I understand the thought process, but Inhave to agree with the others that have already posted here.
I will say this however, if Brian pisses down his leg again this year then I could see this as a possibility. Barta’s not around anymore and even some of the most diehard fans are getting tired of the excuses.
With the expansion of the conference it’s going to be even more difficult to win it. It’s mind boggling to think the last time that that happened was back in 2004. Almost twenty years. Most coaching staffs don’t last that long anywhere. Not sure what to think about that.
No fan should have to concede and just say well we are a little school and it’s not possible even though Fryowa says that and the sample size of twenty years speaks for itself.
The thought came to me that maybe the University of Iowa would be better suited to change conference’s and join the Big 12 where they would be playing teams more their skill level. I think we could go against the likes of Colorado, Iowa State, Kansas State, BYU, Utah, and have a much, much, much better chance of being conference champs and make it to the playoffs. The sample size of twenty years since winning and representing the Big Ten as conference champs speaks for itself. Of course we are talking football here and there are other sports to consider.
Some may be thinking “hell no, that would be like beating up your little sister” and I understand the thought process, but twenty years???
Conference titles in the B1G since 2004:
OSU (8 solo, 2 shared)
Wisc
* 2 solo (2011 and 2012), one shared
* 2011 was a year when OSU was 3-5 following Tressel and pre-Urban, Wisc tied with PSU at 6-2, beat MSU in championship game
* 2012 Wisc won with a 4-4 conference record, 3rd place in Leaders but PSU and OSU ineligible; beat Nebraska 70-31 in championship game
Mich (2 solo in 2021 and 2022)
PSU (1 solo, 2 shared)
MSU (1 solo in 2015, 1 shared in 2010)
Basically, it has been the Buckeye show.
Wisky got a taste post-Tressel and pre-Urban, it sucks that Iowa happened to be in a down-cycle at that time.
Under Dantonio, MSU briefly ascended above Iowa (again, while OSU and Mich were in the dumps). They got their 2010 title in a season that Iowa beat them by 31 points, and their solo title was several inches away from being Iowa's. Over this span, they have 141 wins to Iowa's 144, but MSU has had higher highs (a 6 year stretch of 10.8 wins per year) and lower lows.
Michigan has only broken through over the past 2 years.
PSU had 2 shared titles under Paterno and prior to divisional play ('05 and '08). Franklin did break through in '16.
Yes, it stinks that Iowa couldn't have gotten that title they barely missed in 2015. Or that they imploded due to key injuries (and some bad coaching moves) in 2010, and then entered a down-cycle right when the conference was ripe for the picking. But what gets us closer to that title we all want?
A) scrapping what we have and starting over
B) doubling-down on our consistency and hope a combination of improvement and luck gets us there
I am in camp B. We have been close, our D and STs are on historic runs, our recruiting is as good as it has ever been, and 9 to 10 wins is the expectation each year. If that is your baseline, a couple lucky breaks could get you to that title.
I understand if you are in camp A, eventually everyone needs a change. I am definitely there when it comes to performance on the offensive side of the ball. I just think letting KF steer this ship gets us closer to the next title than starting over.
