This is what I'm talkin about!
I've been a member of the Buckeye Planet for a little while now, and the last time I commented was late last year, but now that we're dancing partners, you'll be seeing more of me in the future.
Since I've been a member here on Buckeye Planet, I noticed a love for the game and for your instutition. I also saw something that's been lacking for a long time in a fan base - respect for tradition. As soon as I came to the home page, a big WELCOME sign was waiting for me. You don't know how honored that makes us feel.
Both tOSU and the 'Skers are tradition based, rabid fan having programs, and it's more than an honor for us to compete against such fans. We've been coined as "the best fans in college football", and there's a reason why. We're a plains state, a humble people, but we're not back woods hicks either. That's the mistake that Texas made.
Over thirteen years ago, a tall, lanky guy saw a merger between some southern schools and the Big 8. He predicted that the state of Texas would be calling the shots in the league after while. Thirteen years later, Dr. Tom Osborne helped to orchestrate the move from the Big 12 to the Big 10.
Who better to make this happen than Doc Tom? This man (along with Wilkenson, Devaney and Switzer) helped to put the Big 8 on the map. Hall of Fame head coach, he felt like other Nebraskans here - slighted, and robbed of honor. Texas swooped into the league and stole from the stalwarts. Doc Tom had to feel vindicated to put the squeeze on the Big 12 and Texas for a change. But he won't say as much. That's not in his nature.
Yes, on the field they've had our number. Poor coaching, some poor play. But last year, even though most feel the refs made the right call (myself included, reluctantly), the question still remained - if the roles were reversed, would the refs put a second back on for the Huskers? Probably not. Therein lies the problem, and the move was the solution.
I used to be a rabid Husker fan. Still am, but I'm wiser in my years now - and have become more of a college FOOTBALL fan. I could watch any game (if my Huskers aren't playing), and enjoy myself. In doing so, I've watched many games played in the 'Shoe. Tradition is at the forefront of your fan base as well, and I think that this will be an interesting relationship of teams now.
Don't get me wrong - this was about money as well. The lure of doubling up our funds on TV and ticket revenue was too irresistible to pass up. But, one thing about Nebraska - we are a proud people. We had to give the Big 12 a chance. We did so for 12 years, and now it's time to move on. The Big 12 turned into (as Roy Williams coined it), the "Big Texas."
One other thing that played a part in this...was Oklahoma. Both teams have gone through down times, but they played every year, and that created a natural rivalry (as well as a respect between fan bases) for us. When Texas invaded the league, that storied rivalry was taken from us. Now, I don't have to explain the word 'rival' to anybody on the Buckeye Planet....one name sets the waves of fandom off over here....Michigan (LOL). Nuff Said.
Finally - I think that this will ultimately be one of two conferences where the game is cherished and honored. The SEC, Big 12, Pac 10 don't seem to care about the love for the sport as much as they do the almighty dollar. I explained some of this to my Wife - she wanted to know how we would do in the league. I said, "Well, honey, you have tOSU, Michigan, Penn State, Iowa, and now Nebraska in the league. Those are some pretty good football teams right there. I think we'll be fine."
