What's great is that with the Big 10, it appears that we'll get out of it what we put into it; to note:
DoNU has put a stronger emphasis on academics since we joined the Big 10 community, and it's paid dividends. Plus, the CIC is there to help out, which is an invaluable tool that we didn't have before in the Big XII.
In basketball, if we put forth an effort, as we are, we're going to get interest, talent, and a good team--plus, if we have a good team in the Big 10, which is the pinnacle basketball conference in the land, we know we're going to have a real contender for the first time since the 1940s and 1950s.
In dealing with the fanbases, our positive attitude and sportsmanship to visitors at Memorial Stadium has rubbed off and paid dividends. For the most part, we're seeing the best that tOSU, Michigan, and the fans of other schools have to offer when we return the trip, with some schools making a concerted effort/drive to reciprocate the good will fostered in Lincoln.
With the BTN, DoNU is already putting a stronger effort towards marketing, which will help everything--academics, athletics, fundraising...you name it. And frankly, the Nebraska commercial is perhaps the best one to come out of Lincoln in the past 30 years...being part of the B1G forced us to step up our game in this regard.
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I guess what I'm getting at is that now, Nebraska is getting back what money, time, and effort we put into the conference and getting rewarded for doing the right things. That wasn't, doesn't, and isn't happening in the Big XII, unless your school resides in Austin and has a pointy female reproductive system for a logo.
That's why the move to the Big 10 works so well and why we're better for it--we're actually a member of a true conference, and not a loose confederation of schools ultimately out for themselves, and no one else. This, if nothing else, embodies what Nebraska is about--everyone pitching in, rolling up their sleeves, and reaping the benefits of hard work put into the collective whole.