So, there is this smaller school, and they wear purple. They have sub-standard facilities, and have always been the underdog/little brother in their home state, have always played in a smaller conference, and have always had a smaller fanbase and attendence, bordering on sub-standard in some cases. Comparatively speaking, ISU is 3 times their size, and should be able to beat them every time they play. OK. Here's the rub.
That small school that wears purple? It's TCU and the sport is football. For the record, they're smaller than UNI by 3,000 kids. Who among you think that ISU will blow them out in football next year? They're a well established program you say? Maybe, but so is UNI. 15 years ago, TCU wasn't much of a threat in football to anyone. Even back in the old SWC, they weren't all that great most years. Now, they get a lot of respect. UNI has been Iowa's flagship basketball program for most of the past decade. The average HS kid in this state has little if any memory of Iowa or ISU being great at basketball. Today's HS seniors were in Kindergarten the year ISU went to the Elite 8. What I find funny is that both after the loss to Purdue in 2009, and the loss to Michigan State (after knocking off Kansas) in 2010, the opposing players said that UNI was easily as good as several teams in the B1G. But, since they're a small school, they shouldn't be as good; never mind they've had a system in place for almost a decade, never mind they've got tons of experience in close games, never mind they've played teams in major conferences every year; never mind that ISU is rebuilding with almost all new players and a 2nd year coach; ISU should have blown them out last night. Hmmm.
I've always been a Cyclone fan, and have been for 40 years. However, the reaction I've seen on this board in the past 24 hours is really interesting. Had the Clones lost to Wisconsin, or Minnesota by only 7 would we see this reaction? My guess is no. I work with a guy who is a fan and alumni of Kentucky and he doesn't get anywhere near this worked up when they lose a game in an upset. Why? They're Kentucky, and 9 of 10 times they would beat whoever upset them. This reaction, is different. This reaction is the recognition and disgust, that if ISU and UNI played 10 times, UNI would probably win 7 of them. I can see how several posters can't stand the fact that UNI is the better program right now. However, anyone who realistically thought that ISU was going to return to former glory in just a year or two with almost entirely new personnel is dreaming. I really hope the Cyclones do well. I always have been a fan, and would love to go back to what it was like in the 80s and 90s with Johnny, Tim, and Larry. Those were good days. However, before those good days, ISU had days in the wilderness too. I remember the late 70s/early 80s, and those years too. Actually, in the late 60s and 70s, Iowa's best basketball program was Drake. Those were not good days for Iowa or ISU. My point is that programs rise and fall all of the time. Be patient, Cyclone fans. Better days are ahead. I went to UNI and love my Panthers, but I've always been a fan of the Cyclones too. Not all of us Panther fans are Hawkeye fans first. And, I honestly don't think that Iowa will finish within 10 points of the Cyclones when they play. Your players have the makings of a wonderful team. But, teams take time to build.