[AlbanyCardinal]

[quote author=AlbanyCardinal link=topic=13928.msg147796#msg147796 date=1449953091]
... I did laugh at the confidence he showed in claiming that 2012/13 Wiscy was absolutely the better team than 2015/16 Iowa, just based on their record in close games and nothing else. I also think that winning close games can be a sign of a good team. More than anything, though, my memory tells me that we gave Wisconsin chances to win that game and played not to lose, hanging on for dear life. My gut tells me that wouldn't work agst. this Iowa team.

Sure, allowing a team chances to come back is never a good idea. And I wouldn't say there's absolutely *zero* skill to winning close games (I imagine teams with great quarterbacks tend to do better in such games). But the record is pretty consistent.

Also have to disagree with your point w/r/t the Big Ten, made earlier: it may or may not have been a good conference this year, but aside from Michigan State Iowa avoided the cream of the crop.
[/quote]

My point about allowing Wiscy back in was that they were just mediocre enough that it didn't really matter, we won anyway. That's how that game felt to me, anyway.

I agree that Iowa hasn't been tested much, but they did stomp NW, the same team that held us to 6 points. I don't really get into comparing teams by common opponent, b/c teams match up in any number of ways and on any given day as many compelling factors play into how a team will do agst. any given team.

As to Iowa having a light schedule, without OSU or Michigan, that in and of itself does not prove that they're not up to the task. I'm done taking the Big 10 lightly, not that you are. I expect a tough game and will gladly take any win, even the 1-point variety.

[AlbanyCardinal]

[quote author=AlbanyCardinal link=topic=13928.msg147796#msg147796 date=1449953091]
... I did laugh at the confidence he showed in claiming that 2012/13 Wiscy was absolutely the better team than 2015/16 Iowa, just based on their record in close games and nothing else. I also think that winning close games can be a sign of a good team. More than anything, though, my memory tells me that we gave Wisconsin chances to win that game and played not to lose, hanging on for dear life. My gut tells me that wouldn't work agst. this Iowa team.

Sure, allowing a team chances to come back is never a good idea. And I wouldn't say there's absolutely *zero* skill to winning close games (I imagine teams with great quarterbacks tend to do better in such games). But the record is pretty consistent.

Also have to disagree with your point w/r/t the Big Ten, made earlier: it may or may not have been a good conference this year, but aside from Michigan State Iowa avoided the cream of the crop.
[/quote]

My point about allowing Wiscy back in was that they were just mediocre enough that it didn't really matter, we won anyway. That's how that game felt to me, anyway.

I agree that Iowa hasn't been tested much, but they did stomp NW, the same team that held us to 6 points. I don't really get into comparing teams by common opponent, b/c teams match up in any number of ways and on any given day as many compelling factors play into how a team will do agst. any given team.

As to Iowa having a light schedule, without OSU or Michigan, that in and of itself does not prove that they're not up to the task. I'm done taking the Big 10 lightly, not that you are. I expect a tough game and will gladly take any win, even the 1-point variety.