Wow, I think you're a little dilusional about how Nebraska is viewed outside of the state. I Iive in Michigan. And I can tell you everyone I know and meet think of Nebraska as a has been. Honestly we are not really taken seriously anymore by most big 10 fans I encounter. We do have tradition, but that's about it anymore. We need to regain a lot of respect, and we surely are not why the big ten has been revitalized. That would be the accomplishments of Ohio state and MSU, (and the hiring of harbaugh to a degree). We have some work to do.
How often do you get, "Nebraska? They were goo in the 90's, right?"
I, too, live outside of Neb. and No one thinks of Nebraska as a top tier program here.
Back to the main topic; We don't deserve any blame, unless you are a Tex. fan; even then, there is so much blame you can place on us, considering everything UT was trying to get done in there best interest, completely disregarding the state of the Big 12 or the complications their actions could cause.