By John Shinn
The Norman Transcript
IRVING, Texas — As reputations go, Nebraska’s has been sterling for decades. It has a historic football program. It has an incredibly loyal, yet respectful, fan base. The only hint of a bad guy image came with those feared “Blackshirts” defense that powered it to three national championships in the 1990s.
But there’s little doubt which team will be wearing the black hats in the Big 12 Conference this season. The Huskers’ decision to bolt for the Big Ten Conference following this season has made them Public Enemy No. 1.
It was a sensitive subject Monday afternoon during Big 12 Football Media Days. After all, Nebraska’s decision nearly destroyed the conference.
Husker coach Bo Pelini tried to fire a pre-emptive strike when he sat down for his press conference.
“I understand and very much respect the job that all of you have to do, but I will not be taking questions in regards to any Big Ten issues,” he said before the queries started to fly. “We’re excited about being in the Big 12 this year.”
The Huskers should. Even if it is their final season, this could be their best chance to win a conference title since claiming their last in 1999.
They came within one second of upsetting Texas in last season’s Big 12 championship. They thrashed Arizona in the Holiday Bowl to end last season. The season-closing victory caused Pelini to proclaim Nebraska was ready to return to its glory days.
“We’re at the point where we can beat who we line up against, or compete with anybody that we line up against,” he said Monday. “That’s exciting for me and exciting for the program.”
But there’s no doubt animosity exists between Nebraska and the league it is leaving behind. The powers that be have done little to hide their belief too much power belonged to Texas schools — especially the University of Texas.
The remaining schools in the Big 12 north were nearly left without a BCS conference until Oklahoma, Texas and Texas A&M decided to remain in the conference Nebraska departed.
Players already are preparing to be the most hated team around the Big 12.
“Different things are going to be said to us. It should be interesting because there’s a process we’re going to go through and things we have block out,” wide receiver Niles Paul said.
Paul is one of those who wished things could have worked out differently. The Omaha, Neb., native always has been a diehard fan.
“I’ve seen the Oklahoma-Nebraska games. I’ve seen the Texas-Nebraska games,” he said. “I’m going to miss those games.”
Truth is players didn’t have any say in the matter. The decision was made at an executive level that went well beyond on them. They were bystanders while Nebraska’s leaders hashed out the details.
“We thought there was going to be some kind of meeting to tell us what was going on, but there wasn’t,” Paul said. “They said we were leaving the Big 12. Everyone got an e-mail and that was it. Nobody has really talked about it. We’re just focusing on the season.”
This season was all Nebraska was willing to talk about Monday. Pelini answered deflected several questions with three words: “Business as usual.”
But the business has changed. Pages 58-59 of the Huskers’ media guide are packed with information about the Big Ten Conference. There’s little mention about the conference the Huskers will be trying to win this season.
The Huskers don’t see it that way.
“We’re excited about being in the Big 12 this season,” Pelini said. “All of our focus is on the Big 12 this season.”
John Shinn 366-3536 jshinn@normantranscript.com
