Are Expectations Too High? Iowa Football's Lost Season

Tonight's Insight Bowl is definitely a lot less than what Iowa fans were hoping for this year.  Back in August, Iowa was praised as a potential Rose Bowl or even National Title contender. That definitely didn't happen.  After the success of 2009-2010, 11-2 record and the Orange Bowl victory, expectations were high.  The last minute heroics of 2009 obviously did not follow through into 2010.  Many last second losses that the Hawks were used to winning saw a team once at 7-2, fall to 7-5 and be considered “overrated” by many.

As we know now, there were other things going on behind the scenes.  The arrest of DJK was something straight out of “Any Given Sunday”  and last night's arrest of Iowa RB Adam Robinson is just a mind-boggler.  With such advantages and opportunities given to these kids it's hard for us to fathom.

Is it our fault though?  We as Iowa fans put expectations on 18, 19, 20 year old kids to go out and win a national title, or a Rose Bowl.  Is that really something we should do?  How many kids between the ages of 18-21 were arrested within the past 3 months due to drugs in this country? Hundreds? Thousands?  Out of the entire Iowa Football program only 2 have been in trouble with those type of charges.  They are kids.  Kids get in trouble.  Adults get in trouble.  Everyone makes their decisions based on their life and what it has taught them so far.  Unfortunately for some people, especially those with promise and talent, we put extreme expectations on them way before they are able to shoulder the burden.

I hope tonight is a great game.  I hope Iowa plays well and is victorious.  But honestly, I hope even more that these kids understand the amazing opportunity they have.  That they understand the entire Hawkeye Nation is behind them and wants the best for them.  I also hope that we as fans remember they are just kids playing football.  Nothing more, nothing less.

Joseph Larsen

Community Contributor