We beat an undefeated Iowa, to spoil their chances for the playoffs with them ranked #5 or higher is huge. It doesn't matter what NU is, it matters what Iowa is. You are delusional if beating an undefeated Iowa isn't a huge victory.
I will be the first to say that
a) after the season started, getting to a bowl and 6-6 (with a chance to go 7-6) is better than anyone would have expected
b) when was the last time an unranked NU knocked off two top 10 teams
c) it would be an excellent recruiting tool
d) send the deserving seniors out with some great wins
e) still wouldn't change my opinion about some of the staff (just being honest)
Yes. NU needs to win against Rutgers. (Not a gimmee by any stretch) Then NU needs to fire off on Iowa and send them crashing.