I think this year was the perfect storm to trash out a grass field that was past it's prime. I really don't care which way they go on the turf, as long as it is safe and a good surface. Field was in pretty bad shape for the last 3 home games. Even in the WVU game you could see chunks of the turf coming up. Need to make it a priority to get it done as soon as possible.
I agree, whatever is safest for the players is what you want. I am sure the agronomy people will want to keep it grass, and I get that. it is a cool thing for them.
The one thing, I was thinking that could potentially sway the AD is, a turf field would allow for more events at the stadium. With the south endzone bowled in, having concerts in there would be pretty freaking cool. I have no clue if there is demand for that size of a venue in central Iowa, but if the AD thinks they can make a few extra bucks hosting events they otherwise wouldn't with grass, maybe that pushes things the field turf direction.
Looks like the link that was shared with the hybrid stuff, is the field that was put down in Mexico that the NFL refused to play on. Now they significantly abused that field. Plus I think they got caught in some not great weather cycle as well. But with the change in the climate, and going through longer dry and wet spells, maybe that plays into the decision as well.
I think it unlikely right now they change to field turf. but the odds are better today than they were last year at this time.