Sooner or later the networks will pay more for better match ups. Not going to pay big bucks to air Iowa vs North Texas every year.The whole notion that Iowa HAS to play 7 home games needs to be challenged better than these weak columnists do. Somebody needs to do their homework and present the evidence it is justified.
Because I can just as easily say, with no evidence, that Iowa can make more more money from tv rights, playing another P5 team every year, and playing an average of 6.5 home games per year.
I just hope Iowa doesn't try using the not wanting to 'break a contract' excuse for not doing it. Contracts have been torn up and redone all the time. They are hardly worth the ink they are printed on either. Iowa needs to do what's best for them not ISU or their fans..
I don't think either team's administration will allow them to cancel this game. Its a guaranteed early season sellout every single year. On top of that you'd have the pressure of local businesses (hotels, restaurants, clothing, etc) and corporate sponsors (hy-vee, Iowa Corn Growers) hammering the politicians to pressure the schools into continuing the "rivarly".
I hate this game, its not great for Iowa football, but it is good for the state. Theres really no denying that. I do. Well, maybe not flat out deny it, but I don't think it's as important as some think it is. Nobody has ever explained to me why it is so damn important or needed to the state as a whole. Really, why is it good for the state on a yearly basis?
With all the BTN money coming in, the excuse that Iowa "needs" 7 home games is ridiculous.
I agree with backing off the frequency of games, there is no reason why it wouldn't work every other year or even every third year.I honestly feel that any "rivalry" that might be between Iowa and Iowa State would be even more intense playing every few years than it is playing every year. I can see people really getting up for the game if they know the two teams won't meet again for a number of years. It would mean even more to win.
With some teams (teams/games that don't usually have national implications), playing every year can water down the rivalry.
At the present time, it's "well, we'll get them next year." No biggy. Just think if one fan base had bragging rights for 5 yrs?
Drop mic.
For me, it has nothing to do with "nothing to gain, everything to lose" or "national championships"....it has everything to do with the fact that the game is just stale now. It's time to bring some new blood in to get some excitement back....
I'm tired of the ISU series. If we win we get credit for beating one of the wortst, if not the worst teams in college football. If we lose the media mentions it all year and cyfans have their superbowl which makes their season a success. It's time we stopped subsidizing the clowns.
I agree with backing off the frequency of games, there is no reason why it wouldn't work every other year or even every third year.
On the other hand, it would be a shame to see the game to come to an end. I was at the first game in the renewal of the series in 1977. It was a good thing and although it might now be as much now, there is still a level of excitement and interest within the state of Iowa, and with fans of both schools. Plus, it make more sense than playing Northern Iowa ever.
when has isu had a decent team, 2002?The problem with Iowa playing ISU is that ISU sometimes has decent teams. Actually at times they have had pretty good teams (Seneca Wallace years). The problem is that Iowa State has never really had a complete team since 8-3 Earl. Even with Wallace, the depth just wasn't there. There starting 22 were pretty good. Later in the season when all teams have injuries, even a decent ISU team drops off. Makes Iowa look worse if they beat the Hawks...