If Iowa and Oklahoma make the playoffs Lyle will use them as how much progress he has made. Beat one of the teams a year ago and took one to OT. Fans will eat the sales pitch up.
Both head coaches have been there a zillion years, too. That's a necessity. Need at least a decade. Nevermind that Stoops won it all immediately.
I think the success of the teams that (barely) beat us does suggest we've improved. Though I also think this offense has regressed.
I'm in Iowa visiting family for thanksgiving. I watched the Iowa game with my cousin and uncle yesterday. They all honestly believe they have a good shot. My cousin even made the comment that he thinks if MSU loses today, Iowa makes the playoff regardless of whether they (Iowa) win or lose the B1G title game against Mich/OSU.
What is interesting is looking at the current rankings of the team Alabama has beaten vs those Iowa has beaten.