Nebraska vs. Ohio State
They have faced each other twice on the football field in 1955 and 1956. Ohio State won both matchups but Nebraska could get a chance to even things up. It shouldn’t be news that the Big 10 is looking to expand to 12 teams (They currently have 11) and there have been several schools that have been rumored to be the 12th team. We’ve heard the obvious choice of Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Missouri and lately Texas. But what about Nebraska? Dr. Tom had an interview with LJS’ Steve Sipple about the Big 10 expansion and if Nebraska is involved in those talks. Osborne said that Nebraska has had no discussions with the Big 10 about joining the conference. Jim Delaney, commissioner of the Big 10, also has said that he has had no contact with any schools about joining the conference. But what Tom did say is that if the Big 10 came calling, they would listen. The Big 10 adding a team from the Big 12 would create a huge shift in the college football landscape. Losing Texas or Nebraska would be a huge blow to the Big 12 and I wonder if they could recover.
What would that mean for Nebraska sports? Lets take a look. In football Nebraska would immediately fall into that #2 or #3 team in the conference and could compete annually for a Rose Bowl birth. In volleyball, Nebraska’s competition gets considerably harder. Penn State, Minnesota, Ohio State would be an upgrade over the Big 12. In mens basketball, it would probably be hard to get worse than the Big 12 but it does. Michigan State, Illinois, Purdue, Ohio State, Wisconsin, are a killer run to go through. Iowa, Indiana, and Minnesota are not there right now but are no cupcakes. In womens basketball, Nebraska would certainly be there with the best of the Big 10, the Big 12 is a much better conference. In baseball, Nebraska would absolutely vault to the top of the Big 10 standings. The Big 10 is not great conference for baseball and could compete for Big 10 titles annually. In softball, Nebraska would definitely be in the top 4 in the conference. In wrestling, it would be a push. Iowa, Minnesota and Ohio State are just as good as Big 12 competition. Nebraska does not compete in a couple of Big 10 sponsored sports. Hockey being the top sport.
The biggest boost to Nebraska though would be the TV exposure. The Big 12 TV contract is less than to be desired but the Big 10 contract is a great one, including their own network, the Big 10 network. Nebraska instantly would get every single one of their football games televised and more television appearances in every sport. The Big 10 network would also instantly get a ton of more exposure in Nebraska.
Nebraska is probably the most likely candidate from the Big 12 if you ask me. Texas just doesn’t make sense. Not only geographically, but Texas already runs the Big 12 and they would not want to lose their many rivalries they have in the South division. I just don’t see it happening. Missouri just isn’t a big enough name to go to the Big 10. Missouri may want to, but the Big 10 can get a better team. Will it happen? Probably not but like T.O said, they’re willing to listen.
The Comments
Wisco says Love to see Huskers in Big10 February 15, 2010 at 2:23pm
I think Notre Dame would be a much better fit for the Big10 but they just don’t have any interest in joining any conference in football.
Nebraska football could do very well in the Big10 but it won’t be a cake walk. As a Badger fan I would welcome the competition & I think the Huskers would also fit into the style of play in the Big10.
In mens Basketball Nebraska wouldn’t far as well (at first) but in the long run I think it could help bring a little attention to the program. You add this with a new first-class Arena and I think you’d see top recruits coming to UNL just like they did when Madison built the Kohl Center and pushed Wisconsin Basketball into the national spotlight.
D.M.B. says As for basketball, I think February 16, 2010 at 12:18am
As for basketball, I think this first class arena will do them just fine in any conference, but even more so...a practice facility is what they need. They are so far behind in basketball facilities, its laughable.
As for football, I think Nebraska’s style would be a good fit for the Big 10. Good solid D, and run first team.
Of course ND is the logical choice but like you said, they have no interest joining a conference. It would take something pretty big to get ND to go to a conference.