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Would Nebraska winning the conf. title be bad for the Big Ten?

  • I've been thinking about this a bit recently, but what would it say about the Big Ten if Nebraska comes in and -- even with the schedule ahead of it -- rolls through the Big Ten and gets the conference's BCS bid?

    I don't think that Nebraska is yet thought of as a Big Ten school by people across the nation, so what would that mean if this new team comes in and roughs up the league?

    I know that Penn State won quickly when they came into the league in the early 1990s, but what would it mean in the big picture if Nebraska wins the B1G Ten title?

    Twitter: michaelbruntz :: E-mail: michael@huskersillustrated.com

    Michael Bruntz ●

  • I don't think it would portray the Big 10 as a bad conference. Nebraska is probably gonna start the season ranked in the top 10 or 15. Its not like we're some schmucks.

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    Blitz

  • I dont think it says anything. OSU has its trouble. Michigan is down but will be back. Penn State will be better when Paterno leaves. That is just the reality of the situation.

    ErnieMcCracken ●

  • Michael Bruntz said...

    I've been thinking about this a bit recently, but what would it say about the Big Ten if Nebraska comes in and -- even with the schedule ahead of it -- rolls through the Big Ten and gets the conference's BCS bid?

    I don't think that Nebraska is yet thought of as a Big Ten school by people across the nation, so what would that mean if this new team comes in and roughs up the league?

    I know that Penn State won quickly when they came into the league in the early 1990s, but what would it mean in the big picture if Nebraska wins the B1G Ten title?

    I think it depends how it happens. If by some weird chance Nebraska rolled through the conference, it might change people's perception nationally. However, that won't happen. The Big Ten needs to do better in bowl games to help its perception. Although a title game should help with that.

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  • I asked this on my Twitter some time ago and immediately got a response from a Wisconsin fan who told me:

    "Would definitely be a bad thing for the B1G, but I think NU will find it's not going to just come in and blow everyone out."

    I'm kind of torn as I see it two ways.

    First, I think it could look great for the Big Ten because they added a relevant power. They didn't just bring anyone in - They brought in a competitor. The Big Ten has little respect in terms of bowl season, and I honestly believe the conference is hoping that Nebraska helps change that a bit.

    Second, I think it could look awful. "The Big Ten is so bad that the runner up of the Big 12 can win it." That doesn't look good for the conference in my opinion.

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    BornToBeRed ●

  • BornToBeRed said...

    I asked this on my Twitter some time ago and immediately got a response from a Wisconsin fan who told me:

    "Would definitely be a bad thing for the B1G, but I think NU will find it's not going to just come in and blow everyone out."

    I'm kind of torn as I see it two ways.

    First, I think it could look great for the Big Ten because they added a relevant power. They didn't just bring anyone in - They brought in a competitor. The Big Ten has little respect in terms of bowl season, and I honestly believe the conference is hoping that Nebraska helps change that a bit.

    Second, I think it could look awful. "The Big Ten is so bad that the runner up of the Big 12 can win it." That doesn't look good for the conference in my opinion.

    Well, that's a misnomer anyway. Last year's edition of the Huskers were runners up. This year's edition is going to be better. Why do you think they loaded us up with games against the top five teams from last season, and each one of the Co-Champions?

    Should NU win it will definitely force the rest of the conference to get better.

    After PSU came in in 1993, and swept through the conference in '94, the rest of the conference was forced to improve or end up as also-rans. JoePa almost always won his bowl games,too.

    Michigan had a nasty habit of losing three or four every year. OSU wasn't any better, also losing three more often than not. Both had nasty habits of losing games OOC, and in the bowl games.

    Barry Alvarez upped the stakes as well, as Wiscy became a force to reckon with. The B10 went from being a two-pretty-good-team conference to a four-excellent-team conference.

    Adding the Huskers gives them the possibility of three-very-good team divisions, and six excellent programs overall. Michigan will have to get better to win their division. MSU and Iowa will have to improve. Ohio State, PSU and Wisconsin will have to play each other every year now. Every good team is going to have to play three very good teams annually, and four every fourth season or two.

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  • daddyact said...

    Well, that's a misnomer anyway. Last year's edition of the Huskers were runners up. This year's edition is going to be better. Why do you think they loaded us up with games against the top five teams from last season, and each one of the Co-Champions?

    Not sure if that played a part in how the games were scheduled but I wouldn't put it past a conference that has seen a new team come in and dominate quickly.

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  • I think the ideal scenario for the B1G, is to have Nebraska create excitement, maybe win their division, but not the CCG.

    If Nebraska rolls through the B1G this year, the immediate conclusion will be that the Big XII was a superior conference to the B1G, and I don't think the powers that be want that to happen. All you have to do is look at Nebraska's schedule, and you can easily draw the conclusion that the B1G doesn't want NU to win all the marbles until year #3 or beyond.

    The first 2 years are being set up as a whirlwind tour, to introduce Nebraska to all the key programs in the conference. In terms of fair scheduling, it's kind of a joke. Of the supposed "Big 6" in the conference, NU is the only team that has to play all 5 of the others. Definite advantage to the others, major disadvantage to NU. If Nebraska wins the B1G with the schedule they have to play in year #1, it really will be a slap in the face for the rest of the conference.

    The B1G is ecstatic to have NU on board, but deep down, they really don't want NU winning the CCG anytime soon.

    This post was edited by TheUnknownFan on 8/1/2011 at 9:14 AM

    TheUnknownFan

  • TheUnknownFan said...

    I think the ideal scenario for the B1G, is to have Nebraska create excitement, maybe win their division, but not the CCG.

    If Nebraska rolls through the B1G this year, the immediate conclusion will be that the Big XII was a superior conference to the B1G, and I don't think the powers that be want that to happen. All you have to do is look at Nebraska's schedule, and you can easily draw the conclusion that the B1G doesn't want NU to win all the marbles until year #3 or beyond.

    The first 2 years are being set up as a whirlwind tour, to introduce Nebraska to all the key programs in the conference. In terms of fair scheduling, it's kind of a joke. Of the supposed "Big 6" in the conference, NU is the only team that has to play all 5 of the others. Definite advantage to the others, major disadvantage to NU. If Nebraska wins the B1G with the schedule they have to play in year #1, it really will be a slap in the face for the rest of the conference.

    The B1G is ecstatic to have NU on board, but deep down, they really don't want NU winning the CCG anytime soon.

    Just quit with the conspiracy theories about how the B1G deep down does not want you to win the conference or what a a tough schedule you play. My Spartans have just a loaded schedule and I do not go around spouting conspiracy theories. You were dealt the hand you were dealt. Just deal with it. Other than that there is no deep, down resentment about NEB potentially winning the conference. If you guys bring your Texas conspiracy complex to the Big Ten then I will think it is more than simply Texas being an ass but rather NEB as a university.

    ErnieMcCracken ●

  • ErnieMcCracken said...

    Just quit with the conspiracy theories about how the B1G deep down does not want you to win the conference or what a a tough schedule you play. My Spartans have just a loaded schedule and I do not go around spouting conspiracy theories. You were dealt the hand you were dealt. Just deal with it. Other than that there is no deep, down resentment about NEB potentially winning the conference. If you guys bring your Texas conspiracy complex to the Big Ten then I will think it is more than simply Texas being an ass but rather NEB as a university.

    Judging from your terrible rating I will take your comment with a grain of salt. That said, I, for one, do not think that the B1G purposefully made a schedule that was overly tough for NU. I also agree that there are other teams in the conference that have just as tough of a schedule as NU.

    As far as the Texas crap we dealt with for 15 years, it is true that the BIG XII has favorites and plays to them much more than teams in the North, including NU. Proof positive would be the ignorance they are showing in letting Texas have their own network and get a leg up on recruiting while OU and A&M scratch their heads and wonder if they too should get as far away as possible.

    I am very excited for NU to now be in a conference that respects each of its members. It is truly a breath of fresh air.

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    In The Deed The Glory

    bqw1982

  • Michael Bruntz said...

    I've been thinking about this a bit recently, but what would it say about the Big Ten if Nebraska comes in and -- even with the schedule ahead of it -- rolls through the Big Ten and gets the conference's BCS bid?

    I don't think that Nebraska is yet thought of as a Big Ten school by people across the nation, so what would that mean if this new team comes in and roughs up the league?

    I know that Penn State won quickly when they came into the league in the early 1990s, but what would it mean in the big picture if Nebraska wins the B1G Ten title?

    It will be bad for the B1G. Regardless if Nebraska is a better team or not this year, a CCG win will inevitably lead people to say that the B1G is not as strong of a conference as the Big 12. If the B1G lays another egg in this year’s bowl season it will only solidify the current national perception that the B1G is a weaker conference then the SEC and the Big 12.

    At the end of the day, the only way for the B1G to improve its reputation nationally is to start winning bowl games. They no longer have the excuse that they don't play a CCG and are therefore rusty during the bowl season.

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    Hater

  • Hater said...

    It will be bad for the B1G. Regardless if Nebraska is a better team or not this year, a CCG win will inevitably lead people to say that the B1G is not as strong of a conference as the Big 12. If the B1G lays another egg in this year’s bowl season it will only solidify the current national perception that the B1G is a weaker conference then the SEC and the Big 12.

    At the end of the day, the only way for the B1G to improve its reputation nationally is to start winning bowl games. They no longer have the excuse that they don't play a CCG and are therefore rusty during the bowl season.

    So what if Nebraska wins the conference and the Big 10 wins all or most of it's bowl games?

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    Blitz

  • "My Spartans have just a loaded schedule"

    You realize Indiana is on your schedule? Do you want 2 bye games from the other division?

    BigGameJames

  • BigGameJames said...

    "My Spartans have just a loaded schedule"

    You realize Indiana is on your schedule? Do you want 2 bye games from the other division?

    We have Minnesota. No offense Gopher fans.biggrin

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    Blitz

  • Blitz said...

    We have Minnesota. No offense Gopher fans.

    Nevermind. So does MSU. headslap

    This post was edited by Blitz on 8/1/2011 at 1:38 PM

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    Blitz

  • Hater said...

    It will be bad for the B1G. Regardless if Nebraska is a better team or not this year, a CCG win will inevitably lead people to say that the B1G is not as strong of a conference as the Big 12. If the B1G lays another egg in this year’s bowl season it will only solidify the current national perception that the B1G is a weaker conference then the SEC and the Big 12.

    At the end of the day, the only way for the B1G to improve its reputation nationally is to start winning bowl games. They no longer have the excuse that they don't play a CCG and are therefore rusty during the bowl season.

    Yeah, obviously I don't agree. Nebraska was one second and one point away from a conference title in 2009 with practically no offense. In 2010 they were three points away from a conference crown with a crippled offense.

    If the Huskers won the B1G in their first season with a fully functioning offense, how on earth does that automatically lead to anyone thinking the Big 12 is better? It tells me that the B12 is vulnerable to any team with a good defense.

    The past is past.

    However, I do agree with your final point.

    If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

    daddyact

  • ErnieMcCracken said...

    Just quit with the conspiracy theories about how the B1G deep down does not want you to win the conference or what a a tough schedule you play. My Spartans have just a loaded schedule and I do not go around spouting conspiracy theories. You were dealt the hand you were dealt. Just deal with it. Other than that there is no deep, down resentment about NEB potentially winning the conference. If you guys bring your Texas conspiracy complex to the Big Ten then I will think it is more than simply Texas being an ass but rather NEB as a university.

    Michigan State does have a pretty good schedule, but few would argue it's as tough as Nebraska's.

    Here's the deal. Nebraska could have drawn a schedule similar to what Iowa has this year, but surprise, surprise, they didn't. Now, of all the possible scheduling scenarios that were out there, what do you think the chances were that a new team to the conference, would have drawn the same caliber of schedule in year #1 that Iowa has this year? Answer: none. If you try to tell me it was "luck of the draw", I will say you are naive at best.

    Given the divisional set up, the cycle of who has the most difficult schedules will rotate every two years. If Nebraska had drawn Iowa's schedule in year #1, there would have been a big stink across B1G land about how easy a path they were provided to the CCG. Somebody had to get the schedule draw that Nebraska did, and it was no mistake that NU was the one who got it.

    It's not a conspiracy, it's just how the "new guy" gets treated in these situations. Nebraska doesn't get a full share of revenues for a few years either, when their presence will likely generate a huge boost in interest (and revenues) for the conference. Not a conspiracy theory, just the kind of deal you can expect when you are new to the conference.

    So getting back to the topic, it's quite easy to say that the B1G doesn't really want Nebraska to be conference champion in year #1. And phony pleasantries aside, neither do any of the other 11 teams that have been around for all these years. It's only natural they would feel that way.

    TheUnknownFan

  • Blitz said...

    So what if Nebraska wins the conference and the Big 10 wins all or most of it's bowl games?

    I would call that the best case scenario!

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    Hater

  • TheUnknownFan said...

    Michigan State does have a pretty good schedule, but few would argue it's as tough as Nebraska's.

    Here's the deal. Nebraska could have drawn a schedule similar to what Iowa has this year, but surprise, surprise, they didn't. Now, of all the possible scheduling scenarios that were out there, what do you think the chances were that a new team to the conference, would have drawn the same caliber of schedule in year #1 that Iowa has this year? Answer: none. If you try to tell me it was "luck of the draw", I will say you are naive at best.

    Given the divisional set up, the cycle of who has the most difficult schedules will rotate every two years. If Nebraska had drawn Iowa's schedule in year #1, there would have been a big stink across B1G land about how easy a path they were provided to the CCG. Somebody had to get the schedule draw that Nebraska did, and it was no mistake that NU was the one who got it.

    It's not a conspiracy, it's just how the "new guy" gets treated in these situations. Nebraska doesn't get a full share of revenues for a few years either, when their presence will likely generate a huge boost in interest (and revenues) for the conference. Not a conspiracy theory, just the kind of deal you can expect when you are new to the conference.

    So getting back to the topic, it's quite easy to say that the B1G doesn't really want Nebraska to be conference champion in year #1. And phony pleasantries aside, neither do any of the other 11 teams that have been around for all these years. It's only natural they would feel that way.

    I don't think the rest of the conference has such a inferiority issue that some how we would think less of ourselves if you won the conference. You guys need to drop this line. I can see the first bad call you get will be some big ten conspiracy theory against you.

    ErnieMcCracken ●

  • ErnieMcCracken said...

    I don't think the rest of the conference has such a inferiority issue that some how we would think less of ourselves if you won the conference. You guys need to drop this line. I can see the first bad call you get will be some big ten conspiracy theory against you.

    I originally posed the question to raise the issue about the national perception of the Big Ten and how that would be affected should Nebraska win in its first year.

    Twitter: michaelbruntz :: E-mail: michael@huskersillustrated.com

    Michael Bruntz ●

  • ErnieMcCracken said...

    I don't think the rest of the conference has such a inferiority issue that some how we would think less of ourselves if you won the conference. You guys need to drop this line. I can see the first bad call you get will be some big ten conspiracy theory against you.

    And why wouldn't it be?stir

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    Blitz

  • ErnieMcCracken said...

    I don't think the rest of the conference has such a inferiority issue that some how we would think less of ourselves if you won the conference. You guys need to drop this line. I can see the first bad call you get will be some big ten conspiracy theory against you.

    dramaqueen

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    Hater

  • daddyact said...

    Well, that's a misnomer anyway. Last year's edition of the Huskers were runners up. This year's edition is going to be better. Why do you think they loaded us up with games against the top five teams from last season, and each one of the Co-Champions?

    Should NU win it will definitely force the rest of the conference to get better.

    After PSU came in in 1993, and swept through the conference in '94, the rest of the conference was forced to improve or end up as also-rans. JoePa almost always won his bowl games,too.

    Michigan had a nasty habit of losing three or four every year. OSU wasn't any better, also losing three more often than not. Both had nasty habits of losing games OOC, and in the bowl games.

    Barry Alvarez upped the stakes as well, as Wiscy became a force to reckon with. The B10 went from being a two-pretty-good-team conference to a four-excellent-team conference.

    Adding the Huskers gives them the possibility of three-very-good team divisions, and six excellent programs overall. Michigan will have to get better to win their division. MSU and Iowa will have to improve. Ohio State, PSU and Wisconsin will have to play each other every year now. Every good team is going to have to play three very good teams annually, and four every fourth season or two.

    LOL...

    That '94 Penn State team was great. That said, PSU has only 3 conference championships overall. They didn't change anything in the Big Ten. To say the conference had to get better because of the Kittens is laughable.

    OSU has 35 (10 since Penn State joined the conference). Michigan has 42.

    Wisconsin has a respectable 12 (still behind both Illinois and Minnesota).

    This post was edited by devidee on 8/1/2011 at 8:51 PM

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    devidee ●

  • devidee said...

    LOL...

    That '94 Penn State team was great. That said, PSU has only 3 conference championships overall. They didn't change anything in the Big Ten. To say the conference had to get better because of the Kittens is laughable.

    OSU has 35 (10 since Penn State joined the conference). Michigan has 42.

    Wisconsin has a respectable 12 (still behind both Illinois and Minnesota).

    Here we go again.

    The Big 10 was long considered a fading conference by the late eighties. Consistent losses in the Rose Bowl had deflated public opinion. Throughout the seventies and eighties the Big 10 usually had only two teams listed in the top 20-25 while conferences like the Big 8, SEC, and the Eastern Independents routinely had three, four and five teams on an annual basis.

    You can list all the championships you want for those two schools, but the fact remains that NW, Purdue, Indiana, MN, Illinois, Wisconsin, MSU and even Iowa were simply not viewed as nationally significant. In 22 of the 25 seasons before PSU joined the conference, either or both Michigan and OSU won the conference title. In only three seasons did a team other than these two win it. In only four other seasons was it shared with another school.

    The addition of PSU energized the conference beyond what PSU alone accomplished. In the seventeen years since PSU came on board, NINE programs have won at least a share of the conference title. FIVE different teams have won it outright.

    Are you honestly going to tell me that the addition of Penn State didn't change the landscape in the Big 10?

    If so, I can only laugh at the suggestion.

    And since then the perception of the conference has only improved.

    This post was edited by daddyact on 8/1/2011 at 10:16 PM

    If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

    daddyact

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