How Does Iowa become a Michigan, Ohio St, Alabama?

[hawklover69]

I figure the only way for Iowa to reach this level is to get an elite coach that is somehow tied to Iowa and he wants to be here...i.e. he used to play/coach at Iowa, or is originally from Iowa and he luvs his hawks. I luv my hawks but that ship has sailed as I tapped out after freshman football. Will one of you start spending 24 hours a day learning how to coach/recruit kids and work your way up through the ranks to coach our hawks to a national championship(s)? TIA.

 

[bigdar]

Somehow relocate to a different part of the country.

 

[NorthDSMHawk]

LOL.

 

[Birky]

Somehow relocate to a different part of the country.

Yep.

 

[LuciousBDragon]

Simple - we don't.

Michigan - Nope, never. They have the largest alumni base in the world and from that comes boosters and donors we can only dream of. Isn't Mary Sue still there?

Ohio State - Nope. Too much tradition to overcome and cannot happen when we have the Clones in our backyard. O$U gets the support of the entire State of Ohio. United they Stand. Divided Iowa Falls. Not to mention they would step on their grandmother's back to win another Nat'l Championship. Is that who we want to be? That being said, Jim Tressel was a good guy who tried to do it right.

Alabama - They pretty much are the Mafia of College Football. Their system works and they have exactly the right people at the top with a Booster system that gives them the lifeblood they need and help them remain "Untouchable."

So where does that leave Iowa? I say we have a good leader who does things the right way and we as Iowan's should be proud. Do we want to win more? Of course we do but I would venture the majority of Iowan's who pay taxes would say let's win but do it the right way.

The benchmark we should probably set is Wisconsin. Basically, keep the morals/ethics of a Ferentz led program with the power run game and consistent 10-win seasons they enjoy.

 

[Scott559]

Won’t happen, geography, population, demographics. Reality is a bitch.

 

[cg8284]

A wide movement to change the name of the University of Texas to the University of Iowa then get a competent coach.

 

[MeetTheFerentz]

Hop in a time machine and hire Bear Bryant, Woody Hayes or Knute Rockne, giving them the exact contract and $ that KF has now.

 

[OutbackBowl2017]

If they hired Stoops back in 98 to be the coach in waiting for Hayden Fry, it could of happened. BB f'd that one up.

 

[Stormn Norman]

Cheat

 

[fezzador]

I really don't want any of these to happen (possible exception is #4), but if Iowa is going to be anything more than being a consistent 8-4 team, they'll need to do the following:

1) Cheat, cheat, cheat. Alabama, Ohio State, Oklahoma, etc. cheat until the cows come home, but they don't get caught because they disguise it so well, or (more likely) nobody really cares that they do cheat because the NCAA likes its blue bloods to be good on the field.
2) Snazzier unis. Kids love those colorful unis, matte or sparkly helmets, and love having a varied wardrobe. The fans (particularly the older ones) tend to cling to tradition and prefer occasional (at best) alt unis.
3) Pony up to buy out KF's contract, and then go for the home run hire. Not likely to happen because A) KF's buyout is reee-dick, B) fans like KF too much anyway, and C) getting a proven winner is easier said than done. Just ask Florida how hard it is to be consistently good.
4) This one might actually be plausible, but UI might want to think about hitting up the JUCO ranks harder. There's some real talent to be had there, they just didn't necessarily academically qualify right away.

 

[fezzador]

If they hired Stoops back in 98 to be the coach in waiting for Hayden Fry, it could of happened. BB f'd that one up.

Bob Stoops could also very easily have flamed out at Iowa, and be a footnote in college football history. He found the right job at the right time, IMHO.

 

[Scott559]

Bob Stoops could also very easily have flamed out at Iowa, and be a footnote in college football history. He found the right job at the right time, IMHO.

Bob had 1 zero loss season and 1 One loss season at OU, he also had a 9-8 bowl record, for some reason I don’t think that would satisfy a certain segment of our posters.

 

[Dauminator]

Enrollment
MI (Fall 17): 46,002
OSU (Fall 16): 66,046
AL (Fall 17): 38,563
IA (Fall 16): 33,334

So, let's be a bigger school, have that last for several decades so we've an equivalent alumni base. That's a start. We can go on a run winning, say 20 more conference titles and several more national titles. Then we'll have something like the tradition they have.

 

[bojihawk44]

If they hired Stoops back in 98 to be the coach in waiting for Hayden Fry, it could of happened. BB f'd that one up.

The challenges of coaching at Iowa would remain the same, even if Bob had been hired at the time. You can't possibly say with any certainty there would be a discernible difference between where we are now and where we would be with Bob at the helm.

 

[HemiHawk]

Recruiting x 10. Must recruit at a much higher level.

 

[bojihawk44]

Recruiting x 10. Must recruit at a much higher level.

As others have mentioned, we would have to change the location of the university for it to be possible to recruit among the likes of the school OP listed.

 

[Scott559]

Recruiting x 10. Must recruit at a much higher level.

And how do you suggest Iowa go toe to toe with Alabama,OSU, And Michigan?

 

[desihawk]

Iowa isn't ever going to get there using a blueprint that replicates methods used by blue-chip recruiting machines. In fact, there's a part of me that loves Iowa FB precisely because we don't field semi-professional teams.

KF's methods ironically might be best suited to get there. If one more chip falls Iowa's way in 2002, 2009, and 2015...Those seasons were as close one can get into NT contention without actually get to the final stage. KFandco got to tweak/notch it up just a bit more such that he gets close once in 3 seasons instead of 1 in 6. Just probability/luck will eventually get us there.

And Michigan doesn't really belong on the list, they remain in the same bucket as us for now at least.

 

[Run&Blade]

When Saban was in NFL you offer him $10 million a year to coach Hawkeyes.

Iowa has plenty of money to pay any coach what it takes. The problem is the blow back from the sports haters in the administration and Iowa government. The SEC does not have those issues.

 

[Fsanford]

Somehow relocate to a different part of the country.

Winner.. there is a reason Nebraska has fallen to the wayside.

Best schools consistently are warm weather schools. The only exceptions are those with very large populations within the state so recruiting kids is easier. And in the case of Ohio, there is only 1 P5 school in that state full of very good high school football

 

[hawkster03]

Tanning beds.

 

[Hwk-I-St8]

The bluebloods of college football were crowned during the late 60's - 70's. Back then, only a few games were on TV and it was those blueblood programs. They are the "old money" of CFB and that will never change. It's possible to bust that glass ceiling with a run of great seasons, but if you fall back to less than stellar performance, you'll be moved back to the kids table. Oregon is a great example.

When Michigan fell on hard times, the media couldn't wait to declare them as "back". Even with a string of crappy seasons, they were ranked pre-season pretty much every year. When Oregon falls on hard times...well the media just doesn't really care.

Now, being a blueblood = easy top tier recruiting. Most of those schools don't recruit per se, they select. The top prospects already want to go there. The schools just show interest, offer and reap the talent.

The bottom line - we can never achieve the status of the schools you named. They rose to royalty in a time long gone and new royalty won't be crowned...likely ever. You might get an invitation to the ball if you appear prosperous enough, but that's only for as long as you succeed.

 

[tOSU_fan]

And how do you suggest Iowa go toe to toe with Alabama,OSU, And Michigan?

I think you're spot on here. It is also the reason why regardless of what they decide to do with Mike Riley, Nebraska has a tough road to compete from a recruiting aspect. They're simply too far away from many of these recruits to get them on campus for official visits as often. Florida, Georgia, NJ/NY, Texas, Ohio - all hotbeds for football recruiting (note: I'm not suggesting there aren't other great football states, I'm simply saying a majority of 4-5 star recruits come from these areas). It is much easier to recruit when you're geographically closer. Also, if Iowa truly wanted to prop up the level of recruiting, they'd have to go hire a coach that brings a pipeline of recruits with him. Some guys have a tie to Texas, some have a tie to Florida, etc... Go find one of those guys and start poaching kids out from under the noses of the other coaches.

It sucks, I get it, but it's the reality of the situation now. Back before everything became a spread offense (essentially) in both high school and most colleges, lots of schools could find tough, big guys on either side of the line and big bruising backs with a pocket passer and make things happen. Now it is all about athleticism and speed. You've got to go find those guys.

 

[FranklinHawk]

 

[speed4power]

Won’t happen, geography, population, demographics. Reality is a bitch.

I'm not sure I agree. There are some very good programs that aren't located near big population centers and have demographics similar to Iowa. Oregon and Oklahoma come to mind. Wisconsin isn't quiet at that level but they aren't far behind.

IMO for Iowa to ever get to that level it would require three things.

1) A coach that is an exceptional recruiter.
2) Branding- Iowa can't get there by being "old school." We have to go new school and make highschool kids excited about our program. Flashy uniforms, spread offense, night games, the whole shabang.
3) Consistent success, rather than success once every 4-5 years.

 

[Daggerfoot]

We can't cheat...the blue bloods have NCAA protection. If even a hint of wrongdoing goes on at Iowa...the NCAA will crack down on us hard to show that they are doing something about cheating. We'd be a sacrificial lamb so fast that heads would spin...

Not that I want Iowa to cheat...but to think that the blue bloods don't and aren't provided an unfair advantage by doing so is extremely naive.

 

[WhoaNellieCy]

Ya, no offense, but Iowa had a favorable Big Ten schedule (no Ohio State) in 2002 and 2015, and then got lit up in the bowl games, so not as close as you think. Sorry!

Iowa isn't ever going to get there using a blueprint that replicates methods used by blue-chip recruiting machines. In fact, there's a part of me that loves Iowa FB precisely because we don't field semi-professional teams.

KF's methods ironically might be best suited to get there. If one more chip falls Iowa's way in 2002, 2009, and 2015...Those seasons were as close one can get into NT contention without actually get to the final stage. KFandco got to tweak/notch it up just a bit more such that he gets close once in 3 seasons instead of 1 in 6. Just probability/luck will eventually get us there.

And Michigan doesn't really belong on the list, they remain in the same bucket as us for now at least.

Ya, no offense, but Iowa had a favorable Big Ten schedule (no Ohio State) in 2002 and 2015, and then got lit up in the bowl games, so not as close as you think. Sorry!

To compete against the tradition and location of others, the Iowa and Iowa States of the world in small population states, if they want to compete against the blue bloods, need to spend more money on coaches, facilities so they are in the Top 15 and play an exciting brand of football that attracts players.

In the words of Sean Connery in the Untouchables, "What are you prepared to do?" lol

 

[speed4power]

Is it against NCAA rules to have a free charter jet for the football team so we can fly Florida, Texas, Ohio, etc kids home/to Iowa's campus whenever they want?

 

[Scott559]

I'm not sure I agree. There are some very good programs that aren't located near big population centers and have demographics similar to Iowa. Oregon and Oklahoma come to mind. Wisconsin isn't quiet at that level but they aren't far behind.

IMO for Iowa to ever get to that level it would require three things.

1) A coach that is an exceptional recruiter.
2) Branding- Iowa can't get there by being "old school." We have to go new school and make highschool kids excited about our program. Flashy uniforms, spread offense, night games, the whole shabang.
3) Consistent success, rather than success once every 4-5 years.

Oklahoma...Championship tradition, Iowa not so much
Oklahoma....Texas easy driving distance, Iowa not so much

Oregon....are they still a thing?

 

[IAHWKGUY]

Combine the two state schools into one school. Conference realignment could have put us much closer. Would take Iowa State without a chair on musical chairs. Iowa State and Iowa are filling nearly 125k seats on home Saturday games.

Really hurts us compared to most neighbors, as Minny, Mizzou, Nebbie, Arkansas, Wiscy have just one State school. Heck, even Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Tennessee just have one State school, and then a city school: Louisville (decent size), Pittsburgh (decent size), Cincy, Northwestern (don’t think it takes much away from Illinois) and Memphis. All other than Nebbie have larger populations as well, some considerably.

Consider a 100k seat stadium, the benefit to recruiting, less division of Iowa and regional recruits, and the additional financial support (facilities), etc.

I have a hard even envisioning what that would look like. Also, I can’t even imagine what basketball and wrestling would be like. We would be one of the top midwestern powers for sure.

 

[bigdar]

Iowa City is a very difficult place to get from areas that are a hotbed for talent. Most players want their families to see them play and at times that can become very expensive at Iowa. Just check hotel prices for the game this week and there are not many direct flights into the local airports. It’s a shame because Iowa has a great campus. With recruiting taking place earlier and earlier many decisions are made prior to official visits and unfortunately many families can not afford to travel here to see what the University offers.

 

[kceasthawk]

A wide movement to change the name of the University of Texas to the University of Iowa then get a competent coach.

You mean like the last several at Texas?

 

[desihawk]

Ya, no offense, but Iowa had a favorable Big Ten schedule (no Ohio State) in 2002 and 2015, and then got lit up in the bowl games, so not as close as you think. Sorry!


Ya, no offense, but Iowa had a favorable Big Ten schedule (no Ohio State) in 2002 and 2015, and then got lit up in the bowl games, so not as close as you think. Sorry!

To compete against the tradition and location of others, the Iowa and Iowa States of the world in small population states, if they want to compete against the blue bloods, need to spend more money on coaches, facilities so they are in the Top 15 and play an exciting brand of football that attracts players.

In the words of Sean Connery in the Untouchables, "What are you prepared to do?" lol

In 2002, Iowa beat Michigan and PSU on the road -- both those schools were at the time national powers. In 2015, yes schedule was not as daunting. The bowl games of those years are meaningless for this discussion -- one play each year could be said to keep iowa out of the final-4. Same for 2009.

About budget I agree-- Iowa should spend top dollar always. And it does. It also has top of the line facilities.

Exciting football -- sort of but pro-sets and solid D are beautiful to watch when executed well. When executed well, I would prefer Iowa's offense over any spread. So excitement is a matter of execution, not just scheme.

Iowa needs to get get to the point where they finally break through. KF has fallen just short of getting there by a whisker.

 

[N.Legend]

Cheat

If you want to take a cheap shot at some of the blue bloods I suppose that's your choice but that one word in the context of the question means all the teams that win national championships cheat to get there. It's also a weak attempt to explain why Iowa is always middle of the road in football.

 

[hexumhawk]

Cheat

This

See, Oklahoma St, Oregon, Auburn of recent times

 

[ZaHawks]

Most Iowa fans are simpletons who have been dumbed down for so many years by our $4 million coach that they are just real happy to be mediocre year after year.

 

[Scott559]

Most Iowa fans are simpletons who have been dumbed down for so many years by our $4 million coach that they are just real happy to be mediocre year after year.

So Einstein, what is your game plan for Iowa becoming Alabama?

 

[Dauminator]

As others have mentioned, we would have to change the location of the university for it to be possible to recruit among the likes of the school OP listed.

I don't buy location as an excuse because of weather. Shifting demographics may be a factor but I don't buy weather.

How location is a factor is ease of access. It's more time consuming and expensive to get here than many other places, and as was mentioned, you'd feel more isolated in terms of having kif and kin watch. I'd say that weighs the heaviest for recruits when it comes to location.

The bluebloods of college football were crowned during the late 60's - 70's. Back then, only a few games were on TV and it was those blueblood programs. They are the "old money" of CFB and that will never change. It's possible to bust that glass ceiling with a run of great seasons, but if you fall back to less than stellar performance, you'll be moved back to the kids table. Oregon is a great example.

When Michigan fell on hard times, the media couldn't wait to declare them as "back". Even with a string of crappy seasons, they were ranked pre-season pretty much every year. When Oregon falls on hard times...well the media just doesn't really care.

Now, being a blueblood = easy top tier recruiting. Most of those schools don't recruit per se, they select. The top prospects already want to go there. The schools just show interest, offer and reap the talent.

The bottom line - we can never achieve the status of the schools you named. They rose to royalty in a time long gone and new royalty won't be crowned...likely ever. You might get an invitation to the ball if you appear prosperous enough, but that's only for as long as you succeed.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Money can definitely be part of the equation. Oklahoma State has T. Boone Pickens and all the money that comes with that. Oregon has Nike money - and all that extra exposure that comes with Nike's support.

In the coming years, it will be interesting to see if Under Armour has the sway to lift up Maryland to be the east coast version of Oregon.

Certainly money and exposure are part of the equation. High level coaching is also another necessary ingredient. Texas and Tennessee can testify to that fact. They benefit from nearly arbitrarily good recruiting ... they're big schools from adequately populous regions ... football is a religion to their respective fan-bases. However, poor coaching and/or poor ego-management (managing the egos of high-level recruits) have contributed to less-than-stellar on-field performance from those programs. If guys like Saban, Carroll, or Meyer are at those schools ... then they become perennial winners.

Re-evaluating Oregon ... how much of their run was a function of Chip Kelly? As more time has passed ... his residual influence has obviously diminished. Consequently, if Oregon can re-emerge from the ashes .... could or will they continue to be what they were?

While the state of Oregon isn't hugely populous ... they have California and Washington as neighbors ... and that sort of geographical benefit does reap rewards. That's not unlike the geographic benefit that both Oklahoma and Oklahoma have by neighboring Texas.

Geography really is one of the biggest factors that count against Iowa. Of course, we're near a hot-bed of basketball talent ... but the same isn't the case as it relates to football talent. Despite the population base - Illinois isn't near the football haven that Ohio is.