You don't defend it. You accept it. This is Nebraska and with all the disadvantages we face, we can never be an elite program again.
I'm not sure if this is sarcasm or not, but if it's not, that's just wrong. We have top notch facilities, a fanbase that always shows up, we are in a great conference with it's own network, an athletic department that doesn't operate in the red, no in state competition, and good academics. If a coaching staff can't turn that into success, there is a problem. Does location hurt us? Not that much. Location is working against about 85% of schools out there. Kids commit to the situation more often than location. We should never drop out of the top 25, and we should FINISH in the top 15, if not top 10, more often than we don't.
Maybe the school isn't helping the staff enough, maybe the staff is just inadequate(spelling?), or maybe both. But, everybody is tired of this crap. Changes need to be made and it's time to start fixing the problem. The status quo isn't working, and it isn't acceptable.
Location doesn't work against 85% of schools and location absolutely is a big part of where kids sign.