Iowa City

[lemarshusker]

Got back from Iowa City late last night/early this morning, couldn't sleep. That was one of the most frustrating games in the history of Husker football.

This was my first trip to Kinnick, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I have to say I am a little jealous of their tailgating scene. I love Lincoln, but I wish we had their tailgating scene instead of the bars.

Second of all, their fans were great, despite kicking our ass. I had so many genuinely nice interactions with them, which made it even harder to dislike them.

Last but not least, I've come to the realization (as did others in our group) that Husker football as we knew it in the 90's is NEVER coming back. We are not an elite program. We are not a blueblood of college football. We are painfully mediocre. Iowa football is now above our level and that's painful to admit. When was the last time we won a high profile bowl game? Fiesta bowl maybe 15 years ago?

 

[Snickerdoodle70]

Got back from Iowa City late last night/early this morning, couldn't sleep. That was one of the most frustrating games in the history of Husker football.

This was my first trip to Kinnick, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I have to say I am a little jealous of their tailgating scene. I love Lincoln, but I wish we had their tailgating scene instead of the bars.

Second of all, their fans were great, despite kicking our ass. I had so many genuinely nice interactions with them, which made it even harder to dislike them.

Last but not least, I've come to the realization (as did others in our group) that Husker football as we knew it in the 90's is NEVER coming back. We are not an elite program. We are not a blueblood of college football. We are painfully mediocre. Iowa football is now above our level and that's painful to admit. When was the last time we won a high profile bowl game? Fiesta bowl maybe 15 years ago?

I would hardly say Iowa is above our level - but they certainly were last night, and last season as well. Nebraska still holds many football recruiting advantages over Iowa, and like it or not, the Nebraska name still has clout.

There are few now-fathers of recruits who don't remember Nebraska in the late 90s and early 2000s. Sadly, though, we're now relying on the previous generation to vouch for our program.

Going back to IC and Kinnick, I will say this: we are two programs with very similar demographics and challenges. But I still find it funny when Iowa fans try to make Nebraska seem like we're hicks who only run farms.

 

[Pennsyhusker]

I would hardly say Iowa is above our level - but they certainly were last night, and last season as well. Nebraska still holds many football recruiting advantages over Iowa, and like it or not, the Nebraska name still has clout.

There are few now-fathers of recruits who don't remember Nebraska in the late 90s and early 2000s. Sadly, though, we're now relying on the previous generation to vouch for our program.

Going back to IC and Kinnick, I will say this: we are two programs with very similar demographics and challenges. But I still find it funny when Iowa fans try to make Nebraska seem like we're hicks who only run farms.

Sorry but Iowa is not only at our level, but they are better than we are. We have the tradition and the trophies. But when did all that happen? Oh yes, it ended in 1997. So 20 years ago damn near.

We are not Nebraska anymore. I had hoped these kinds of embarrassing beat downs were over. We fired our last three coaches because they consistently lost on the big stage in similar fashion. Will Riley be #4? I sure as hell hope not. I like him. But yesterday has planted deep seeds of doubt in my mind.

Have we grown so accustomed to losing like this in big games that it is no longer a big deal? Seems so. Sad

 

[lemarshusker]

I would hardly say Iowa is above our level - but they certainly were last night, and last season as well. Nebraska still holds many football recruiting advantages over Iowa, and like it or not, the Nebraska name still has clout.

There are few now-fathers of recruits who don't remember Nebraska in the late 90s and early 2000s. Sadly, though, we're now relying on the previous generation to vouch for our program.

Going back to IC and Kinnick, I will say this: we are two programs with very similar demographics and challenges. But I still find it funny when Iowa fans try to make Nebraska seem like we're hicks who only run farms.

Since the last time we were in a bowl game of any significance, Iowa has been to three and won one. I'm not saying that's impressive for them, but it's more than we can say! And it's not a small sample size. Of course we have the bigger stadium, the bigger fan base, better recruits, the nicer facilities, etc. But what I'm referring to is what ultimately matters. The product on the field. And we are not on Iowa's level.

 

[Snickerdoodle70]

Will Riley be #4?

I think so. He's done absolutely nothing to convince me. But I'm waiting until signing day this year.

If Nebraska manages to sign a top 10 (perhaps 15 if it addresses obvious holes) recruiting class, he will have more leeway with me. If the Huskers sign another 25-35-41 ranked class, I will expect more of what we've seen the last two (7) seasons. Which is to say, we blame previous coaches for our poor recruiting, performance on the field, yada-yada.

Blaming the previous coach(es) is such a cop-out. It sure didn't take Harbaugh and Meyer to make significant strides.

 

[GolfHacker1]

Most of you guys don't get it. There have been several lists of best college football programs of all time. Let's just use AP as an example. Iowa was #26, Nebraska was #7. No one really disputes this. Maybe delusional message board posters, bt no one rooted in reality.

Both Iowa and Nebraska will compete for B1G titles, and be in NC contention from time to time. Iowa has been in NC contention more frequently recently. It's just that Nebby won't do it as frequently as in the 1990's. Nebraska has a smaller population than Iowa. Nebraska was forced to recruit nationally a long time ago. Presently we now have over 100 other FBS programs recruiting nationally.

So what we have is as follows. We have 3-5 programs that every year will be potential NC contenders. Next we have several teams that will rotate in and out of NC contention every 3-6 years. Iowa and Nebraska are probably in this group.

It is what it is. Most reasonable people understand this. What is baffling is that every Iowa fan I've ever known that has traveled to Lincoln to watch Iowa play Nebraska has had zero issues with Nebby fans, and there isn't one Nebby fan on here that has traveled to Iowa City that has ever mentioned any douch baggery on the part of an Iowa fan.

Nebraska's storied past cannot be taken away, nor can the fact be denied that both teams presently are pretty solid and consistent programs that continue to have breakout years.

What we need now of the B1G teams to win OOC bowl games. Because if they do, both teams final placement in the T25 will be something to look back on.

But instead what we get here are fans at the margins either claiming Iowa is trash and Nebby should never lose to them, or Nebby is not good any more, and will never be good again. But defy logic and any basis in fact a reality.

 

[PeliniTheCrutch]

Couldn't agree more on their tailgating situation.

 

[JohnRossEwing]

Couldn't agree more on their tailgating situation.

I have not been but I hear it is awesome and that it is totally embraced by the fans and the school.

 

[timnsun]

I think so. He's done absolutely nothing to convince me. But I'm waiting until signing day this year.

If Nebraska manages to sign a top 10 (perhaps 15 if it addresses obvious holes) recruiting class, he will have more leeway with me. If the Huskers sign another 25-35-41 ranked class, I will expect more of what we've seen the last two (7) seasons. Which is to say, we blame previous coaches for our poor recruiting, performance on the field, yada-yada.

Blaming the previous coach(es) is such a cop-out. It sure didn't take Harbaugh and Meyer to make significant strides.

Snicker, you have to take into account talent and depth as well. When Meyer took over for OSU they had a buttload of talent and depth already in place. He knew what to do with all of that. When Harbaugh took over at Michigan here was a buttload of talent in place. But what about when Harbaugh was at Stanford? He didn't have the talent already there... he needed time to build it up. Did Riley inherit a roster full of talent like Meyer did, or Harbaugh did at Michigan? I don't think so.

Maybe Riley isn't the guy. Some of you already seem to know that, others are showing more patience. This next season (or 2) will be pretty revealing. We need the horses in the trenches. If the coaches don't get those, we will continue down this path of solid mediocrity.

 

[terrehawk]

Since the last time we were in a bowl game of any significance, Iowa has been to three and won one. I'm not saying that's impressive for them, but it's more than we can say! And it's not a small sample size. Of course we have the bigger stadium, the bigger fan base, better recruits, the nicer facilities, etc. But what I'm referring to is what ultimately matters. The product on the field. And we are not on Iowa's level.

Does UN actually have nicer facilities?

 

[delmond]

Does UN actually have nicer facilities?

No. Iowa has a much nicer facility for the athletes. Much nicer

 

[LineDriveHawk]

Most of you guys don't get it. There have been several lists of best college football programs of all time. Let's just use AP as an example. Iowa was #26, Nebraska was #7. No one really disputes this. Maybe delusional message board posters, bt no one rooted in reality.

Both Iowa and Nebraska will compete for B1G titles, and be in NC contention from time to time. Iowa has been in NC contention more frequently recently. It's just that Nebby won't do it as frequently as in the 1990's. Nebraska has a smaller population than Iowa. Nebraska was forced to recruit nationally a long time ago. Presently we now have over 100 other FBS programs recruiting nationally.

So what we have is as follows. We have 3-5 programs that every year will be potential NC contenders. Next we have several teams that will rotate in and out of NC contention every 3-6 years. Iowa and Nebraska are probably in this group.

It is what it is. Most reasonable people understand this. What is baffling is that every Iowa fan I've ever known that has traveled to Lincoln to watch Iowa play Nebraska has had zero issues with Nebby fans, and there isn't one Nebby fan on here that has traveled to Iowa City that has ever mentioned any douch baggery on the part of an Iowa fan.

Nebraska's storied past cannot be taken away, nor can the fact be denied that both teams presently are pretty solid and consistent programs that continue to have breakout years.

What we need now of the B1G teams to win OOC bowl games. Because if they do, both teams final placement in the T25 will be something to look back on.

But instead what we get here are fans at the margins either claiming Iowa is trash and Nebby should never lose to them, or Nebby is not good any more, and will never be good again. But defy logic and any basis in fact a reality.

Excellent post. I live on the western side of the state, and interact on a daily basis with Nebraska fans. I have been to Lincoln for multiple Iowa games, and in IC as well for the IA/NU game. Yesterday was no different - had a group of Nebraska fans in front of me and we had great conversations during the game. With any rivalry, the extreme fan makes the fanbase look ignorant - both sides have that.

 

[delmond]

Got back from Iowa City late last night/early this morning, couldn't sleep. That was one of the most frustrating games in the history of Husker football.

This was my first trip to Kinnick, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I have to say I am a little jealous of their tailgating scene. I love Lincoln, but I wish we had their tailgating scene instead of the bars.

Second of all, their fans were great, despite kicking our ass. I had so many genuinely nice interactions with them, which made it even harder to dislike them.

Last but not least, I've come to the realization (as did others in our group) that Husker football as we knew it in the 90's is NEVER coming back. We are not an elite program. We are not a blueblood of college football. We are painfully mediocre. Iowa football is now above our level and that's painful to admit. When was the last time we won a high profile bowl game? Fiesta bowl maybe 15 years ago?

Blame Eichorst-In the end I had to evalute where Iowa is!!!! Well whats the evaluation now-That aww shucks Mike ain't right????

 

[timnsun]

Blame Eichorst-In the end I had to evalute where Iowa is!!!! Well whats the evaluation now-That aww shucks Mike ain't right????

Too soon to say this... You may be right, but too soon.

 

[GBRhuskers]

Does UN actually have nicer facilities?

Not sure what the United Nations facilities are like, NU's are nicer.

No. Iowa has a much nicer facility for the athletes. Much nicer

Wrong. We can start at your start at your shitty stadium and go from there. Iowa is still behind Nebraska.

 

[hawkcub]

I have not been but I hear it is awesome and that it is totally embraced by the fans and the school.

It's getting back to being embraced by the school. Although for a while we had a president that tried to reduce it. There was push back by fans. It's now going back to where it once was. Probably will never get to where it once was. Housing developments and some rules inacted for tailgating will stop that completely.

But as a Hawk fan it's always a fun time to tailgate Be it in back of some bodies yard and meet old and new friends. Or a paved lot around the stadium. I'll add what I love is we have lots that are non alcohol all the way to the partier lots. With any and everything in between. Both public and private.

 

[brnred58]

Excellent post. I live on the western side of the state, and interact on a daily basis with Nebraska fans. I have been to Lincoln for multiple Iowa games, and in IC as well for the IA/NU game. Yesterday was no different - had a group of Nebraska fans in front of me and we had great conversations during the game. With any rivalry, the extreme fan makes the fanbase look ignorant - both sides have that.

How long has Ferentz been there? Do you think we have that much patience?

 

[Frozone]

Blame Eichorst-In the end I had to evalute where Iowa is!!!! Well whats the evaluation now-That aww shucks Mike ain't right????

The evaluation is that you're a 7 or 8 win program, the same as you were when Eichorst made the statement in the first place.

Yesterday was ugly, and hats off to Iowa. I think it's funny that their fans are beating their chests after getting their 8th win and rising to a .500 record against Nebraska since we joined the conference, but every program defines success differently, I guess. But the bottom line is that the Hawkeyes wanted it more and were more fundamentally sound on every level yesterday, and all the Huskers can do is look in the mirror and learn the lessons.

 

[LineDriveHawk]

How long has Ferentz been there? Do you think we have that much patience?

Not sure I understand the question regarding patience. Kirk Ferentz led Iowa to a top 5 finish and an Orange Bowl in year four of his tenure - year three he went to the Alamo Bowl and beat a pretty good Texas Tech team. And, he took over when the program was buried. So, from a patience standpoint, Iowa didn't have to be overly patient in terms of KF.

 

[SWIowahawks]

Got back from Iowa City late last night/early this morning, couldn't sleep. That was one of the most frustrating games in the history of Husker football.

This was my first trip to Kinnick, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I have to say I am a little jealous of their tailgating scene. I love Lincoln, but I wish we had their tailgating scene instead of the bars.

Second of all, their fans were great, despite kicking our ass. I had so many genuinely nice interactions with them, which made it even harder to dislike them.

Last but not least, I've come to the realization (as did others in our group) that Husker football as we knew it in the 90's is NEVER coming back. We are not an elite program. We are not a blueblood of college football. We are painfully mediocre. Iowa football is now above our level and that's painful to admit. When was the last time we won a high profile bowl game? Fiesta bowl maybe 15 years ago?

Glad you enjoyed your trip, other than the outcome. My wife (no pic) and I have been to Lincoln the three Iowa games and have had zero issues. Very enjoyable.

 

[lemarshusker]

The evaluation is that you're a 7 or 8 win program, the same as you were when Eichorst made the statement in the first place.

Yesterday was ugly, and hats off to Iowa. I think it's funny that their fans are beating their chests after getting their 8th win and rising to a .500 record against Nebraska since we joined the conference, but every program defines success differently, I guess. But the bottom line is that the Hawkeyes wanted it more and were more fundamentally sound on every level yesterday, and all the Huskers can do is look in the mirror and learn the lessons.

But if you are downplaying the Hawkeyes success and Nebraska can't even match that, what does that say? They have a better program and it's been that way for a while now.

 

[lemarshusker]

Not sure what the United Nations facilities are like, NU's are nicer.



Wrong. We can start at your start at your shitty stadium and go from there. Iowa is still behind Nebraska.

Meh, I wouldn't say Kinnick is a shitty stadium, but everyone is their own opinions. Iowa has embraced the "historical" look of the stadium rather than adopt a lot of the modern amenities Memorial Stadium has. I was told Iowa is doing a major update to one of the end zones, which will help bring it up to date. But much like Wrigley, I appreciated the old school feel of the stadium. Like I said about the tailgating, I was a bit envious of it.

 

[Frozone]

But if you are downplaying the Hawkeyes success and Nebraska can't even match that, what does that say? They have a better program and it's been that way for a while now.

I don't agree that we can't match Iowa, and I don't agree that their program is better. For all of their success and our mediocrity over the last 16 years, we still have about 20 more wins than them overall and a better winning percentage within that same time span.

I get that we're not what we used to be, but some of the poor mouthing of our own program on here gets a little old. We're not an elite program right now and haven't been for a long time, but Iowa's bar of success is hardly anything to aspire to.

 

[phoenix4nu]

Snicker, you have to take into account talent and depth as well. When Meyer took over for OSU they had a buttload of talent and depth already in place. He knew what to do with all of that. When Harbaugh took over at Michigan here was a buttload of talent in place. But what about when Harbaugh was at Stanford? He didn't have the talent already there... he needed time to build it up. Did Riley inherit a roster full of talent like Meyer did, or Harbaugh did at Michigan? I don't think so.

Maybe Riley isn't the guy. Some of you already seem to know that, others are showing more patience. This next season (or 2) will be pretty revealing. We need the horses in the trenches. If the coaches don't get those, we will continue down this path of solid mediocrity.

Not to be picky, but it's "boatload" not "buttload".

 

[timnsun]

Not to be picky, but it's "boatload" not "buttload".

Thanks... guess I must prefer buttload...

 

[icnu525]

Something like this
Since 2002 Iowa has 5 top ten end of season rankings
Neb has 0

 

[lemarshusker]

I don't agree that we can't match Iowa, and I don't agree that their program is better. For all of their success and our mediocrity over the last 16 years, we still have about 20 more wins than them overall and a better winning percentage within that same time span.

I get that we're not what we used to be, but some of the poor mouthing of our own program on here gets a little old. We're not an elite program right now and haven't been for a long time, but Iowa's bar of success is hardly anything to aspire to.

That's my point. We can't talk about being elite or being a blueblood if we can't even do what Iowa has done lately. They've been to major bowl games, won one, and we are looking up at them. Pretty sad.

It's not bad mouthing when it's true.

 

[dfswede]

The evaluation is that you're a 7 or 8 win program, the same as you were when Eichorst made the statement in the first place.

Yesterday was ugly, and hats off to Iowa. I think it's funny that their fans are beating their chests after getting their 8th win and rising to a .500 record against Nebraska since we joined the conference, but every program defines success differently, I guess. But the bottom line is that the Hawkeyes wanted it more and were more fundamentally sound on every level yesterday, and all the Huskers can do is look in the mirror and learn the lessons.

We aren't beating our chest about 8 wins, overall. We are thrilled with 8 wins after feeling like 5-7 was a distinct possibility. There is a mile of difference between those two thought processes.

 

[KeenKeensCrew]

Not sure what the United Nations facilities are like, NU's are nicer.



Wrong. We can start at your start at your shitty stadium and go from there. Iowa is still behind Nebraska.

Actually they are probably pretty even at this point since the opening of Iowa's new operations building last year.

http://footballscoop.com/news/video-take-a-tour-of-iowas-new-football-facility/

As much as I love Kinnick, sitting in the north end zone yesterday sucked from a comfort/room standpoint. The great news is that it will all be fixed in a couple years.

http://kinnickedge.org

 

[dfswede]

I don't agree that we can't match Iowa, and I don't agree that their program is better. For all of their success and our mediocrity over the last 16 years, we still have about 20 more wins than them overall and a better winning percentage within that same time span.

I get that we're not what we used to be, but some of the poor mouthing of our own program on here gets a little old. We're not an elite program right now and haven't been for a long time, but Iowa's bar of success is hardly anything to aspire to.

Article in the Omaha Herald just covered this. Since the end of Nebraska's long successful run in 2001, (so, starting in 2002), Iowa has one less win and 3 less losses.
http://www.omaha.com/huskers/footba...cle_8531a358-b36b-11e6-b366-a3c9ccf0108c.html

 

[Frozone]

That's my point. We can't talk about being elite or being a blueblood if we can't even do what Iowa has done lately. They've been to major bowl games, won one, and we are looking up at them. Pretty sad.

It's not bad mouthing when it's true.

They've been to 3 major bowl games, were blown out in 2, and managed to beat Georgia Tech in the other one.

And if the roles were reversed and they were playing in the Big 12 for a decade, facing not only Texas and Oklahoma but playing in a conference championship game as well (which the Big Ten didn't even have until recently), then I'm guessing we'd be the ones with the conference titles and they'd be the ones without. Hell, both of their conference championships under Ferentz were shared: in the first one, they didn't even play Ohio State, and in the second they lost to Michigan. In both cases, they went to the lesser of the two bowls (OSU played for the National Championship in 2002, and Iowa was relegated to the Cap 1 Bowl in 2004). And they haven't won (shared) a conference title since. But judging from the fact that you're a new poster and probably an Iowa fan trolling us, I'm guessing you're already familiar with Hawkeye history.

It comes down to wins, and again, we have more of those than Iowa (including this season). I agree that there's plenty of work cut out for us, but we could start by not lowering the bar to Iowa's 7 or 8 win threshold.

 

[Frozone]

Article in the Omaha Herald just covered this. Since the end of Nebraska's long successful run in 2001, (so, starting in 2002), Iowa has one less win and 3 less losses.
http://www.omaha.com/huskers/footba...cle_8531a358-b36b-11e6-b366-a3c9ccf0108c.html

Selective time frame. Start from 2000 (you know, the logical starting point since we're comparing the programs this century) and Nebraska has about 20 more wins. Feel free to look up the season W-L records of both teams year-by-year if you think otherwise.

Edit: exact records over that time span puts Iowa at 134-81, and Nebraska at 146-74. So 12 more wins and a better winning percentage (.664 vs .623). Not too shabby comparison against a program that's "better than us" and that we're "looking up at".

 

[GBRhuskers]

Actually they are probably pretty even at this point since the opening of Iowa's new operations building last year.

http://footballscoop.com/news/video-take-a-tour-of-iowas-new-football-facility/

As much as I love Kinnick, sitting in the north end zone yesterday sucked from a comfort/room standpoint. The great news is that it will all be fixed in a couple years.

http://kinnickedge.org

Actually they aren't. I've been to IC, not just for 3 games [2 recent, not yesterday] but also a facilities tour this past summer on our way to the Quads City area. Nice, much improved but not in Nebraska's class.

Cool article, which says "belong in that group". Unfortunately for Iowa fans, you're not in that group. There's a difference, congrats on matching 2008 Nebraska.

 

[frankluv]

Iowa and Nebraska are in the same mold and boat. The boat does have a couple of leaks.

 

[lemarshusker]

Something like this
Since 2002 Iowa has 5 top ten end of season rankings
Neb has 0

This. We would trade our win advantage over that time period for their excellent seasons.

They've been to 3 major bowl games, were blown out in 2, and managed to beat Georgia Tech in the other one.

And if the roles were reversed and they were playing in the Big 12 for a decade, facing not only Texas and Oklahoma but playing in a conference championship game as well (which the Big Ten didn't even have until recently), then I'm guessing we'd be the ones with the conference titles and they'd be the ones without. Hell, both of their conference championships under Ferentz were shared: in the first one, they didn't even play Ohio State, and in the second they lost to Michigan. In both cases, they went to the lesser of the two bowls (OSU played for the National Championship in 2002, and Iowa was relegated to the Cap 1 Bowl in 2004). And they haven't won (shared) a conference title since. But judging from the fact that you're a new poster and probably an Iowa fan trolling us, I'm guessing you're already familiar with Hawkeye history.

It comes down to wins, and again, we have plenty more of those than Iowa. I agree that there's plenty of work cut out for us, but we could start by not lowering the bar to Iowa's 7 or 8 win threshold.

Ha, I was waiting for someone to make that claim. Long time lurker who is finally frustrated enough to create an account. It was a LONG drive home last night (I was so pissed I didn't stay at the hotel I had booked), so I had a long time to stew over the state of Husker football.

I can't agree with your assessment of the Big Ten vs. Big 12. The Big Ten had plenty of premiere teams that were on the same level as Oklahoma and Texas.

Listen, at the end of the day would I trade the last 16 years of Nebraska football for Iowa's record? Absolutely. That's the point I'm trying to make. Overall, we've had the better program (obviously). But the recent history is pretty clear, they have the better program. I'm not really sure how anyone can dispute that.

 

[SiouxCityHawkFan]

Glad you had a great trip to Iowa City. I took a Husker fan friend of mine for his first game there yesterday. He pretty much echoed your thoughts.
He took me to Lincoln last year for my first time. I was surprised by the lack of tailgating but still had fun at the bars. I was treated great as well and it helped me soften my stance about Husker fans. I grew up with some real jerk Husker fans and while I will never be a Husker fan I am coming around as far as most Husker fans.

 

[lemarshusker]

Glad you had a great trip to Iowa City. I took a Husker fan friend of mine for his first game there yesterday. He pretty much echoed your thoughts.
He took me to Lincoln last year for my first time. I was surprised by the lack of tailgating but still had fun at the bars. I was treated great as well and it helped me soften my stance about Husker fans. I grew up with some real jerk Husker fans and while I will never be a Husker fan I am coming around as far as most Husker fans.

My stance is you can go to a bar anytime throughout the year. Tailgating is such a fun time, I'm jealous of Iowa City in that regard. Not to mention I am partial to the neighborhood feel of Iowa City as opposed to the urban feel of the area around Memorial.

 

[RedSea]

I think so. He's done absolutely nothing to convince me. But I'm waiting until signing day this year.

If Nebraska manages to sign a top 10 (perhaps 15 if it addresses obvious holes) recruiting class, he will have more leeway with me. If the Huskers sign another 25-35-41 ranked class, I will expect more of what we've seen the last two (7) seasons. Which is to say, we blame previous coaches for our poor recruiting, performance on the field, yada-yada.

Blaming the previous coach(es) is such a cop-out. It sure didn't take Harbaugh and Meyer to make significant strides.

We aren't going to have a top 10 recruiting class. We might get to 15 if things pick up again before signing day. I would be very happy at 15 for this year. I'm guessing more like 20. With a class of 20 or better, MR could continue to build in the right direction.

 

[Frozone]

Longtime lurker... right.

Ok, you're a Nebraska fan. Then it will probably surprise you to learn that Iowa has lost 5 or more games 9 of the last 12 years. So for you to say you'd trade our wins for their record--which includes exactly 1 major bowl win, 2 major bowl embarrassments, no conference titles since 2004, no bowl wins period since 2010 and a ton of 6 and 7 win seasons...well, forgive me if that makes it seem as though you're viewing their success through black and gold colored glasses.

 

[dfswede]

Selective time frame. Start from 2000 (you know, the logical starting point since we're comparing the programs this century) and Nebraska has about 20 more wins. Feel free to look up the season W-L records of both teams year-by-year if you think otherwise.

Edit: exact records over that time span puts Iowa at 134-81, and Nebraska at 146-74. So 12 more wins and a better winning percentage (.664 vs .623). Not too shabby comparison against a program that's "better than us" and that we're "looking up at".

Sure, it's selective, but it wasn't my timeframe. It was the time frame that a Nebraska reporter came up with, so it's hardly unfair or spun. The reason was logical. And your timeline is selective, as well, right?