Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins says depth on the defensive line has been a big factor for the Hawkeyes improving run defense. That unit will be tested on Saturday by a Rutgers ground attack that ranks second in the Big Ten by averaging nearly 185 yards per game.

Higgins says the defensive line is allowing the linebackers to run free.

With three games remaining the Hawkeyes control their own destiny in the Big Ten West. Senior linebacker Kyler Fisher.

The Iowa Hawkeye men return to action Friday night by hosting Alabama State. The Hawkeyes opened with a 110-68 victory over North Dakota while Alabama State dropped a 69-59 decision at Ole Miss.

That’s Iowa coach Fran McCaffery. Ten players saw 17 minutes of playing time against North Dakota and McCaffery says they are still in the process of defining roles.

After spending most of their life as teammates the Murray twins squared off as foes last night in the NBA. Keegan Murray played 31 minutes and scored nine points in Sacramento’s 121-118 overtime victory against Portland. Kris Murray went scoreless in nine minutes of action for the Trail Blazers.

The stakes are high for the Drake football team as the Bulldogs get set to host Presbyterian this weekend. At 6-0, Drake needs a win to maintain at least a share of the Pioneer Football League lead and it will be the final home game for a senior class that endured a COVID shutdown as well as three straight losing seasons.

That’s Drake coach Todd Stepsis. A win on Saturday and next week at Butler would clinch the PFL title and Drake’s first trip to the FCS playoffs.

Drake needed a goal line stand last week to preserve a 10-3 win at Marist. The Bulldogs are giving up a shade over 12 points per game in the PFL and only 74 yards on the ground per game. They also lead the league in turnover margin.

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State (1-0, 0-0 Big 12) opened the season with the 82-55 win over Butler (0-1, 0-0 Big East) Monday. The Cyclones broke away in the third quarter and never looked back to notch the 27-point victory. It marks the 29th-straight season Iowa State has secured a victory in its regular season opener.

The Cyclones shot at 50 percent from the field while holding Butler to 33 percent shooting. Iowa State also shot at 42.9 percent from deep with nine made 3-pointers by five different Cyclones.

Nyamer Diew led the game with a dominant showing of 19 points and nine rebounds. Isnelle Natabou brought in the next-highest total of 14 on 5-of-7 shooting from the field. Kelsey Joens and Addy Brown rounded out the double-figure scorers in their collegiate debuts, putting up 13 and 11, respectively.

How it Happened

After an 8-8 tie midway through the first, Diew fought through her defenders to muscle in the layup and draw the foul, proceeding to make her awarded free throw. Diew then stretched the scoring run to 7-0 on her next trip down the court to bring ISU’s lead to 13-8. With 16 seconds to go, Joens drained the 3-pointer to put the scoreboard at 16-12 through one quarter.

Jalynn Bristow grabbed the offensive rebound and put in the layup to stretch the lead to 10 (22-12). Hannah Belanger then sunk the Cyclones’ second shot from deep to make the score 25-15 with 5:41 to go in the second. Butler made the final two shots of the quarter off ISU turnovers, but the Cyclones remained with the lead of 29-23.

Out of the break, Diew made Iowa State’s first shot of the half, a 3-pointer to make it 34-29. Butler would battle back within one at 34-33, but the Cyclones answered with a 7-0 run capped with a Diew triple to put the Cyclones up 41-33. Brown then became the fourth Cyclone to net a shot from beyond the arc as ISU went ahead by 12. Joens would follow to make her third 3-pointer to take a 57-42 lead to the final quarter.

Natabou opened scoring for ISU with a layup following a Bristow steal, while Belanger hit a 3-pointer next to extend an 18-point lead (62-44). Arianna Jackson would total five Cyclones to hit a shot from deep as ISU ran out to a run of 10 with under three minutes of play remaining. The Cyclones continued to roll, ending the game ahead 82-55.

Top Performance

Nyamer Diew led the Cyclones with 19 points in her first outing of the season, shooting at 46 percent from the field, while nearly securing a double-double with nine rebounds. It was Diew’s 14th-career 10-plus point game, while the forward also added three assists, a block and a steal to her stat line.

Up Next

Iowa State heads to Des Moines to meet Drake this Sunday, Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN+.

Desmond King To Serve As Honorary Captain

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Former University of Iowa All-America defensive back Desmond King will serve as honorary captain when the Hawkeyes host Rutgers on Saturday on Duke Slater Field at Kinnick Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 2:40 p.m. (CT) and the game will be televised on Big Ten Network.

King has played for four teams in six seasons in the NFL, most recently with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023. He earned first-team All-America recognition in 2015 and 2016. As a junior, King was the recipient of the Jim Thorpe Award as the top defensive back in the nation and earned unanimous consensus All-America honors. He was the Tatum-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year and one of five finalists for the Walter Camp Player of the Year.

King holds Iowa records for career starts (51) and games played (53), helping Iowa win 35 games from 2013-16. He tied the Iowa single-season record with eight interceptions in 2015 and ranks fourth in career interceptions (14). King is one of four Hawkeyes to have three interception returns for a touchdown. He totaled 263 career tackles, and his 88-yard touchdown return versus Maryland is the eighth-longest in school history.

A native of Detroit, King was the Chargers’ fifth-round selection in the 2017 NFL Draft. He earned Associated Press first-team All-Pro honors at defensive back in 2018 and second-team All-Pro honors as a punt return specialist.

King will accompany the Iowa captains to midfield for Saturday’s pregame coin toss. He will also be with the Hawkeyes in the locker room before and after the game.

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa sophomore kicker Drew Stevens has been selected as one of 20 semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award for the second straight year. The Lou Groza Award is presented to the top collegiate place kicker.

Stevens is the third Hawkeye to be a two-time Groza Award semifinalist; Nate Kaeding won the award in 2002 and was a finalist in 2003, while Mike Meyer was a semifinalist in 2011 and 2012. Iowa has had a Groza Award semifinalist four of the last five seasons: Keith Duncan (2019), Caleb Shudak (2021) and Stevens (2022 and 2023).

The native of North Augusta, S.C., has made 14 of his 18 field-goal attempts and 30 of his 40 kickoffs have gone for touchbacks in 2023. Stevens was recognized as the Big Ten Special Teams Player of Week on Nov. 6 after making a game-winning 53-yard field goal with 14 seconds left at Northwestern. He made all four field-goal attempts, including a 53-yarder, in Iowa’s victory over Michigan State on Sept. 30, 2023.

Stevens was a second-team freshman All-American in 2022 after making 16 of his 18 field-goal attempts. His 16 field goals made are the most by a Hawkeye freshman.

For his career, Stevens has made 30 of his 36 field-goal attempts (5-of-5 from 30-39; 6-of-11 from 40-49; 4-for-5 from 50-59) and converted all 36 PAT attempts.

Semifinalists will be voted on by a panel of more than 100 FBS head coaches, SIDs, media members, former Groza finalists, and current NFL kickers to select the three finalists. These finalists will be announced on Nov. 28 and honored at the Lou Groza Collegiate Placekicker Awards Banquet on Dec. 4 in Palm Beach County, Florida. The same panel then selects the winner, who will be announced live on ESPN during the Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 8.

The Groza Award, established in 1992, is named for National Football League Hall of Fame kicker Lou “The Toe” Groza, who played 21 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Groza won four NFL championships with Cleveland and was named NFL Player of the Year in 1954.

The Hawkeyes (7-2, 4-2) host Rutgers at 2:40 p.m. (CT) on Saturday on Duke Slater Field at Kinnick Stadium. The game will be televised live on Big Ten Network and broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network.

THURSDAY, NOV. 9
CLASS A
10:00—Madrid (11-0) vs. West Hancock, Britt (10-1)
1:00—East Buchanan, Winthrop (9-2) vs. Woodbury Central, Moville (11-0)
CLASS 4A
4:00—North Polk (9-2) vs. Lewis Central (9-2)
7:00—Bondurant-Farrar (9-2) vs. Western Dubuque (10-1)

EIGHT-PLAYER

Bishop Garrigan, Algona 34, Winfield-Mt. Union 20

Bedford 31, Gladbrook-Reinbeck 30

IOWA CITY, Iowa – University of Iowa women’s basketball coach Lisa Bluder announced on Wednesday that Aaliyah Guyton, Ava Heiden, Callie Levin, Teagan Mallegni, and Taylor Stremlow signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Iowa.

For the first time in program history, Bluder signed four ESPN.com top-100 prospects.

AALIYAH GUYTON | Twitter: @aguyton11 | IG: @aguyton.11

Guard, 5-foot-7, Peoria, Ill. (Peoria HS)

– No. 57 overall prospect (ESPN.com)

– Four-star prospect, averaging 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists during her junior season.

– 2x First Team IBCA, 2x First Team All-Big 12 Conference, 2x All-Big 12 POY, 2x First Team All-Area.

– No. 1 player in Illinois in 2024 (PrepGirlsHoop.com)

– Mother played basketball for 25 years with the Brazilian National Team and was a Phoenix Mercury.

– Father played basketball at Indiana, professionally overseas, and the Chicago Bulls.

LISA BLUDER on AALIYAH GUYTON

“Aaliyah is one of the best point guards in the nation. She has a tremendous skill set. She controls pace and tempo and can score at every level. She simply makes everybody on the floor around her better. We are so proud she chose to be a Hawkeye and can’t wait for our fans to see her play.”

AVA HEIDEN | Twitter: @ava_heiden | IG: @a_heiden_

Center, 6-foot-4, Sherwood, Ore. (Sherwood HS)

– No. 36 overall prospect (ESPN.com)

– Four-star prospect, averaging 17.2 points, 11.3 rebounds, 4.0 steals, 3.0 assists, and 2.8 blocks. 

– 2x Academic All-State, 2x 6A Pacific Conference First Team, 6A Pacific Conference Player of the Year, 2x All-State Second Team, 6A Pacific Conference DPOY.

– No. 5 post prospect (ESPN.com)

– Program’s first Oregonian.

LISA BLUDER on AVA HEIDEN

“Ava is one of the premier post players in the country. She has great versatility and mobility. She also is very explosive and has a perimeter skill set. The combination of her skills and amazing work ethic is why she is among the nation’s best. We’re thrilled she chose to be a Hawkeye.”

CALLIE LEVIN | Twitter: @CallieLevin23| IG: @callieelevinn

Guard, 5-foot-9, Solon, Iowa (Solon HS)

– 19.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 4.0 APG, 4.0 SPG, 0.6 BPG; 1391 points through three seasons.

– All Iowa Attack (2020-2022) – won 2021 16U Nike National Championship

– Ranked No. 1 Point Guard (2024) in Iowa by Prep Girls Hoops

– 3x IBCA 1st Team All-State (3A); 2x IPSWA 1st Team All-State (3A); 3x Unanimous 1st Team All-Conference (WaMaC); 3x WaMaC Conference Player of the Year; 3x IBCA All-Region; 3x IGCA SE Iowa All-District (3A); 3x Des Moines Register All-Iowa Class 3A 1st Team; Cedar Rapids 3x Gazette All-Area Team; 3x Team MVP; 2x WaMaC Conference Champion.

– No. 2 player in Iowa in 2024 (PrepGirlsHoop.com)

LISA BLUDER on CALLIE LEVIN

“We are so proud to have a local kid stay home. Callie is a multipurpose guard that can put it on the floor and shoot the deep ball. She also has a team first mentality and a tremendous spirit. We’re so excited she chose to stay home.”

TEAGAN MALLEGNI | Twitter: @TeaganMallegni| IG: @teagan.mallegni

Guard, 5-foot-10, McFarland, Wis. (McFarland HS)

– No. 64 overall prospect (ESPN.com)

– 2x First Team All-Conference, 2x Rock Valley Player of the Year, 2x First Team All-State, 2x Team MVP, 2x Team Captain.

– School records held at McFarland HS; all-time points, most points in a season, most points in a game (62), tied most three’s in a game (9), second most rebounds in a game (19).

– No. 2 player in Wisconsin in 2024 (PrepGirlsHoop.com)

– Parents played sports at UW-Whitewater.

LISA BLUDER on TEAGAN MALLEGNI

“Teagan is one of the elite guards in the country. She has tremendous size, range, and passing ability. She stretches defenses and has the ability to beat people off the bounce. She’s a tough matchup for any defense and we are so excited about her future.”

TAYLOR STREMLOW | Twitter: @StremlowTaylor| IG: @Taylorstremlow

Guard, 5-foot-10, Verona, Wis. (Verona Area HS)

– No. 88 overall prospect (ESPN.com)

– Junior year: Big 8 Conference Player of the Year, First Team All-Conference, First Team All-Area, WBCA All-State First Team, AP Wisconsin All-State Second Team.

– Averaged 16.1 PPG, 10 RPG, 9 AST, 7 STL, 0.9 BLK in her junior season

– WBCA Academic All-State and National Honors Society.

LISA BLUDER on TAYLOR STREMLOW

“Taylor is a versatile guard that can play every perimeter position. She is crafty and can break down defenses at multiple levels. She also a fun spirit combined with a toughness that is contagious on the floor. We’re so excited to have her join our team.”

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State head coach Jamie Pinkerton has announced the signings of eight high schoolers to National Letters of Intent.

The Cyclones signed Danika Best, Jessie Clemons, Karlee Ford, Abby Huhn, Hayleigh Oliver, Samantha Potvin, Victoria Prado and Sereniti Trice.

“Overall, this is a very good class that addresses our needs now that we’re finally exiting the years of roster fluctuation due to COVID,” says Coach Pinkerton. “These eight players will fill our pitching, catching, infield, outfield and left-handed hitter holes that will come with graduation. Our whole staff is looking forward to working with this group of student-athletes.”

Danika Best – 5’2 | OF | Bradenton, Fla. | Inspiration Academy
Danika played for the Louisville Sluggers-Huecker club team and was a four-time letterwinner in high school. Best and her team won the 2021 7a Florida State Championship under Coach Brian Commerford and Coache Anne Gerwits. Best recorded a .420 batting average, 14 stolen bases and 21 RBI this past season and was a member of the 2022-23 Honor Roll.

“Danika joins us from a very competitive club,” says Pinkerton. “She’s an outfielder with the type of speed that poses a triple threat. She bats lefty and will help supplement the lefties we lose in the spring.”

Jessica Clemons – 5’9 | INF | Bettendorf, Iowa | Pleasant Valley HS
A multi-sport athlete and Iowa native, Clemons helped lead Pleasant Valley to four straight winning seasons in all four years she lettered with the team. This past summer, Clemons was named to the First Team All-State and the 5A Tournament Team as Pleasant Valley finished runners-up in the state tournament. She tallied a .450 batting average with 13 homers and 60 runs scored.

“Jessie’s an all-around player who was a member of the Southeast Iowa All-Stars and has both good speed and power,” says Coach Pinkerton. “She’s played all over the field and has proven that she can play multiple positions and help our program wherever she’s needed.”

Karlee Ford – 5’6 | C | Goddard, Kan. | Eisenhower HS
A four-year varsity starter, Ford joins the Cyclones from the Sunflower State. Her softball team was the 5A State Runner-Up this past season after Eisenhower earned third-place finishes in both 2020-21 and 2021-22. Ford was named First Team 5A All-State and an All-League Catcher this past season, where she hit .437 with 38 hits (24 for extra bases) with 15 steals. Ford holds her high school’s record for most homers in a season with 10.

“Karlee does a really good job behind the plate as a defensive catcher,” says Pinkerton. “She handles pitches well, has great energy and does a very good job at handling the run game. She’ll help the depth of the position as we’re set to lose Camille (Marin) to graduation.”

Abby Huhn – 5’8 | RHP/OF | Carlsbad, Calif. | Mission Hills HS
Huhn recorded a 1.66 ERA this past season, striking out 200 batters with a single-game high of 16 strikeouts. At the plate, Huhn hit .370 and earned All-Conference recognition in her junior season. Abby has an older sister, Madison, who plays basketball at Miami (OH).

“Abby is a well-balanced athlete that can both pitch and play in the field,” says Pinkerton. “We’re looking to use her like Tatum (Johnson). She’ll be able to provide depth to the bullpen that we need, and along with Potvin, will help bring youth to our staff. She has a competitive drive that will help add versatility and depth to our team.”

Hayleigh Oliver – 5’8 | OF | Star, Idaho | Eagle HS
A four-time high school letterwinner, Hayleigh comes to Ames from the aiBandits-Breer club team. In the past three seasons, Oliver has helped her high school to a pair of fourth-place finishes as well as a fifth-place finish in Idaho 5A ball. She clobbered 22 homers, a school record, this past season on her way to being named NFCA Third Team All-American and earning a spot on the 2024 Alliance All-Star Watchlist.

“Hayleigh is a versatile athlete that we can play at multiple positions,” says Pinkerton. “We see her as a centerfielder, but she can play both corners and also provide depth in the middle infield if needed. She’s a right-handed hitter who can hit in any part of the order due to her combination of speed and power.”

Samantha Potvin – 5’9 | RHP | Bradenton, Fla. | Inspiration Academy
Potvin comes from a traditionally strong club program in the Pacific Northwest – the Washington Ladyhawks.

“Sami is a pitcher that will help replace what we’re losing after the season with the graduation of both Karlie (Charles) and Saya (Swain),” says Coach Pinkerton. “She’s very effective at changing eye level and speeds and will be a great addition to our pitching staff.”

Victoria Prado – 5’5 | OF | Murrieta, Calif. | Murrieta Mesa HS
A three-time All-Academic honoree in high school, Victoria joins Iowa State after a successful prep career. Prado and her team were three-time Southwestern League champions, and she earned second-team All-League in 2022 after hitting .397 in her sophomore campaign.

“Victoria comes to us from Corona Angels-Tyson – a club that has provided really good players for us over the years,” says Coach Pinkerton. “She’s a corner outfielder with left-handed power that will help the middle of our lineup. She’s part of a young core of outfielders we envision having a big role for us going forward.”

Sereniti Trice – 5’0 | INF | San Diego, Calif. | Cathedral Catholic HS
Trice signs with the Cyclones after a decorated career with Cathedral Catholic. She’s earned First Team All-League in all three of her high school seasons, culminating in earning Player of the Year in the Western League during her junior year. Trice was named California Second Team All-State as well as first-team All-CIF San Diego Section.

“Sereniti is an adaptable player that can play middle infield and can be used in the outfield too,” says Coach Pinkerton. “She hits from the left side and has what I would call elite speed. We see her hitting at the top of the order and potentially leading off. She can be a table setter, and I look forward to her being a constant threat to steal bases for us.”