20 years ago I get it but the head coach matters less and less each year. Recruiting is about money now, nothing else.
Why pay a premium for Lane if the only thing he’s bringing is his OC skills since again, recruiting doesn’t matter?
They knew fairly early on he meant more as a recruiting win in their mind than a great player but being nebby they leave that arrow in the quiver until he leaves.
Not quite as severe but that 2005 Iowa team. We got up to #8 after week 1 and limped into #25 at the end.
That proved to be the trend for the next 20 years. Scrape the next level with your fingertip then come crashing down.