Hawkeye 4DT Podcast

Hawkeye 4DT – B1G Title Game Preview (2023)

“A chip and a chair . . .” “All it takes is one . . .” “So you’re saying there’s a chance . . .” No matter how you look at it, your Iowa Hawkeyes are decided underdogs as they take on the undefeated and playoff-hopeful Michigan Wolverines in the B1G Championship for the second time in three years. Brian and Zach do a deep dive on Iowa’s best opponent of the year in the biggest game of the year, including what the guys see as Iowa’s potential (narrow) path to victory. But before doing that, ...

Hawkeye 4DT – Nebraska (2023)

The 2023 Iowa Hawkeyes - where the improbable becomes the probable! The Hawkeye 4DT guys look back on a very 2023 win against the Illini, which also happened to clinch Iowa’s third B1G West crown. That is right, no need to sweat out the final weekend, all we have to do is watch The Game to see who the Hawks will face in Indy. What’s that you say? We still have to play Nebraska? Well, the guys also take a break from celebrating the newest trophy in the case to look ahead to the Black Friday ...

Hawkeye 4DT – Illinois (2023)

So THAT is what is complimentary football looks like. At least for once in 2023, the Hawkeye 4DT guys got to see a complete team win, which was a lot of fun! The guys are able to break out of the Groundhog Day feeling from the prior few weeks and dig in on what they saw against Rutgers, why it was different, and what fans’ expectations should be for the rest of the season. Believe it or not, with the 22-0 win in Kinnick last Saturday, your 2023 Iowa Hawkeyes have already clinched a share of...

Hawkeye 4DT – Rutgers (2023)

Somehow, some way, your 2023 Iowa Hawkeyes just keep on winning - after another lackluster offensive performance, the Hawks nonetheless stood tall after a 53-yard, three-run shot into the basket in right centerfield by Drew Stevens, once again cementing the team's status as the B1G West leader, controlling its own destiny. The guys look back at what we saw on Saturday, which included an appearance from CDJ on offense, Kaleb Brown's first catch as a Hawkeye, and another epic goal line stand f...

Hawkeye 4DT - Northwestern (2023)

Another week, another "off schedule" episode as the guys dive deep this week into the news that Brian Ferentz will not return in 2024. Brian and Zach share their reactions, along with their view on what it means for the rest of the 2023 season and beyond, including what led to the announcement, Kirk Ferentz's future plans, current status of the QB room, and more. As Kirk was quick to remind us all on Tuesday, the Hawks do have a game this week - so the guys also give their preview and predic...

Hawkeye 4DT – Bye Week (2023)

Buckle up, Hawkeye fans, this one is not for the faint of heart. While there is typically no Hawkeye 4DT during the bye week, the events of Saturday’s controversial battle for Floyd of Rosedale were enough to bring Brian and Zach together for this special bye week episode. After a lengthy discussion about the best play in Kinnick Stadium history that was absolutely stolen from Cooper DeJean, the guys discuss the one topic upon which everyone who watched the game last Saturday agrees - Iowa’...

Hawkeye 4DT – Minnesota (2023)

While the 24th ranked Iowa Hawkeyes are never the prettiest car on the lot, they once again prove the doubters (including your favorite Hawkeye 4DT commentators) wrong with a 15-6 win on the road in windy and rainy Madison (helping at least one of those 4DT commentators cash in on the money-line / under parlay to cap off a nice weekend in Las Vegas). After that improbable B1G West win up at Camp Randall that saw your Iowa Hawks put together a defensive gem and just enough offense to pull of...

Hawkeye 4DT – Wisconsin (2023)

While Iowa has posted a 5-1 record through the first half of the season, we have all been looking forward to this weekend - the de facto B1G West Championship game at Camp Randall. Before turning to the much anticipated showdown with the Badgers, the guys look back at another (ugly) win against Purdue, which included the best rushing attack of the season, the worst passing performance in four decades, and finding a new way to win a game in 2023. After looking back, Brian and Zach look forwa...

Hawkeye 4DT – Purdue Preview (2023)

Welcome to the Deacon Hill era at Iowa! In this week's episode, the Hawkeye 4DT guys get into the good (Iowa won), the bad (the offense, still), and the ugly (QB1's likely season ending injury). We went into the game against Sparty knowing that we wouldn't be able to make any final conclusions about any offensive progress, but any hope of a smooth progression ended when Cade McNamara went down at the two yard line and didn't get back up under his own power. Brian and Zach discuss that, what...

Hawkeye 4DT – Michigan State (2023)

In an episode where there is both nothing to say and plenty to say, the guys get on the therapy couch and talk through Saturday’s embarrassing 31-0 loss in prime time. Brian and Zach discuss both the micro and macro from the loss to Penn State, including what it means to be a fan of Iowa football in 2023 and where to go from here. Please download and listen this week - while this episode is lighter on structure than usual, it includes plenty of emotion and goes deep on many aspects of moder...

Hawkeye 4DT – Penn State (2023)

After two long years, the Iowa offense finally won a game in blowout fashion after cruising to a dominant 41-10 win over Western Michigan. Don’t let the score fool you, though, as it was not always smooth sailing on Saturday and the win came at a great cost as it appeared that Luke Lachey will be lost for the season. Brian and Zach do celebrate the positives this week, in particular an effective and efficient running game that has not been seen in Iowa City for a while, but the guys discuss...

Hawkeye 4DT – Western Michigan (2023)

The Cy-Hawk Trophy is back home in Iowa City after a 20-13 Iowa win on the road in Ames! After another fast start and the first defensive score of the season, your Hawks held on to go 2-0 on the young season. It was not always easy on Saturday - join Brian and Zach as they break down what they saw, both the good and the bad and ultimately what gave Iowa the edge to stay unbeaten After that the guys turn their focus toward Saturday’s final non-conference game against Western Michigan, and wh...

Hawkeye 4DT – Iowa State (2023)

No matter what happens the rest of the season, Hawkeye Fans will always have that first quarter against Utah State. At least that is kind of how it felt by the end of Saturday’s 24-14 win with Cade McNamara sitting on the sidelines while Deacon Hill tried to chuck the ball over the mountains. Of course, while it was easy to overreact to Iowa’s lightning fast start, it was just as easy to overreact to some of the struggles during the week 1 contest.  To provide some perspective, Brian and Za...

Hawkeye 4DT – Utah State Preview and Season Predictions (2023)

And just like that, it is finally game week #1 for your 2023 Iowa Hawkeyes! This week, Brian and Zach provide their first “Four Down Territory” breakdown of the season as they look at Iowa’s first opponent of the year - the Aggies of Utah State. Good news is that we are in the “nothing but optimism” stage of the season, but in true Hawkeye 4DT fashion, the guys still find some areas of concern (though not really sure what the issue is, it is 100% clear that our transfer QB will be starting ...

Hawkeye 4DT – Special Teams Preview and Pre-Season Awards (2023)

This week the guys round out the pre-season shows with their deep dive on the special teams units before handing out the coveted 4DT Pre-Season Awards! First, on special teams - while we have all grown accustomed to "Punting is Winning" and are hoping that this year "Winning is Winning," it is good to know that there are no camp battles or uncertainty in the place kicking and punting duties with the starters returning 2023, both of whom had very effective 2022 campaigns. The return game,...

Hawkeye 4DT – Defensive Preview (2023)

It felt good for Hawkeye 4DT to get back to recording last week and catch up on eight months of topics, including a deep dive on the “new-look” Hawkeye offense. That feeling is even better this week as the topic turns to the defensive side of the ball, which can be described in recent years as "dominant" with little to no hyperbole. Safe to say that Zach and Brian are confident in this year's defensive unit carrying that torch with talent across the starting 11, though you should tune in to...

Hawkeye 4DT – Offensive Preview (2023)

After several long months away, Brian and Zach looked at the calendar and realized it was already August and that the 2023 football season was right around the corner. (In hindsight, it should have been obvious with the Twitter “Saturdays to Football” countdowns and B1G media days, but summer in the Midwest is fleeting and can be distracting!). Alas, the Hawkeye 4DT guys are back and ready to talk some football! But not before hitting many of the highlights (and some lowlights) in Iowa spor...

Hawkeye 4DT - Post-Nebraska (2022)

After a disappointing end to a season with plenty of ups and downs in a winnable B1G West, the guys sat down to share thoughts on the Nebraska let down and some final reactions to the season, including potential offseason changes at QB, OC, and more. As activity in the transfer portal heats up, look for Brian and Zach to be back in a couple of weeks to discuss the latest developments and Iowa's 2022 bowl destination. You can download and subscribe to the Hawkeye 4DT Podcast on iTunes, Stit...

Hawkeye 4DT - Nebraska (2022)

Floyd stays home for another year as Iowa goes to frosty Kinnick North and takes care of business on an extra cold day in Minneapolis by beating the Gophers 13-10. The guys break down that result, focus on a couple of stars (one regular on second down and a 2022 newcomer to praise), wonder what happened to a phase on defense that is usually a strength, and start thinking seriously about potentially winning the B1G West. Only Nebraska stands in the Hawkeyes' way to back-to-back B1G West champ...

Hawkeye 4DT – Minnesota (2022)

Who needs offense with a defense like that? The guys react to a game that featured another dominating performance from the defense - including a virtuoso performance from do-it-all sophomore, Cooper DeJean who is making a case for best player on the team - and an offensive effort that provided just enough opportunistic firepower to give Iowa a relatively comfortable 24-10 win over those stinking Badgers. With the Hawks sitting (tied for) first place in the B1G West, the guys look at what’s a...

Hawkeye 4DT – Wisconsin (2022)

The momentum keeps building for your Iowa Hawkeyes after an impressive 24-3 showing against Chucky Jones and the Purdue Boilermakers. Join this week as the guys break down the win, Kaleb Johnson’s big day as RB1, and another dominant defensive performance. Good timing for back-to-back good performances with the annual “Ric Flair Game” against perennial thorn in the Hawks’ side, the Wisconsin Badgers. Download and listen to see how the guys feel about Iowa’s chances heading into the final thr...

Hawkeye 4DT – Purdue (2022)

What a difference a week (and having Northwestern next on the schedule) can make as your Hawkeyes looked, dare we say, good on Saturday en route to a 33-13 win over the Fighting Fitzgeralds. At least for this week, you can expect to hear a lot of positivity, even from Brian, as Zach and Brian take a closer look at an offense that was fun to watch, even if it didn't eclipse that magical 400 yard mark. Before you think the guys have completely swung the other way, there is a dose of reality as...

Hawkeye 4DT – Northwestern (2022)

Another week, another disappointing performance from your Hawkeye football team. While we didn’t expect to win against the #2 Ohio State Buckeyes, we expected…something…more than that. Brian and Zach, unsurprisingly, focus much of their time and attention this week on the continued offensive deficiencies, but also dive into the fraught topics of coaching, nepotism, and leadership within Fort Kinnick. You won’t find a lot of optimism here this week, but with Northwestern on tap for Saturday, ...

Hawkeye 4DT – Ohio State (2022)

Another week, another lackluster offensive effort and disappointing loss - this time to the B1G West leading Illinois Fighting Illini. With bye week and some travel among the ranks, recording scheduling got a little off track, but Brian and Zach look back at that frustrating game before diving into comments from the coordinators - focusing primarily on the offensive coordinator as they look for the upside in keeping Brian Ferentz in that position - and then finally heading into the bye week ...

Hawkeye 4DT – Illinois (2022)

Though closer, on paper, than the B1G Championship game, the Hawkeyes once again fall to the Michigan Wolverines, this time in a rare loss to a Top 5 team at Kinnick Stadium. The 4DT guys break down what they saw in a 27-14 loss that was never really that close, but not before spending a few minutes focusing on a wild, wild B1G West, which features a 6-way tie for first place (including your Iowa Hawkeyes). Rare to say that a game against Illinois is a must-win, but after a 1-1 start in a wi...

Hawkeye 4DT – Michigan (2022)

Though far from a finished product, we saw the Hawkeyes open the 2022 B1G season with a win behind another dominating defensive effort (starting to feel like a broken record) and some incrementally improved play on the offensive side of the ball. In addition to providing their early thoughts on the B1G West, the Hawkeye 4DT guys look back at the opening conference win at Rutgers and discuss what signs of life they saw on offense before looking ahead to this weekend’s matchup that sees the #4...

Hawkeye 4DT – Rutgers (2022)

Although it took approximately seven hours over two days to complete a game that was not always pretty, the Hawkeyes finally pulled off an early-morning win against the hapless Nevada Wolfpack - holding them to no points and finally getting on the scoreboard with multiple TDs in a game for the first time this season. Download and listen to hear the guys' reactions and what they believe that game means (or could mean) for the balance of the 2022 season as the Hawkeyes enter the B1G schedule w...

Hawkeye 4DT – Nevada (2022)

After another disappointing week, Brian and Zach once again have a hard time finding anything positive to say about the Hawkeye offense - despite what their moms said about not having something nice to say, the guys had plenty to say about the ongoing offensive woes and the “breaking” news that Spencer Petras would continue as QB1 this week. Somewhat lost in the negativity surrounding the Hawks’s loss to ISU was another very good game from the defense, so the guys take time to focus on two s...

Hawkeye 4DT – Iowa State (2022)

After an uneven week 1, which saw the Iowa defense and punting game dominate and the offense struggled to cross the 50-yard line, let alone the goal line, Brian and Zach attempt to regroup ahead of what should be an exciting rivalry week matchup against the Iowa State Cyclones.  Is there improvement on the horizon from week 1 to week 2? Will the guys stick it out this season? Download and listen as the guys provide their first 4DT breakdown of the season. Oh, and did we mention, that Iowa i...

Hawkeye 4DT – South Dakota State (2022)

After working their way through all the preseason preparation and breakdowns of all three phases for the 2022 Hawkeyes and handing out some hardware, Brian and Zach are finally back with their first game week episode of 2022.  At the end of this week, fans will finally be back at Kinnick and we will have Iowa football back on our television sets as the Hawks are set to take on the SDSU Jackrabbits. Instead of the typical 4DT breakdown this week, the guys decided to focus on a few questions t...

Hawkeye 4DT - Special Teams Preview & Special Teams Breakdown (2022)

As the days to kickoff dwindle into the teens, Brian and Zach wrap up their pre-season previews with their analysis of the third phase - special teams. While there are lots of question marks this year, there is reason for hope, as “in Levar we trust” becomes more important than ever with the graduation of Caleb Shudak at kicker and the surprising departure of Charlie Jones, the reigning B1G Special Teams Player of the Year. After breaking down the special teams, the guys turn their focus to ...

Hawkeye 4DT – Offensive Preview (2022)

After working through the defense last week, Brian and Zach turn their attention to the offensive side of the ball this week. Unfortunately, after all the positivity from the defensive analysis, the guys were not able to maintain that optimism after reviewing the 2021 offensive stats, which, upon further analysis were, um, offensive, to say the least. But, were the guys able to find some reasons for hope in 2022? Download and find out as this week's preseason episode provides a breakdown of ...

Hawkeye 4DT - Defensive Preview - (2022)

After a long offseason hiatus that saw a commitment from the highest rated recruit in Iowa's history and California becoming Big Ten country, Brian and Zach are back this week to start their in depth preview of the 2022 Iowa Hawkeyes. After sifting through the myriad offseason topics, the guys look back at the 2021 defense and debate whether that unit was ultimately "elite" or whether that image was only held together with the headline-grabbing turnover rate before turning their attention to...

Hawkeye 4DT - B1G Championship RAW

Hawkeye 4DT - 2021 B1G Championship

We always knew we would put out a new Hawkeye 4DT episode with our reaction to the Nebraska game, but what we didn't know heading into Black Friday was (1) we would be talking about another double digit comeback sparked by a timely special teams play, (2) Michigan would turn The Game into a laugher, and (3) PJ and the Gophers would row Iowa right into Indy. After an entertaining weekend of B1G football, Brian and Zach got together to talk about your (outright) B1G West Division Champions and...

Hawkeye 4DT – Nebraska (2021)

Despite the roller-coaster ride this season, after another ugly B1G West game, your 2021 Hawks sit at 9-2 with a chance for a 10- win regular season. With that backdrop, Zach and Brian try to put the season in context before providing their final regular season 4DT breakdown for 2021. The guys also intended to provide their Nebraska preview, but some breaking news mid-recording forced the guys to re-calibrate their game predictions on the fly. Check out this week's episode to learn whether t...

Hawkeye 4DT – Illinois (2021)

You would not know it looking at the stat sheet, but we once again are here to talk about an Iowa win (or, as Phil Fleck might call it - 1 and 0 in the Minnesota season). Brian and Zach look back at a game that was won on the back of Iowa's revamped offense, featuring players who started the season a bit further down the depth chart - including QB1 Alex Padilla and WRs Keagan Johnson and Chucky Jones. The guys also spend a fair amount of time analyzing the baffling coaching decision regardin...

Hawkeye 4DT – Minnesota (2021)

What a difference a "W" and a QB change makes for the psyche of the fan base. What would typically be a boring podcast about a nondescript 17-12 Iowa win on the road at lowly Northwestern turned into a fun debate over what we saw, what that means for Saturday against Minnesota, and the future of Iowa at the QB position. Don't get it wrong, the Hawkeye 4DT guys still had plenty of frustration with "only" a 5 point win over the worst defense in the B1G and we are under no delusions that the o...

Hawkeye 4DT – Northwestern (2021)

Another week and another very disappointing result for your Iowa Hawkeyes. As you would expect, some concerns and negativity to wade through in all four downs during this week’s episode of the Hawkeye 4DT podcast. But the guys still take some time to look ahead to the Northwestern game. Is the third time the charm for Iowa in its quest to get a first win in the B1G West? Download and listen to see what Brian and Zach expect to see this week against Pat Fitzgerald and the worst rushing defens...

Hawkeye 4DT – Wisconsin (2021)

  Usually, college football teams and fans say “the bye week came at the perfect time…”  But, at least for the Hawkeye 4DT guys, that was not the case this season, as this bye week only gave the guys more time to think back on the disappointment from the Purdue game. But, in this week’s episode, the guys try to shake off the Purdue hangover and bounce back, as they hope the Hawks do on Saturday against the ever-tough Wisconsin Badgers. Because Zach and Brian didn’t have a recent game to b...

Hawkeye 4DT - Bye Week (2021)

You win some and you lose some, but it is never fun to lose in the fashion that your Hawkeyes lost to Purdue on Saturday in a disappointing 24-7 game, which was not even as close as the score suggests. In this week's episode, Brian and Zach skip the typical 4DT breakdown in favor of an extended therapy session as they work through their reactions to the game (good news, Brian felt better after this, even if not 100% optimistic for the rest of the season). Given it is bye week, the guys also ...

Hawkeye 4DT – PSU Reaction - Purdue Preview 2021

Three days later and the Hawkeye 4DT crew is still not sure how to react to one of the biggest wins and amazing comebacks in the Ferentz era. Zach and Brian discuss the many highs and lows of a huge Saturday in Iowa City, as 4DT was on hand to take in all the festivities. Fitting this game into our normal "four downs" proved to be difficult because of the up and down nature of the game, but given the final comeback result, there is a lot more positivity than negativity as the Hawks move to 6...

Hawkeye 4DT – Penn State (2021)

It is always nice when a plan comes together. This week, Iowa's Friday night plan certainly came together as your Iowa Hawkeyes came away with a dominating 51-14 win over the latest trendy team with a hyped QB on Iowa's schedule. In this week's episode, Zach and Brian look back at that game and discuss several areas where Iowa is ahead of the game going into the big game against PSU. You'll also hear the guys discuss why this Saturday's game may be the biggest since 1985 - it is certainly in...

Hawkeye 4DT – Maryland (2021)

In this week's episode of the Hawkeye 4DT podcast, Zach and Brian focus on the silver linings of a closer-than-expected-but-not-really-that-close 24-14 victory over Colorado State . Even Brian gets in on the action as we once again praise the defense and add Spencer Petras to the list of folks who we believe are playing well (at least better). Don't worry, though, the guys still found some areas of concern for this year's Hawks, which comes from areas that are usually assumed to be strong po...

Hawkeye 4DT - Colorado State (2021)

Only time will tell whether 2021 will be a special season. However, with one non-conference game left on the scheduled, Brian and Zach find plenty of things to be positive about as they look back at a very successful opening quarter of the season. This week's 4DT breakdown includes continued (deserved) praise of the defense, as well as measured concern relating to the offensive side of the ball. Both Brian and Zach are looking for more offensive consistency this week as they both look for Io...

Hawkeye 4DT - Kent State (2021)

Due to some scheduling challenges, our 4DT breakdown is a little shorter and less in-depth than usually, but don’t mistake the length of our analysis or how late in the week we are publishing this with a lack of excitement for this Hawkeye team! Any time you get to talk about a Top 5 squad, the excitement is there. This week we dive into our reactions to the huge ISU win and look ahead to Saturday’s tilt with the only team with more 2021 interceptions than your favorite squad. Oh, we also ta...

Hawkeye 4DT – Iowa State University (2021)

Starting the season 1-0 with a dominating win that propels the Hawks into the top 10 (AP) is a pretty good start. An even better start would be beating the ISU Cyclones in a matchup of top 10 teams in Ames following what is sure to be an excited College GameDay crowd. Join Zach and Brian as they look back at a surprisingly comfortable win over the Indiana Hoosiers and look at what went right and where there is room for improvement. And, of course, the guys look ahead at ISU, give their predi...

Hawkeye 4DT – Indiana Preview (2021)

Finally, it's 2021 game week #1! Join Zach and Brian as they run through their first Four Down Territory breakdown of the season as they look at your Iowa Hawkeyes heading into a week 1 B1G home tilt against the #17 Indiana Hoosiers. In addition, with the clean slate of 0-0 before week 1, Zach and Brian look into their crystal balls and go through the schedule to W-L the 2021 season. Not to give away too much, but you might want to reserve your hotels in Indianapolis. You can download and ...

Hawkeye 4DT - Special Teams Preview and Pre-Season Awards (2021)

One final preview podcast before the first 4DT breakdown of the 2021 season. This week, after reviewing the B1G COVID protocols and discussing their thoughts on the "Alliance," Brian and Zach look at special teams to determine whether they will indeed be special this season or if there are areas for concern. In this week's episode, the guys also give out their 2021 annual pre-season awards. Download, listen, and let us know what award picks you like and which picks you thought missed the mar...

Hawkeye 4DT – Offensive Preview (2021)

After analyzing the defense last week, Zach and Brian are back to do their annual deep-dive analysis of the 2021 Hawkeye offense. Lots of questions to answer this year on the offensive side of the ball: Will the Hawks match their almost 31 points per game from 2020? How will the new-look offensive line come together? And, maybe most importantly, will Spencer Petras take that proverbial step forward. Download and listen to see how the 4DT crew feels about these important questions and more. ...