I don't recall using the word awful, perhaps that is coming from you.
I don't see it as unacceptable either, just some wasted opportunities along the way, with more talent than Iowa usually has at its disposal.
This has been a good season, even better with a bowl win. Iowa needs to find a way to beat Wisconsin, long losing streaks to the cream of the crop in the West is a recipe for average results, it seems to me, although I don't "understand the landscape" as well as you, perhaps.
I wish we had a more competent OC and/or a HC that throttles the offense less.
So you are happy with the season? It isn't that difficult a question, is it?
My two cents...