jameskalina
Well-Known Member
I have not conducted a thorough analysis relating Nebraska's success in the '70's, 80's and 90's to who the Cornhusker's played, but it seems to me Nebraska did play a lot of weak football teams that made it easier for them to maintain 9 or better win seasons (reminds me of Penn State's pre Big Ten years when the N. Lions could pick and chose who to play and when).
As I recall the old Big Eight Conference year in and year out fielded a lot of weak to so-so football teams. Granted, Oklahoma was a very strong football program and Colorado had their years. But, except for Oklahoma and maybe Colorado who did Nebraska play in their conference that was considered a national power? Also, except for maybe playing one top 20 team in the non conference schedule Nebraska loaded up on very beatable teams to make it easier to maintain 9 or better win seasons.
Nebraska began its decline about the time the Big Eight became the Big Twelve, when Nebraska was required to play more nationally ranked teams (Texas for example). With this change the Cornhuskers had less control on who they played and that was a significant factor in determining their won loss records.
If the Cornhusker fans think joining the Big Ten will be a return to the success years in the former Big Eight (i.e. Texasless schools) Conference, they had better think again. If the Cornhusker fans don't believe it, I suggest they ask Penn State.
As I recall the old Big Eight Conference year in and year out fielded a lot of weak to so-so football teams. Granted, Oklahoma was a very strong football program and Colorado had their years. But, except for Oklahoma and maybe Colorado who did Nebraska play in their conference that was considered a national power? Also, except for maybe playing one top 20 team in the non conference schedule Nebraska loaded up on very beatable teams to make it easier to maintain 9 or better win seasons.
Nebraska began its decline about the time the Big Eight became the Big Twelve, when Nebraska was required to play more nationally ranked teams (Texas for example). With this change the Cornhuskers had less control on who they played and that was a significant factor in determining their won loss records.
If the Cornhusker fans think joining the Big Ten will be a return to the success years in the former Big Eight (i.e. Texasless schools) Conference, they had better think again. If the Cornhusker fans don't believe it, I suggest they ask Penn State.
