ISU schedule is very comparable to a majority of the other teams thus are organically adjusted all team play some poor opponents this time of year (and have more losses to show for it Iowa/UNO or MSU/Northeastern). It obvious the quality will improve in conference season but that will be for all the P5 opponents too.
As for Bowie's comments, I read it as more frustration that ISU isn't performing up to his expectations and not as perceived cockiness. Most the fans were saying the same thing before each of the past 5 ISU games. It is a bad look to say to the media, but it was his true feelings and being a competitor. It puts pressure on Bowie to produce and we'll see if he comes out focused. It should teach him to no speak to the media anything about other opponents. If nothing else it shows the team knows it isn't playing as well as it can even after a "17" point win.