Again, I'm not saying I personally think Hoke is a great coach. I'm just saying I see how they got the results they did. I'm glad NU beat Michigan the past two years, but I see why they get more #relevant status than us.
2008-2010: Nebraska in Big 12 under Bo Pelini, Michigan under Rich Rodriguez
2008: Nebraska 9-4, T-1st in Division, No CCG appearance, Won Gator Bowl, #28 Rivals 2009 Team Recruiting Ranking
2008: Michigan 3-9, 10th in Division, No CCG appearance, No bowl appearance, #8 Rivals 2009 Team Recruiting Ranking
2009: Nebraska 10-4, 1st in Division, Lost CCG, Won Holiday Bowl, #22 Rivals 2010 Team Recruiting Ranking
2009: Michigan 5-7, T-10th (last) in Division, No CCG appearance, No bowl appearance, #20 Rivals 2010 Team Recruiting Ranking
2010: Nebraska 10-4, T-1st in Division, Lost CCG, Lost Holiday Bowl, #21 Rivals 2011 Team Recruiting Ranking
2010: Michigan 7-6, T-7th in Division, No CCG appearance, Lost Gator Bowl, #15 Rivals 2011 Team Recruiting Ranking
2011-2013: Nebraska in Big 10, Michigan under Brady Hoke
2011: Nebraska 9-4, 3rd in Division, No CCG appearance, Lost Capital One Bowl, #25 Rivals 2012 Team Recruiting Ranking
2011: Michigan 11-2, 2nd in Division, No CCG appearance, Won Sugar Bowl, #7 Rivals 2012 Team Recruiting Ranking
2012: Nebraska 10-4, 1st in Division, Lost CCG, Lost Capital One Bowl, #17 Rivals 2013 Team Recruiting Ranking
2012: Michigan 8-5, 2nd in Division, No CCG appearance, Lost Outback Bowl, #5 Rivals 2013 Team Recruiting Ranking
2013: Nebraska 9-4, T-2nd in Division, No CCG appearance, Won Gator Bowl, #32 Rivals 2014 Team Recruiting Ranking
2013: Michigan 7-6, 5th in Division, No CCG appearance, Lost Buffalo Wing Wings Bowl, #31 Rivals 2014 Team Recruiting Ranking
Looking at this, imo, Michigan is trending downward, Nebraska is consistent. As a fan, no way do I take Michigan's record over Nebraska or feel they are trending in a better direction than Nebraska. Michigan has the edge in recruiting and returning starters for 2014 (15 returners for Michigan vs 11 for Nebraska), but in the end, the product on the field should be the most important, measurable in W-L. Looking at the two records, which is better and trending in a better direction?