Coming off a 4-8 season, why wouldn't we be happy to get to 7-4 and continuing to get closer to back on track? We're okay with any season outcome? Umm...Yes, that's why so many Iowa fans are fed up with Ferentz, want him out, etc; because they're content with whatever each season brings us... People want 8 or more wins every year. It's not easy to do with some of the inherent disadvantages, and quite honestly we were spoiled during the 2000s because of how good we became. When things started to slip a bit, and 7 win seasons started happing, people in Hawkeye Nation are getting antsy because they demand more. To think that Iowa fans are content with average, 7 win seasons, on a consistent basis is absurd. This year, though, coming off 4-8 with what was seemingly a much tougher schedule, I think in August, many would've been content with 7 wins. Now? People want 8, and they want it bad. A likely trip to the Outback Bowl after a 4-8 season would make this one a pretty darn good one for Iowa fans. Iowa fans want this one Friday because it is a perfect opportunity to start turning this into a rivalry that could be pretty good someday.
I came across a stat today..Since 1998 Nebraska has 64 losses. From 1962-1997 they had only 69. Nebraska Football will never be what it was; be mad at 8-3, especially with a weak schedule, but additionally, understand that you're not a program that will win 10+ every year anymore. The national recruiting that made Nebraska so good is not near what it was, and their defense just isn't close to that true 90's blackshirt d.
I understand this is a Husker forum, and it may not be my place to make this post, but I thought I'd give my take from an Iowa perspective.