Move to Big Ten- Good for Nebraska?

When I first heard Nebraska was moving to the Big Ten conference, I was shocked. It seemed like a determental move, considering the Big Ten seems to be easily one of the weakest (and most overrated) football conferences in the nation. However, after any sad shock comes a silver lining, and there seems to be one in this move as well. It seems bailing on the Big 12 may not be a horrible strategy for our Huskers for two key reasons: 1. It may propel us to powerhouse status sooner, even if it is in a weak conference, and 2. We've run out of allies in the Big 12.

That's right Big 12- you caused this. Here are the reasons it's not so terrible to no longer be associated with this conference. (There are almost 12 of them).

Missouri- Never get tired of beating this team to the ground, but still don't enjoy our association with them. After all, they have mean-spirited fans and our rivalry with them has become more than bitter over the last few years.

Baylor- I used to love this team until they took a shot at us after we left the Big 12. The remark from the Baylor athletic program? "Who wants to be associated with a bunch of Corn shuckers anyway?" Really Baylor?! You have to win a few games before you start shooting your mouth. If you've been the prennial worst team in the Big 12 for the better part of the decade and the laughing stock of the other 11 teams, you haven't earned the right to insult Nebraska. Or anyone.

Texas Tech- Every chance they get, this team puts the smackdown on us, and they never show any sign of mercy. After beating us by nearly 70 points a few years ago, it became clear that this team is not our friend. Or compassionate. With new head coach Tommy Tuberville this may change. However, even Tuberville predicted the Big 12 conference will dissolve before long. Ouch.

Kansas- You were okay in my book until you made the deal with Texas that they could have the Big 12 championship location if you could host the Big 12 basketball championship. This deal with the devil ensured that the other 10 teams in the Big 12 are left with no chance of hosting these events and the revenue they bring in. Then you had the nerve to beg us to stay in the Big 12. Rock Chalk Jayhawks... take a hike.

Kansas State- If you want to witness some of the downright meanest, unpleasant players and fans in the Big 12, tune in to any Kansas State games, and you'll never be disappointed. The Wildcats prove year in and year out that they lack both class and talent. Cheap shots, victory celebrations and verbal jabs at our players contiously stream from this team and their fans. This is one team most Husker fans won't miss in the least.

Texas- Intentionally, the worst team in the Big 12 is saved for last. The classiest man to ever come from Nebraska football, Tom Osborne, hates Texas. This has always been proof enough for me that they're awful, but in the past few years the hits keep coming. Texas is rude, obnoxious, and just plain hard to deal with. And they're the only team that manages to beat us year in and year out. After our move to the Big Ten, a resteraunt billboard read, "take your big red and shove it". Classy, Texas. The worst though, it's Texas fans in Texas, but Texas fans in Nebraska. Over the past few years, plenty of "Texas fans" have sprung up in our state, and it's plagued our football spirit. Most average Nebraska residing "Texas fans" can't recite the number of Texas's championships, offensive or defensive line, current record or even the fact that their precious Colt McCoy didn't even go first round in the draft. (No offense to McCoy, he seems like a very classy individual). In any case, there is nothing more infuriating than a spiteful, smug "Texas fan" living in Nebraska. Too many think it's fun to gloat about their victories on the Huskers, as well as insult their fans. IN OUR STATE. My favorite excuse I've heard for being a "Texas fan"? "I just hate how everyone in Nebraska likes Husker football". Really, that's the equivilent to saying you hate how everyone at church loves Jesus. It's a fact. Get over it. If you want to be a closet Texas fan, so be it, but when you're in Nebraska, don't shove it our face that you Longhorns beat us this year. Besides, when Texas starts losing, almost every Nebraska "Texas fan" will replace their Longhorns gear with whatever team is winning that year. So, for all your fairweather, posing "Texas fans" in our state, have the respect to keep your gloating to a minimum. Or move. We don't want you and we don't want to be in the same conference as a team like Texas.

So the more I think about it, joining the likes of the Big 10 doesn't seem so terrible. We can finally beat overrated Iowa and Penn State and perhaps belong to a more mature, classy conference.

P.S. I still love you, Oklahoma....