Trust me, this is nothing person at all, but why are you so optimistic for the Hawks and pessimistic for the Cyclones?
Since you brought it up, no way am I pessimistic for the Cyclones. Was I worried about making the tournament this year back in early February? You bet I was.... one of MANY if you read this board. Now, do I think we will have growing pains this next season? Yes, I do.... again, I'm not the only one. Just don't think its fair to expect Wigginton, Lewis, Lard, McNeil to come in and be big12 ready. Obviously still excited like most and also hoping for good things with the juco/transfer additions possible yet.
As for Iowa, did they have a bunch of experience to replace and did they have growing pains this past year? Yes, they did. Thus not making the dance. Do they now have a lot of returning players with experience in a not-so-scary big10? Yes, they do.
Btw, Its just the way I am, it isn't just with the Hawks. Rather not think about them. Tweets from their fans bashing us get under my skin. So, I agree, I'm to a fault, leary of letting myself do that to them or anyone else. For example, multiple posters used to come on here and bash, actually make fun of Scott Drew a lot. He's only beat our butts 4 out of the last 6 times, gained national mention for his continued team's success, etc. Has nothing to do with pessimism for the Cyclones when I shun away from that kind of stuff with our opponents.