I know, it's written by Maisel, but still, it's a good expose on one of our out-of-conference rivals. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/preview05/columns/story?columnist=maisel_ivan&id=2140149 Here's an observation: As Iowa has blossomed into a perennial Big Ten contender, Ferentz has begun recruiting -- and signing -- bluer chips. There is a danger in that transition. After Tennessee won the national championship in 1998, coach Phillip Fulmer expanded his recruiting across the country. The Volunteers didn't prosper from it. Maybe this would explain the discipline problems among the Vols? Without mom, dad, and uncle Buck an hour or two away, you'll try to get away with anything. But, Occam's Razor would say it's more likely the coach being too lenient that is the problem (I don't know enough, though). Don't mean this as a jab against the Vols, but I have noticed that a lot of their guys have been getting in trouble lately.
Ferentz is a great coach and a good "image" for what we do at Iowa... BUT, there is no doubt the demise of both the Notre Dame and Nebraska programs have aided us greatly, especially in the last two recruiting years. Everybody's jumping on the Iowa bandwagon lately... and that's a good thing I guess... but we could just as easily go 8-3 this year as we could 11-0... I think we're a year away from being ready to challenge for all the marbles..... jmo.
Wouldnt mind seeing the Michigan, Ohio St of this world take a nosedive to mediocraty for awhile. Nebraska has had it also. And the Irish have been humbled as well. Let them have the Hallman's, the Di Nardo's, for awhile. Maybe it is the LSU Tigers time to be the National Golden Boys. Numerous Natl. Titles and reloading every year. We are well on our way.
