Three different groups make up the Iowa Football fan base. The overly optimistic and the negative Nellies are two of them.
Then there are the people who see through clear glasses and don't wait for the sky to fall. They may lean towards any of the other groups, but more often than not stay in reality.
The non-extremists understand Iowa's place in the sport's hierarchy and what to expect from Kirk Ferentz. He just completed season No. 26 as head coach.
His choice to kick into plus territory during the first half of Monday's 27-24 loss to Missouri in the Music City Bowl was met with frustration from fans. While the response was expected, so should the decision.
It didn't matter that the offense was clicking and the defense was dragging at that point in the game. Ferentz had often won with this formula. The strategy has also led to disheartening defeats, like Monday's.
The team's final record in a given year often depends on how the ball bounces in toss-up games. Ultimately, this approach makes Iowa one of the most consistently competitive programs nationally.
Remembering exciting setbacks and the possibility of more keeps people coming back. The weekly gatherings of friends and family in the fall also contribute to a full Kinnick Stadium. Any apathy is negligible.
Despite claims, no one knows how the program will perform under new leadership. The landscape looks very different than when the school hired Ferentz.
There are more resources and challenges. However, they will always provide support, which goes a long way in attracting strong candidates.
Ferentz will not be fired. Based on results and turnover, which go hand in hand, he shouldn't be.
When he turns 70 next summer, retirement will be a consideration. However, he doesn't project that atmosphere.
It probably means more of the same for Iowa Football. If memory fails, refer to the sample size of 26 years.
Even with NIL and the transfer portal in play, the Hawkeyes win between 7 and 10 games annually. The program is good, but not great in terms of results on the field.
Could it be great? Certainly. But that would break a major trend.
The current Iowa roster looks like one on the lower end of the 7-to-10 win spectrum. The preseason odds for a Big Ten title or reaching the college football playoffs will be long.
The Hawkeyes can raise their profile this month with some key portal additions. An upgrade at the most important sporting position would have the most impact on this.
It's not major news that Iowa needs better play at quarterback. Without that, it will not be possible to unlock the program's potential and reach its ceiling.
He may be someone currently on the list. Brendan Sullivan could make his move in Year 5 of college and his second season under offensive coordinator Tim Lester. Maybe Auburn transfer Hank Brown will break through.
After five years of disappointing to terrible performances at the position, excuse the spectators if that gives them a wait-and-see attitude. The same can be said about the crime as a whole.
Iowa didn't have the defense and special teams to make it in 2024 like they did the previous four years. That's why the team fell short of preseason expectations of being CFP contenders.
Exceeding '25 expectations could be an option, just like in '02, '09 and '15. That could mean ten wins and a shot at the CFP, and maybe some heavy lifting is being done here.
There is no point in wasting time longing for something out of your hands. But don't let yourself be left out by commenting under every social media post that Ferentz should be fired. Enjoy that journey without the reasonable.
Another path would be to work on the reality shared by many others. Follow the portal movements and other developments of the team with passion. Let the excitement build during the off-season and peak around Labor Day.
It works around here. And there's nothing wrong with that.
