As an Iowa fan first I agree with Kirk and the sentiment. For one weekend in the fall pretty much the entire state is focused on the game. Even casual fans who don't normally pay attention the rest of the season pay attention to this game. Whether in Ames or Iowa City, there are always many many more people around the stadium than for any other game of the year. It is good for the state even if someone in NYC or LA could care less about it. It's a fun time at the game at either location. I have asked the question of Iowa fans that don't agree with me that think we should be scheduling Notre Dame or Georgia or LSU at the beginning of a season whether they really think it is smart for a team that needs to generally develop during a season (playing its best ball at the end ...except bowl games in recent history) should be playing teams stocked with 4 and 5 star players at the beginning of a season. I think Iowa would match up better at the end of a season of development. Again recent bowl history not included. They have to get that stuff figured out as to what is going on running up to bowl games that leads to the collapse in recent years.