletes and celebrities, exemplified by entries about Jalen Rainer and his alleged dating choices.
Upcoming Events and Promotions for Iowa Sports Fans
Attention is given to upcoming local events, including the Iowa Everywhere live show at Buzzard Billy's, with details about the date, times, tickets, and the program lineup. They promote a tailgate giveaway contest running through the Iowa State football game, involving products like coolers, tents, and gift cards. The hosts encourage fans to participate and mention the availability of multiple pre-event happy hours and related activities.
Sponsors
- Fareway Meat & Grocery · Cheers to the freaking weekend with our friends from Steeple Ridge Bourbon and Fareway Meat & Grocery. Check out the latest in their offerings and enter the Iowa Everywhere tailgate giveaway at iowaeverywhere.com.
Show notes
Chris Williams and Chris Hassel break down Iowa State's major special teams decision heading into the 2026 season, including why Jimmy Rogers plans to use Aiden Flora and Cam Pettaway as both running backs and kick returners. The guys also discuss Iowa's kicking and punting concerns, the Hawkeyes' quarterback competition, and what to watch for at Kids' Day.
Plus, Two Guys ranks the most annoying Big 12 and Big Ten fan bases, debates Ohio State-Michigan rivalry intensity, reacts to Jayden Daniels' LSU jersey-number controversy, discusses whether you have to be an alum to be a college sports fan, previews the Iowa Everywhere Live show, and much more.
Two Guys presented by Fareway Meat & Grocery. Only on Iowa Everywhere.
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