Of the 12 programs on the schedule, which ones do you view as inferior to Iowa?
- Thread starter staygoldponyboy
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You ask 2 separate questions, one in the title and one in the discussion. In terms of programs, the ones on the schedule that are superior:
Penn State - clearly superior due to history, resources, and recent success.
Nebraska - yes have struggled mightily lately but from a program perspective they are one of the historic great programs.
Wisconsin - similar to Iowa, but doing what Iowa does at a higher level for going on 10 years now.
Even though Nebraska has a better program, I would be surprised if Iowa didn't win the game this year. In terms of what games I "expect" victory, the only ones that I am very confident of Iowa winning are NIU, UNI, Minnesota, Maryland, Illinois. Losses to any of those teams likely means Iowa is not going to have a good season.
Other games where Iowa will likely be favored (ranging from slight to more substantial): ISU, Indiana, Northwestern, Nebraska
Pick-ems: @ Purdue
Iowa an underdog: Penn State, Wisconsin.
Out of all of the teams on the schedule, I would consider every program inferior to Iowa except Wisconsin, Penn State and Nebraska. Northwestern has a solid program, but they're still inferior all things considered.
If we consider Nebraska a superior program, have to include Minnesota as well.
Their titles in the 30's are as relevant as Nebraska's in the 90's.
Their titles in the 30's are as relevant as Nebraska's in the 90's.
You guys are not going to lose to Purdue in 2018. You will be big dogs with PSU and Wisconsin. By the time we get to Black Friday the Iowa/Nebraska game will be a toss-up.
Relevant and Minnesota should NEVER be used in the same sentence unless it is preceded by an ‘ir’.
This is a good thread. You CAN have a better program and lose. Other teams CAN have a better program and the Hawks can get 'em. Iowa has a very solid, very good football program. That doesn't mean that they can't lose to programs that are considered "lesser".
PSU and Wisky have better programs than Iowa. All things considered, Iowa has a better program than all the rest of their opponents in 2018. But, I have a hard time saying that those teams can't beat Iowa, because they can.
NW is close to Iowa, as hard as that is to believe. They are consistent, tough and play to win every game.
Nebby is likely to be at Iowa's level as a program with Frost in the next year or so. A good HC is the only thing they have been missing.
PSU and Wisky have better programs than Iowa. All things considered, Iowa has a better program than all the rest of their opponents in 2018. But, I have a hard time saying that those teams can't beat Iowa, because they can.
NW is close to Iowa, as hard as that is to believe. They are consistent, tough and play to win every game.
Nebby is likely to be at Iowa's level as a program with Frost in the next year or so. A good HC is the only thing they have been missing.
Nebraska, Michigan, and Ohio State are the only programs I would consider above Iowa. Penn state would be considered equal. All the rest are inferior.
EDIT>> Did not see this is about just this year, I was looking at a historical view. Wisc and Psu are the only ones not inferior this year.
EDIT>> Did not see this is about just this year, I was looking at a historical view. Wisc and Psu are the only ones not inferior this year.
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You're probably just taking a shot at Nebraska, but that's a stretch. There's a difference between 25 years ago and >50 years ago. A very high percentage of today's college football fans witnessed Nebraska's strong run in the 90s. Minnesota's football success is ancient history that you'd have a hard time finding on Youtube. If you had to consider one of these programs a sleeping giant, you would have to pick Neb over Minn.
I agree with the consensus that Penn St, Wisky and Nebraska have "superior programs," but we'll have some other really tough games.
When you say "program", that doesn't mean just this year. Program implies a certain level of previous and expected future health/quality/strength. For programs, I think you can pretty much look at recruiting rankings over the previous 5-10 years or so and get a pretty good picture because quality programs have an easier time recruiting.
As far as "teams" (vs "programs"), the only teams that seem like they'll certainly be superior this year are PSU and Wisconsin. Others may step up in stature as the season progresses, but from a pre-season perspective. it's just those two.
As far as "teams" (vs "programs"), the only teams that seem like they'll certainly be superior this year are PSU and Wisconsin. Others may step up in stature as the season progresses, but from a pre-season perspective. it's just those two.
If were talking historically, then I guess you could include Nebraska, although that history is fading ever farther into the rear view mirror. If were talking about today, AH NO.........
Maryland but not Iowa State? Come on. At least you included UNI, I'm getting tired of hearing how this is a trap game that should scare us.
No one Nebraska is recruiting today can remember a season where Nebraska finished in the top 10.
NU has joined the likes of Iowa State and Minnesota, constantly claiming that respectability lies just over the next hill.
This is the coaching change that will get you there, we need only wait a few more years.
Yep. Nebraska has a way better chance of becoming a powerhouse again vs. Minnesota and ISU based on history alone.
Plus, if Frost works out, he will most likely stay whereas UM and ISU have very little chance at fending off the elites should they want Campbell or Fleck. (Unless Nebraska decides to send another 9-10 win coach packing!)
No. When a recruit tells his dad he is being recruited by Nebraska, the dad is going to be impressed. No dad is ever impressed by Minnesota.
Wisky and PSU are better programs, that's it. If the question is "who has a better history" then Minnesota and Nebraska would also be ahead of Iowa, but you might have to move Wisconsin back down below Iowa. Would Illinois be better than Iowa then too? Not sure about that.
I’m in my thirties and barely remember Nebraska being relevant back in the day and those memories keep fading. I respect Nebraska but they aren’t even Iowa’s equal anymore, just like Wisconsin has clearly elevated itself to a semi-blue blood type status above Iowa.
Recruits may see the history and the stadium and their parents may remind them of the past. But we are getting to the point where even some of the parents of these kids can’t remember good ole Nebraska football. If you’re 36 YO you could well be a parent of a recruit and the last natty was when you were 15.
Recruits may see the history and the stadium and their parents may remind them of the past. But we are getting to the point where even some of the parents of these kids can’t remember good ole Nebraska football. If you’re 36 YO you could well be a parent of a recruit and the last natty was when you were 15.
