The Farewell Tour

[Hskr86]

please forgive if this has been posted, but this really hits what i've been thinking about... all of the 'last visits'.

 

 

 

Big Ten Expansion: No Regrets, Nebraska

Commentary: After Perlman and Osborne deliver the Big Ten bid, time to follow Bo's tough-minded lead

 

by Samuel McKewon

June 11, 2010

 

Dont look back, Nebraska. Dont regret this moment for a second. Youre on the edge of a decision that will benefit this state in more ways than a football fan or a sportswriter, thinking about that last trip to Allen Fieldhouse, can appreciate.

 

Its going to be tempting, especially over the next year, the get wistful. To proverbially go hat in hand, as NU teams go on the road to some of these Big 12 North schools not named Colorado. To protest being cast as a villain.

 

Ignore the cat calls. Forge ahead.

 

NU knows what its done in positioning itself for the Big Ten, and while it wont be easy - what in college sports and academic politics ever is? - youll look back in a decade and know every slur and insult thrown your way by the leagues fans - programmed to listen to some glory-hound, super-sourced reporters version of the events, codified by ESPN - was minor in the face of the rewards that await. Even if it doesnt work out on the playing field - even if college football shatters into a million little pieces one day, with the IRS crawling up the games nose to tax and investigate - youll be better shielded from the glass in the Big Ten than you ever would have been in the Big 12.

 

NU athletic director Tom Osborne and UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman delivered this day. Kudos. They worked the backrooms and their solid reputation counted when it mattered. They were fine negotiators for moving Nebraska out of a toxic, dying league.

 

Perlman is the most influential NU administrator, well - can we easily put a timeframe on it?

 

Osborne, meanwhile, had one last touchdown drive in him. If the Big Ten accepts Nebraska today, he pulled this off like a 13-play, 84-yard march of nothing but fullback traps and short-side toss plays.

 

But Osborne wouldnt be perfect trudging through what Nebraska football is about to face over the next year or two. Osborne is courtly, stately, dignified. He hates being cast as insensitive, much less a villain. Nebraskas glorious 1995 season proved that, when Osborne appeared to enjoy his finest team - indeed, the greatest college team in history - less than most.

 

He would have turned whats about to come into a farewell tour. He would try to mend fences that schools like Kansas and Iowa State, for now, have no interest in mending. Hed try to explain, where no explanation would work. Apologize where no apology would be accepted.

 

Thats not Bo Pelini. Hell be the perfect, grim-faced, angry, well-show-em nut that the Big 12 cant crack. Pelini isn't above creating his own adversity, a little friction to coach against. But hell have it created for him now.

 

If Osborne and Perlmans measured, pleasant confidence was the M.O. that got Nebraska to this moment, its Pelinis defiant chin that must define NUs mindset from here on.

 

Nebraskas not just back and here to stay - its here to leave and take all the loot on its way out the door.

 

Harsh? Oh, you betcha. But it's going to get harsh for NU.

 

Bos Huskers will be a lightning rod for every negative emotion the Big 12 can muster against this school and this state. Expect it to be considerable. Manhattan on a Thursday night? Kansas State might as well sell seats to dingoes, thats how whipped up its crowd will be. Texas A&M and Oklahoma States crowds wont be kind, either.

 

You might as well gird for now, Nebraska. Youre in for a winter of the Big 12s discontent, rage and bile. Texas will not be kind on its way to wherever the hell its going. It will keep its hand-picked media fat and happy, and they will try to sever NUs hard-won recruiting ties in the Lone-Star State. A Horn Scorned will quickly become the Bull in the Big Red shop. And the Blackshirts will be the Black Hats as the Big 12 comes crashing down.

 

Dont even try to flip the script. Forgive your Big 12 North brothers, Husker fans, for they know not what they do. Then watch NU send them into purgatory without a parting gift. Such tough talk doesnt suit most Nebraskans. But it suits Bo. And itll suit his team, too. The good cops delivered the Big Ten to Nebraska. The Bo cops will send the Big 12 to its shallow, unmarked grave.

[In the Deed the Glory]

That was....AWESOME!

 

Nice find

[Hskr86]

It's official! 2010 Farewell Tour!

 

...we need shirts.

[Mike N]

 

 

You might as well gird for now, Nebraska. You’re in for a winter of the Big 12’s discontent, rage and bile. Texas will not be kind on its way to wherever the hell it’s going.

 

Absolute bull! Thanks Nebraska for making our trip westward possible! And the best to all of you as well. :clap :clap