I always think this is an interesting point. A players peak physical performance is going to generally come between the ages 25-30, so an extra year in school on a 4 year rookie contract makes little to no difference, unless you are concerned about wear and tear.
So you think Iowa should be higher in the poll as a two loss team? You also think that Illinois should be lower in the polls? I don't follow the point. Illinois is Jekyl and Hyde this year for certain, but 14 is spot on for them.
What are we complaining about again? Right now what is the different between 4-6, almost nothing. Iowa is the top ranked 2 loss team, feels like they are about where they should be.
Lazard is 6'5" and ran a 4.55 40 time at the combine. He did not have great hands, especially when it counted. Many of these are developmental traits, that he has sured up now in the league, but reports of senior bowl practices would indicate differently.
I agree that scheme, "belly left, and belly right" is part of Iowa's primary problem with backs in the past. I don't know that they underperformed though. Look at the guys that excelled, Canzeri was a lowly rated recruit, Wadley wasn't highly rated. Wegher was in the league after all of his...
Their offensive lines are ranked in barely the top 70's. I think the ability of the backs is much better, and at Iowa, I'd be willing to bet they would rack up more yards, unless it is do to their offensive schemes.
I'm also not an Iowa state hater, but Lazard was a 5* guy by many and the top...