Rock,
I totally disagree, if so Army, Harvard, Notre Dame and others would still be relevant. History is for the fans of the program.
I agree we will always get the kids that have ties to Nebraska, but Nebraska is not a huge recruiting jugernaut by any means. We were able to lock up home town kids to play the line, keep them 5 years and then let them play their senior year. Those days are gone, or if on their way back at a very slow pace.
The kids we are recruiting were 3 years old when we were relevant, they really know nothing about Nebraska. I know everyone we recruit says it was important, again what else would they say. Most have no knowledge of the offense Nebraska ran, or really how succesful we were with it.
Meyers is going to be hard to beat if he is succesful this year, Hoak looks like the real deal, he gets it and has proven very sucessful at prior gigs. Those two carry history and tradition at a current level. Most of the lives of the kids they recruit it was one or the other and loyalties develop at very young ages, for one or the other. Very seldom does a top athlete in Ohio or Michigan leave the state unless it is to the opposite state.
Meyers is dynamic, just look at what he has done since arrival, a little unfair but never the less he is loading the truck with prime goods and taking it to Columbus.
I truly hope you are right and the history and tradition still plays a part, but ours is ancient to a young kid, we have not won a major game in many many years. That is the history for a 18 year old kid. With the attitude of what did you do for me lately and show me the money, we are down the list I am afraid.
That does not mean we will not be a good football team, winning CCG once every 5-6 years, but MNC games are going to be very rare I think. I can live with that, the question is can most Nebraska fans live with it. Not likely.