#1DieHardHawk
Well-Known Member
It's hard to put a finger on it, but there is something different in the air early this season.
Throughout his head coaching career, Kirk has taken us on numerous roller coaster rides, whether it be within seasons - inexplicably losing to an obscure lesser opponent followed by a dramatic upset over a top five team- or between seasons - where the program appears to be circling the drain, then, just when all seems lost, rebounds with 10 wins and a major bowl appearance the following season.
During the bad times, fans collectively threw their hands in the air and vented with emotional (albeit often irrational) outbursts on message boards. During the good times, fans would praise his steady leadership and strict adherence to "complimentary football." Good or bad, there was a passion.
This season feels different.
Instead of throwing hands in the air and screaming expletives, Iowa football fans seem uncharacteristically muted in their disgust. Kind of like when someone gives you that dismissive downward hand gesture as they turn and walk away. It kind of reminds me of when couples finally realize that the relationship is over - no more yelling and heated arguments, just a deflated acceptance of the reality of the situation.
I've always been a Kirk supporter, and still predict that in 20 years we will be longing to return to the Ferentz years, but my gut says that this season is his swan song. I could very well be wrong. Perhaps he'll keep plugging along, begrudgingly trying to adapt to the dramatically changing college football landscape, but I get the feeling he won't.
Throughout his head coaching career, Kirk has taken us on numerous roller coaster rides, whether it be within seasons - inexplicably losing to an obscure lesser opponent followed by a dramatic upset over a top five team- or between seasons - where the program appears to be circling the drain, then, just when all seems lost, rebounds with 10 wins and a major bowl appearance the following season.
During the bad times, fans collectively threw their hands in the air and vented with emotional (albeit often irrational) outbursts on message boards. During the good times, fans would praise his steady leadership and strict adherence to "complimentary football." Good or bad, there was a passion.
This season feels different.
Instead of throwing hands in the air and screaming expletives, Iowa football fans seem uncharacteristically muted in their disgust. Kind of like when someone gives you that dismissive downward hand gesture as they turn and walk away. It kind of reminds me of when couples finally realize that the relationship is over - no more yelling and heated arguments, just a deflated acceptance of the reality of the situation.
I've always been a Kirk supporter, and still predict that in 20 years we will be longing to return to the Ferentz years, but my gut says that this season is his swan song. I could very well be wrong. Perhaps he'll keep plugging along, begrudgingly trying to adapt to the dramatically changing college football landscape, but I get the feeling he won't.