Starting to Grip

[CAARHawk]

I just wanted to be able to sit back and let this year unfold. Unfortunately, the addition of Nebby has made that really hard.

I just keep thinking that If Iowa has the special year it looks like they have the potential to have, then they will be perfectly placed with an annual rivalry game with Nebby to rise to elite status. Ala Nebby vs. OU

However, if they fall a bit flat, then they will probably continue to be perceived in a similar light to PSU when it comes to Nebby. Even if they beat them each year, Nebby will still be considered the elite program and Iowa will just be the thorn in the side.

 

[DodgerHawki]

Your first option is the best...

I just wanted to be able to sit back and let this year unfold. Unfortunately, the addition of Nebby has made that really hard.

I just keep thinking that If Iowa has the special year it looks like they have the potential to have, then they will be perfectly placed with an annual rivalry game with Nebby to rise to elite status. Ala Nebby vs. OU

However, if they fall a bit flat, then they will probably continue to be perceived in a similar light to PSU when it comes to Nebby. Even if they beat them each year, Nebby will still be considered the elite program and Iowa will just be the thorn in the side.

You do realize that it would take more than one "special" year for Iowa to rise to an elite status, whatever that is. The inherent disadvantages Iowa has in comparison with OSU, Florida, USC, Texas, etc., make it virtually impossible for Iowa to ever be in the same realm as those teams from an overall program perspective.

Enjoy what Fry has built here and Ferentz has continued. A focus on being physical and able to stand up to anyone in the trenches, playing smart disciplined football and positioned in such a way that in a given year we have a legitimate chance at a conference title. Don't get hung up on being an "elite" program, because the given our state's population that is a near-impossibility.

 

[homerHAWKeye777]

I just wanted to be able to sit back and let this year unfold. Unfortunately, the addition of Nebby has made that really hard.

I just keep thinking that If Iowa has the special year it looks like they have the potential to have, then they will be perfectly placed with an annual rivalry game with Nebby to rise to elite status. Ala Nebby vs. OU

However, if they fall a bit flat, then they will probably continue to be perceived in a similar light to PSU when it comes to Nebby. Even if they beat them each year, Nebby will still be considered the elite program and Iowa will just be the thorn in the side.

CAARHawk -

One more special season does not establish Iowa has being elite. Continuity of success is what paints program in that light.

While Penn State and Nebraska have each had their share of a few stumbles ... both are perceived as being more elite than Iowa because each program has demonstrated sustained success for NEARLY 5 DECADES!

In contrast, Iowa has only been semi-consistently good since around 1980.

Like it or not, there are still plenty of sports fans who will continually live in the past. As a result, a pretty large proportion of Nebraska fans will still look at Iowa as a thorn in their side. Heck, Penn State fans, despite the fact that their football teams has been PWNED by the Hawks ... they still make excuses and tend to view Iowa as a thorn in their side.

One of the few things that could "jolt" folks from such a perspective is if Iowa wins a national championship in the near future. Change in perception could also potentially come, albeit still irritatingly slow for Iowa fans, if Iowa enjoys multiple BCS bowl victories over a rather narrow window of time.

 

[CAARHawk]

Okay, I wasn't quite clear. What I meant was that the rivarly game could rise to elite status - ala OU/Nebby, not Nebby/CU or unfortunately Iowa/Minny (where the Trophy gets more press tha the game).

However, with respect to your comments about Iowa's status, I think you all might be surprised how Iowa would be perceived if they could break through and get that NC. Right now they are the little team that could. But with all the guys they have on preseason watch lists and with a loaded powerhouse like OSU. If Iowa made it through I think they would shed that image a bit.

Now I am not saying they are going to win a NC. Just saying I think the perception would change more than people expect.