The Huskers have a near zero chance of climbing back into the real world of high-level competition until it can develop and nurture a quality class of escorts. Look at the Championship teams of late and look at the all-star escorts they have in their fine (often small) cities. It is one of the Bob Devaney rules of football.
My old man always said that since the Tom Osborn years what has really held NE back is its recruiting. The rest of the country caught on and NE can't compete with those larger endowments. I imagine football is the same way.
Big Ten media day should be filled with questions, "Coach Ruhle, how does the incoming BBBJ and DATY class of recruits seem to compare with the rest of the conference?"