Big Ten Focus #11: Nebraska

 The conference seemed content with eleven teams after the addition of Penn State, until the SEC and Pac-10 began expanding.  In order to stay competitive, the Big Ten decided to grow as well.  In 2011 they added Nebraska.  No team more exemplifies the comparative strength of the Big Ten Conference than Nebraska.  Prior to joining the conference, the Cornhuskers had won 46 conference championships and give national championships.  They were competing for the conference title nearly every year, alongside Oklahoma and Texas.  Since moving to the Big Ten, they have won no championships, and won a division title in only their first season.

The team certainly had a history of success before, though.  They have 15 Heisman Trophy winners, including names like Johnny Rodgers, Mike Rozier, Lawrence Phillips, Tommy Frazier, Eric Crouch, and Ndamukong Suh.  The focus on offensive players and positions is endemic in the Big Eight/Big XII, as nearly all of their All-Americans before 2000 were offensive players.  The Connhuskers can still produce dynamic offense, but that offense has trouble with the stiffer defenses found in the Big Ten.  As the attitude and game plans evolve, I think Nebraska will become more competitive within the conference.  Despite their lack of top achievements, the team still plays well.  They have had only two losing seasons since joining the Big Ten, and rank seventh in overall record in the past twelve years.