Nebraska v. Iowa from 2000-2009: Who Was Better?

[ChosenChildren]

Who had the better program from 2000 through 2009, Iowa or Nebraska?

According to the College Football Data Warehouse, it is Iowa by a nose. Here are the decade rankings:

Iowa #21
Nebraska #22

Nebraska also ranks behind Michigan, Ohio St and Penn State.

The Cornhusker fans who think it is going to be a walk in the park in the Big Ten for the Big Red may be in for a big surprise.

 

[PatrickAdamovicz]

Nebraska needs to understand that this isn't the 80's or 90's anymore. They continue with living in the past and they will windup in the same boat as Notre Dame. They days of beating up on the Big 8 with the option and playing basically 1 big game a year (Oklahoma) have been gone for a long time.

 

[Howler]

The polls on ESPN.com only go back to 2002, but since then Iowa has finished the season in the AP Top 10 four times. Nebraska? None.

 

[olddude]

You had doubts? Shame shame.

 

[BlckNGldHwk]

I find it ironic (maybe moronic) that we keep telling Nebraska that this isn't the good ole days and then go on to compare our records over a given period of time to show we are an equal or better team. How about this...it's not the 80s 90s or 00s. It's 2011 and the only thing that matters is the scoreboard after the game. We'll know who the better team is then and won't have to rely on cherry picked historical stats.

 

[olddude]

I find it ironic (maybe moronic) that we keep telling Nebraska that this isn't the good ole days and then go on to compare our records over a given period of time to show we are an equal or better team. How about this...it's not the 80s 90s or 00s. It's 2011 and the only thing that matters is the scoreboard after the game. We'll know who the better team is then and won't have to rely on cherry picked historical stats.

But they are an "elite"program, they have won SO many games it would make your head spin, Bo is the D god, there D is the best in the nation, Iowa is not on their level, they dont give two cr@ps about Iowa and fully expect to win every game against Iowa, well except one here and there. Anything else I forgot? Oh yea the AAU is a joke and Tx cheated to beat them so much. Umm....
What Nebraska fans fail to see is that they are rebuilding. Not reloading. So first they have to get a D, which they are getting closer. Then they have to get an O, which will take a few years, then they have to get over the hump to the reloading stage. Building or rebuilding takes awhile. We are all to aware of that. KF started horrible, then showed some flashes, now all these years later, we know we are most always fairly deep and should represent well. Now how many schools like Nebraska, give a coach 4-7 years to do all that?

 

[BlckNGldHwk]

Rebuilding or not, if we don't beat them then we have nothing to say, likewise for them. there are no team trophies for lifetime achievement awards in college football. Same goes for isu, who cares that we are the better program, if we lose to them then that is the only thing that matters for the next year.

 

[jameskalina]

Rebuilding or not, if we don't beat them then we have nothing to say, likewise for them. there are no team trophies for lifetime achievement awards in college football. Same goes for isu, who cares that we are the better program, if we lose to them then that is the only thing that matters for the next year.

Well said. It's ok to discuss what was and compare stats of the past, etc. for talking points and pass time activity. But, we live in the present, and all that really matters is how we are doing today.

 

[74Hunter]

I find it ironic (maybe moronic) that we keep telling Nebraska that this isn't the good ole days and then go on to compare our records over a given period of time to show we are an equal or better team. How about this...it's not the 80s 90s or 00s. It's 2011 and the only thing that matters is the scoreboard after the game. We'll know who the better team is then and won't have to rely on cherry picked historical stats.

Great post, couldnt agree more. We don't bring up the 80's or 90's. The haters do to remind us that apparently, we should give up and shouldn't even field a football team anymore because we have been down for 10 years. Likely, no team will ever again have the success that we had in the mid 90's.

Keep in mind that this has been the worst 10 year stretch for Nebraska since the 50's and one of Iowa's best in it's history.

FWIW and to answer another poster's question, we finished in the top 10 in both 2000 and 2001, and played in the MNC in 2001.

But they are an "elite"program, they have won SO many games it would make your head spin,

Historically, yes. Yes we are. Does that automatically mean we will win the MNC this year? No. But, whether you want to acknowledge it or not, the name recognition and tradition does mean something.

Do those crystal trophies make a damn bit of difference once kickoff occurs the morning after Thanksgiving? No. But they do mean something in the re-building of a program.

Bo is the D god, there D is the best in the nation,

See the results, no other explaination should be needed.

Iowa is not on their level, they dont give two cr@ps about Iowa and fully expect to win every game against Iowa, well except one here and there.

Pretty much. We don't and haven't cared about Iowa until this year, and why should we? We've played what, 5 times in the past 30 years, and I believe NU is 4-1 against Iowa during that time. Why should we care about them prior to becoming conference mates?

Iowa should fully expect to win every game against Nebraska, not doing so is kindof admitting failure before trying.

Anything else I forgot? Oh yea the AAU is a joke and Tx cheated to beat them so much. Umm....

Not sure why this was even brought up, most of this statement is not true (so much) and has no bearing on the Iowa vs. DoNU discussion.

It sounds like butthurt/little brother syndrom to me.

What Nebraska fans fail to see is that they are rebuilding. Not reloading. So first they have to get a D, which they are getting closer. Then they have to get an O, which will take a few years

Wrong. Go to any Nebraska board, and we fully realize that our D still has some questions, but is where it needs to be for the most part. Nobody fully knows what to expect from the O, and it is going to be a serious work in progress. Optimistically, it can't get much worse than it was at the end of last year. Many Nebraska fans argue about which stage of the rebuild we are at, but we are optimistic.

It fully sounds like you are either cherry picking quotes from the biggest and most optimistic of sunshine pumpers and characterize all Nebraska fans that way, or your irrational hatred for all things Nebraska is pushing you to make stuff up and attribute it to Nebraska.

then they have to get over the hump to the reloading stage. Building or rebuilding takes awhile. We are all to aware of that. KF started horrible, then showed some flashes, now all these years later, we know we are most always fairly deep and should represent well. Now how many schools like Nebraska, give a coach 4-7 years to do all that?

We know that, and now, we are hopefully in the early stages of reloading and deeper development. As for giving a coach 4-7 years, we are in year 4 of the Pelini era. He will be here for 7 years, if he wants.

I believe that in our "rebuilding stage" (the past 3 years) we have won 29 games, been in 3 bowls, finished in the top 20 twice, and played for 2 conference championships. At many or most schools, that would be a golden era.

Hopefully, we can take the next step in 2011.

 

[olddude]

good post 74, you are more reasonable, than other Nebraska fans. Rebuilding takes awhile. Nebraska has a ways to go. I mean I know your D is your strong point and some Nebraska fans think the B10 has never seen anything like that caliber of D. Just compare it to Iowas and you will see, we know how to play D in the B10 as well.

 

[HawkeyeWalker]

I live in Omaha, NE. I went to school at a state college in NE. I grew up in Sioux City area. I am 35 and a life long Hawkeye Fan, I will tell you what I know, both Iowa and NE have some ridiculously crazy, dilusional fans.... another thing I know....NE has far more unrealistic, unrational fans than Iowa, and it's not close. Maybe it's due to the great run in the 90's, the nat'l championships, etc and that's fine, my stance is that if you get in a "discussion" with a NE fan, and you are a Hawkeye fan, the "how many NC does Iowa have?" question will always come out.

History and tradition have their place, and I respect what NE has been able to accomplish and sustain for the most part. As for going forward, for me, the clock is reset and although I don't know if it will happen, I hope we kick the fuskers @ss a few times to wipe the collective sense of superiority off their face.

 

[74Hunter]

good post 74, you are more reasonable, than other Nebraska fans.

I think if you put aside your bias, you will see that most Nebraska fans are rather reasonable. Do we have a-holes, yes. Can we be cocky and condescending, sure. But by and large, I don't think that we are totally unreasonable when talking football.

Rebuilding takes awhile. Nebraska has a ways to go.

I am hoping that we are farther along than you seem to think that we are. I guess we will see in the next season or two.

I mean I know your D is your strong point and some Nebraska fans think the B10 has never seen anything like that caliber of D.

I don't thing that it has to do with the caliber of our D, as it is the style. This defense has been put together to stop spread offenses, and it is killer against passing teams. I personally don't know how it will fare against teams like Wisconsin and Iowa, teams that are more pro-style or downhill running teams. To me it is a definite concern, but I trust in Bo and Carl to put together something decent.

Just compare it to Iowas and you will see, we know how to play D in the B10 as well.

I don't know alot about Iowa's team or program. I watched a small part of the Zona game last year, as well as most of your bowl. From what I do know, you normally have a stout D, a very good offensive line, a nice to very good running back, and pretty decent qb. There certainly are good defenses in the B1G.

I'll admit, I was rather surprised by the speed and effectiveness Iowa's kickoff coverage and punt coverage units.

 

[74Hunter]

I live in Omaha, NE. I went to school at a state college in NE. I grew up in Sioux City area. I am 35 and a life long Hawkeye Fan,

Obviously, you weren't spanked enough as a kid

j/k

I will tell you what I know, both Iowa and NE have some ridiculously crazy, dilusional fans.... another thing I know....NE has far more unrealistic, unrational fans than Iowa, and it's not close. Maybe it's due to the great run in the 90's, the nat'l championships, etc and that's fine,

Maybe, but at least admit your bias. We may have higher standards due to past success, and you may find that irrational, while others do not.

my stance is that if you get in a "discussion" with a NE fan, and you are a Hawkeye fan, the "how many NC does Iowa have?" question will always come out.

I have to call BS on that one. Not that it hasn't been done, but I haven't heard it very often, and I have never said that with out warrant.

Are you sure that the conversation didn't go something like:

NF-"Go Huskers!"

IF-"Huskers suck! They're irrelevant, go Hawks!"

NF-"Oh yeah, how many MNCs do you have? We got 5."

From my experience, this is how many of these exchanges take place.

At the gym in Omaha I go to, I have seen (suprisingly) quite a few Hawk fans, and never once have I or have I seen anyone walk up to someone sprorting Iowa gear and just out of the clear blue say, "We have 5 trophies, take your sorry butt east of the Missouri, loser."

But maybe thats just me

History and tradition have their place, and I respect what NE has been able to accomplish and sustain for the most part. As for going forward, for me, the clock is reset and although I don't know if it will happen, I hope we kick the fuskers @ss a few times to wipe the collective sense of superiority off their face.

And I can respect this, but I am hoping for a much different outcome.

 

[BabcockIC]

I have looked on many forums and have seen that many pundits see a rivalry coming and so have a few fans. This article and the comments that follow provide some insight.

From looking at Nebraska forums and other Big XII teams, most seem to think they have a major inferiority complex after having to play Texas and lose so much. They also say that Neb fans are not the best to deal with so do not attack them or they will react very badly.

I think nebraska is a great fit for our conference but they will have an adjustment period so when deaing with their fans remember kid gloves.

 

[olddude]

I have looked on many forums and have seen that many pundits see a rivalry coming and so have a few fans. This article and the comments that follow provide some insight.

From looking at Nebraska forums and other Big XII teams, most seem to think they have a major inferiority complex after having to play Texas and lose so much. They also say that Neb fans are not the best to deal with so do not attack them or they will react very badly.

I think nebraska is a great fit for our conference but they will have an adjustment period so when deaing with their fans remember kid gloves.

Kid gloves I'll do. But I will not point out the obvious with anything other than facts. Which is where I have a hard time. Even if you are able to get a Nebraska fan to see what you are showing them, if they dont like it, thats it they are done talking (my woman is the best at this tactic and is an irrational Nebraska fan). I mean come on when your shown the writing on the wall, you have to admit to what that writing says.
But either which way facts or not, it's what gets done on the field THIS year that matters. Bo has put together a decent D, and with some improvment on O should do alright. I dont see them as the division fav's but hey I do my own work and dont listen to everyone elses predictions.
As for where I think Nebraska is at in the rebuilding process, well...
I compare them to the break downs I have on all the other B10 teams. So here we go an honest opinion of Nebraska.
#1 their D, is very good, but it is suspect in the secondary, it HAS been suspect to the run and was not any better than Iowa's D last year, even thou Iowas D struggled last year.
#2 their O is horrible, I mean holy smokes Bo has a ton to do there. O line is not to stout, leaving a less than perfect qb at even more risk. Could that be why he ran so much? Was it out of neccessity? They do have some play makers on O but not near enough to put up to many points on many of the B10 teams D's. If you look at Nebraska's O it is alot like Mich was last year.
#3 And this is bigger than most people realize. When you have a crappy O but run a good D, your object is to have low scoring games (like many of Nebraska's were last year). In almost all low scoring games the kicking game plays a HUGE role in winning those games. Last year they had Henry who could quite possibly be the best college kicker many of us will see in our lifetimes. Now he is gone.

That's why I say they have a ways to go. You can get by being a little short in some of those areas, but not as short as they are in as many areas as they are.

 

[ArizonaHawkeye88]

I like the fact that the answer of which team is better will played out every year on the field. I think this game will be big recruiting wise for us. We'll be playing a nationally known team on national TV.This will be a game watched by HS recruits from all over the nation.

 

[kicker22]

I agree with all those that are tired of the chest thumping from the past, because eventually you have to accept the present and the future of the program and forget the past.

How many Gopher fan's are still bragging about how good they once were? Bottom line is that now that we're playing yearly it's time to put up or shut up.

 

[74Hunter]

](my woman is the best at this tactic and is an irrational Nebraska fan).[/B]

Which explains you irrational opinion of Nebraska fans.

#1 their D, is very good, but it is suspect in the secondary, it HAS been suspect to the run and was not any better than Iowa's D last year, even thou Iowas D struggled last year.

And I believe Nebraska played more high powered/rated offenses than Iowa, for the most part.

This defense was built to stop spread offenses, the secondary should be fine next year. Plenty of guys played, and played well, Dennard being an All-American.

#2 their O is horrible, I mean holy smokes Bo has a ton to do there. O line is not to stout, leaving a less than perfect qb at even more risk. Could that be why he ran so much? Was it out of neccessity? They do have some play makers on O but not near enough to put up to many points on many of the B10 teams D's. If you look at Nebraska's O it is alot like Mich was last year.

As horrible as it was, it still averaged more points and yards per game than Iowa's. The majority of the problems coming after our top 2 qb's were injured.

There are playmakers (more than you probably realize) and hopefully we finally have an OC to put the team in position to succeed better.

#3 And this is bigger than most people realize. When you have a crappy O but run a good D, your object is to have low scoring games (like many of Nebraska's were last year). In almost all low scoring games the kicking game plays a HUGE role in winning those games. Last year they had Henry who could quite possibly be the best college kicker many of us will see in our lifetimes. Now he is gone.

Great point, but I think we got a guy (Brett Maher) that should at least be serviceable.

That's why I say they have a ways to go. You can get by being a little short in some of those areas, but not as short as they are in as many areas as they are.

Time will tell, all teams have questions, we'll see who fills them in better.

 

[74Hunter]

I agree with all those that are tired of the chest thumping from the past, because eventually you have to accept the present and the future of the program and forget the past.

How many Gopher fan's are still bragging about how good they once were?

The big difference is that Minnesota hasn't been relevant since, what the 50's or 60's?

Nebraska (in its worst decade since the 50's) has played in a BCS MNC game, has won double digit games in a season 5 or 6 times, and has been spend quite a bit of time in the top 25. Its been a downturn, but we haven't fallen of of the face of the earth.

Bottom line is that now that we're playing yearly it's time to put up or shut up.

Couldn't agree more.

 

[kicker22]

The big difference is that Minnesota hasn't been relevant since, what the 50's or 60's?

Nebraska (in its worst decade since the 50's) has played in a BCS MNC game, has won double digit games in a season 5 or 6 times, and has been spend quite a bit of time in the top 25. Its been a downturn, but we haven't fallen of of the face of the earth.



Couldn't agree more.

Hunter, in no way, shape, or form was I comparing Nebraska to Minnesota. I have way much respect for Nebraska to do that. What I was getting at is that the past is behind us, and although there's a great deal of tradition there it means nothing once the two teams step on the field. Both Iowa and Nebraska are currently very good football teams and I can't wait for the rivalry to kick off in November.