Alex Marinelli | USC Trojans Preview

10/11/2025 1h 51min

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Episode Synopsis

In this episode of Talkin’ Hawks with the VandeBergs, Matt and Laura open with a raw breakdown of Iowa’s last-second loss to Oregon—weather woes, special teams swings, and what the fumble/two-point sequence meant for momentum—before zooming out on why this team is still right there with the nation’s best. They spotlight “unsung hero” OC Tim Lester for the gutsy final-drive calls, then pivot to wrestling season with Iowa great Alex Marinelli. Marinelli traces his path from Miamisburg, Ohio, to the Black & Gold, talks multi-sport toughness, coaching the next generation, and how the mindset on the mat translates to football. The show closes with a measured look ahead to USC: where Iowa can win in the trenches, how to clean up the details, and why a 9–3 finish and 10th win bowl path are still on the table. Go Hawks.