Are we back to that "would you rather beat Iowa or Michigan" discussion, or just making early justifications to feel better about a loss that isn't happening?
Historically, a fan, I would always take a win vs Iowa for bragging rights and to re-enforce ISU is the the basketball program in the state. That said, this year wasn't a normal past Non-conf schedule and I was way more excited for the #7 Michigan game. There were so many unknowns of how the players perform on a national stage against the Nat'l runner up, ESPN2/Dicky V. and it was raised to another level when Vaughn decided to take his official visit for that game. That win helped the program more than any win vs Iowa in the past/or on Friday could possibly achieve, National ranking, Dicky V raving about Hilton, and impressing RV.
A loss to michigan was more important than beating Iowa this year, thus I don't think it is justification of fans.
Not that it matters, I expect that we win tomorrow anyway.