Murph & Andy: Playoff Cyclones, Big Dog Hawkeyes, Oktoberfest, and MORE

Key takeaways

Iowa State's victory over Houston marked a significant achievement, propelling them into the AP Poll for the first time in 24 years.
Dan McCarney's legacy continues to shape Iowa State football, establishing a foundation for the program's current success.
The Iowa Hawkeyes are facing challenges against top-ranked teams, reflecting a shift in their competitive narrative.
Frustrations exist around college football's scheduling practices, particularly regarding uncompetitive non-conference matchups.
Caitlin Clark is instrumental in elevating women's basketball, proving resilience and bringing much-needed attention to the sport.

Summary

Iowa State's Historic Win and Poll Surge

Keith Murphy and Andy Fales discuss Iowa State's 20-0 triumph over Houston, marking the Cyclones' impressive start to the season. They highlight the significance of the win, noting that it has led Iowa State to climb up the AP Poll for the first time since 2000. Murphy and Fales reflect on the excitement this brings to the Cyclone fan base, especially after a long drought of such early-season success. They also touch on the implications this has for the team's future games, with optimism around the capacity to maintain momentum.

The Impact of Dan McCarney

The hosts revisit the legacy of former Iowa State coach Dan McCarney, now regarded as the winningest coach in the school's history. Murphy recalls memorable interactions with McCarney, who has had a lasting influence on Iowa State football. The discussion acknowledges both McCarney's era's challenges and achievements, emphasizing how he laid the groundwork for success and a culture that Matt Campbell has continued to build upon.

Iowa Football's Challenges

A stark contrast in sentiment is evident in the dialogue surrounding the Iowa Hawkeyes, who are entering their game against Ohio State as 21-point underdogs. The conversation underlines the struggle to maintain competitiveness against elite teams and the shifting narrative around Iowa's performance in recent years. They question whether Iowa can rise to the occasion to keep the game close, citing uncertainty in their ability to score against a formidable Ohio State defense.

The College Football Landscape

Murphy and Fales express frustration over the trend in college football, particularly concerning non-conference games between power and non-power teams. They argue that these matchups are often uncompetitive and detract from the enjoyment of the season for fans. The hosts advocate for changes in scheduling, emphasizing the need for excitement and engagement during college football season. They suggest that more conference games could improve the landscape by providing interesting matchups that fans genuinely care about.

Caitlin Clark and Women's Basketball

Murphy and Fales turn their attention to Caitlin Clark's recent interview with 60 Minutes, reflecting on her powerful role in bringing attention to women's basketball. They discuss the progress of the WNBA and how Clark has helped elevate the sport, despite the focus on various ongoing issues. The hosts highlight Clark's impressive physical resilience and the broader impact of women's basketball, prompting discussions about the challenges and prospects for the future of the sport.

Show notes

Keith Murphy and Andy Fales discuss Iowa State's win over Houston as they creep up the AP Poll. Revisiting Dan McCarney's impact on the Clones, the Hawkeyes open up as big underdogs, the problem with college football, and MORE. Presented by Ramsey Subaru and BMW of Des Moines.
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