do bear in mind at least that the weather in iowa city was crappy. low 50s, decent chance of rain all day, windy...these conditions would have hampered spring game attendance anywhere. iowa does not, and never has, have a tradition of great turnout at this event. honestly, what's the most that have ever shown up? i'm not intending this to be a defense of ferentz, as i think he has at most 2, maybe 3 years left. i do think that he goes past this coming year, but mostly b/c of the uncertainty surrounding the iowa presidency. a new university president is not expected until 2016, and unless things go completely in the tank (4-8 or so), i'm not sure barta makes a move without knowing he has steady support behind him.
in better weather, i absolutely believe turnout would have been better. how much, i have no idea, but for the increasingly rabid anti-ferentz, choosing this to harp on seems like a waste. bad weather, coming off average season and embarrassing bowl game, as well as drake relays, etc..., there wasnt going to be great turnout. comparing this to nebraska, which has no one else to compete with in the state, had much better weather, or with ohio state, which just won the national championship, come on. no way iowa ever comes off well in that comparison. how much did northwestern draw back in march when they had theirs? or minnesota, or others in that range. so many things play a factor in this. of all the things to criticize ferentz for, and there are quite a few, this is not the best choice imo.
i have great respect for ferentz. what he has done with iowa over the length of his tenure here, has been wonderful. he has represented iowa well, on and off the field, which matters a great deal to me. the last few years have not been great, as he has not adjusted well to the changes in the college game. i hope like heck that he can end it on a high note, and ride off into the sunset so to speak, leaving behind a foundation that his successor can build on. and there is talent there, it's not the bare cupboard it was when he arrived. what is hurting the team now is not enough of it, especially in the skill positions.