I'm trying not to get too excited.
I am actually planning on attending more than one game this season as my kid's got access to great tailgating space.
Obligatory "offense can't be any worse, defense should be solid" statement.
My big concern is that the same portal that helped fill some gaps for Iowa has been used in MN, Nebraska, Wisconsin, et. al. as well.
Every game is winnable. It will either be a glorious season or an aggravating one with a healthy dose of coulda/woulda/shouldas. If it's neither case, we're all gonna be real grumpy.
Grumpy? If it goes South this year because of the offense then a majority of fans will demand Brian be fired and they could be angry enough to want pop’s to go with him.
I watched a locked on Hawkeyes
you tube podcast last night (thought about sharing it here). The Host had as a guest Scott Dochterman.
Scott talked openly about the football program and basketball program. When talking about the basketball program Scott mentioned that Fran had done a great job of bringing the basketball program to respectability and how Fran’s stats of NCAA bids is among the best in the country. Scott however brought up an excellent point about basketball programs and fan expectations.
He talked about how in basketball it is great to be consistent, but there needs to be seasons of making significant runs in the NCAA tourney to make it fun for the fan base. He points out that Fran has failed to do this, and that there may be Fran Fatigue sitting in with the fan base despite Frans good record. Scott mentioned how reports are out there that Fran’s youngest son not wanting to play for Iowa, in fact Fran’s son has indicated this himself in comments.
Scott mentioned that it would not surprise him if this upcoming season or the one after might not be Frans last at Iowa. Not that he has any info but he wouldn’t be surprised if it happens.
Now while I was sitting and listening to this I am thinking why does Kirk get a pass on this? You have to go back to 2004 to the time Iowa represented the conference. Twenty years. That a long ass time.
My point here is that Kirk is way over due and this seems to be the year for him to do it. I think it’s very possible. Another you tube video quoting Kirk as feeling this years team to be the best defense he has coached at Iowa.
Brian we will be watching.
Next year, Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, USC, Wisconsin, Oregon, MSU, all in one conference with no divisions. What are our chances then??? The odds did not improve with the expansion, but in my opinion significantly decreased. I like the idea of three divisions with each division winner getter automatic bids to the expanded playoffs with leeway for a wild card or two getting added when the conference justifies it. That would improve Iowa’s chances of getting invited.
I know some of you are done with divisions. I assume you are envisioning it being done like it is in basketball. Just take the top rated team and give them invites. Well, I can see that. Where would you place Iowa on the long list of teams? Would they make it most years?
Brian we will be watching you this year as is the rest of the college football world. Make it happen Brian!