What made 2015 work vs. what isn't working now?

[mustang_horsepower]

I mean, what made then go so well? Luck? Cj? Player talent and coaching was the same.
Stars were just aligning? I just don't get it. Scratching my head not just with now but we went undefeated two years ago! We may not win another game........

 

[BlackNGoldBleeder]

I mean, what made then go so well? Luck? Cj? Player talent and coaching was the same.
Stars were just aligning? I just don't get it. Scratching my head not just with now but we went undefeated two years ago! We may not win another game........

Luck.

And I don't mean that facetiously. What you said is essentially true. Talent and coaching is pretty similar (although run blocking was much better in 2015).

Still, as I've said numerous times, the difference between Iowa's double-digit win seasons and mediocre ones is nominal. Iowa won a lot of close games in 2015 (see Iowa State, Pitt, etc.) This year, they haven't won the close games.

That's the difference. Luck.

 

[NorthDSMHawk]

Better team with a much easier schedule. Basically had what Wisconsin has this year.

 

[BlackNGoldBleeder]

Better team with a much easier schedule. Basically had what Wisconsin has this year.

Yes, I forgot to mention the schedule.

However, the 2015 team won at Top 25 Wisconsin and Top 25 Northwestern, so they did have a couple impressive road wins.

 

[Run&Blade]

A lot of luck and a little better talent.

 

[Hawkeye3087]

CJ improvising and gutting out so many first downs was absolutely huge. That offense was really hard to get off the field when the other team needed a stop. Given the schedule we had that year it was a huge advantage.