The problem is statements like this are nearly impossible to prove...
as the year went on 1 time
as there are so many variables. Each season has to be seen within the context of what is going on at the time.
2006 - Iowa starts 5-1, finishes 6-7. Undoubtedly did not get better.
2007 - Starts 2-4, finishes 4-2. 4-2 finish includes beating good Illinois team, MSU in OT. Also includes loss to Western Michigan to drop Iowa out of a bowl.
2008 - Iowa wins 6 of last 7. This was a good team that basically couldn't buy a win in a close game early in the year and then with PSU by 1 point, followed up with close win over Purdue, then blowouts over other teams.
2009 - the record would say Iowa did not get better, but what happens if Stanzi doesn't get hurt? One could reasonably argue that Iowa beats Northwestern and even with a loss to OSU Iowa wins a title of the conference title. Bounced back by winning a BCS bowl. Hard to say Iowa dropped off significantly in the last half of the year.
2010 - Team was in position until the gut-punch losses to Northwestern and OSU, and the total capitulation in losing to Minnesota. Did not get better.
2011 - Up and won final half of year. Lose at Minnesota, then win over Michigan. Play poorly against MSU at home, follow up by winning at Purdue. Then lose to 2 better teams in Nebraska and Oklahoma.