A primer on the Big move

On June 11, in a packed house at the Van Brunt Visitors Center, the time for speculation and rumor-spreading finally came to a screeching, stunning halt.

And Nebraska became a member of the Big Ten Conference.

So how exactly did that happen? How did Nebraska go from seemingly content member of the Big 12 to proud new addition to the Big Ten? How did Big Ten commissioner Jim Delaney end up in Lincoln with a red ‘N' pin on his suit coat that historic Friday afternoon.

Where did things go so wrong?

The following is a look at all the things you need to know about Nebraska joining the Big Ten.

WHAT HAPPENED ON JUNE 11?
Nebraska Athletic Director Tom Osborne and Chancellor Harvey Perlman met with the NU Board of Regents and received their approval to apply for membership to the Big Ten. Shortly thereafter, the conference's presidents unanimously agreed to accept Nebraska as the league's 12th member, its first new one since 1990. Later that afternoon, Osborne, Perlman and Delaney held a press conference on campus to announce the move.

WHY DID NEBRASKA NEED TO LEAVE THE BIG 12?
This answer is not a simple one, but it makes sense when you consider all that's transpired. The Big 12 was already on shaky ground when Colorado optioned to join the Pac-10, and nearly all of the Big 12 South schools were strongly considering jumps to the Pac-10. Simply enough, Nebraska had no assurance the conference would survive even if it stayed, so it had to jump at the opportunity to join a stable, prestigious conference.

WHEN DOES NEBRASKA JOIN THE BIG TEN?
July 1, 2011. That's when competition officially begins. The academic transition began immediately, but that's just one part of a significant process that also includes financial integration.

WAIT, SO NEBRASKA HAS ANOTHER YEAR IN THE BIG 12?
Yes. It's going to be an interesting year, especially this fall's football season. Think Bo Pelini and his football players are hungrier for a Big 12 title than ever before? This is Nebraska's last year to return to the top of the conference, and a title in Dallas would be an amazing last hurrah. Also, expect plenty of animosity from opposing fanbases who will blame Nebraska for nearly destroying the Big 12.

WHOSE FAULT IS ALL OF THIS? WHO MADE THIS HAPPEN?
That's the question everyone wants an answer to. Like Michael Corleone, Osborne and Perlman insist this is strictly business and not personal. But they both made it pretty clear at the Regents meeting that Texas played a large role in forcing Nebraska's hand. UT didn't want to give up its media rights to the conference and, despite begging NU to keep the Big 12 together, continues to flirt with two other conferences. Most agree Texas played a large role in establishing the commitment deadline, too, another factor that forced NU to consider its other options. Just remember, this isn't about that Big 12 title game at all.

IS THE BIG TEN GOING TO EXPAND (AND CHANGE ITS NAME)?
Delaney insists the name won't change, but the number of teams in the conference could in the next few years. Back in June, Delaney fiercely denied the conference would be affected if the Pac-10 does indeed become the Pac-16, and from here on out he's going to take things slow. The expansion process, he said, will continue for another 12 months. Most expect the Big Ten to go after Notre Dame someday, and the league would also likely look at Big East schools like Rutgers and Syracuse if it opted to expand. Some have even reported Maryland is another potential addition. We'll have to wait and see for now.

ALL I KNOW ABOUT THE BIG TEN IS THAT IT PLAYS BORING FOOTBALL GAMES ON SATURDAY MORNINGS. WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
It was established in 1896 and has only made three changes since: dropping University of Chicago football, adding Michigan State and adding Penn State. It's a pillar of stability. It launched its own TV network in 2007, so say goodbye to pay-per-view Nebraska football games. It also features such legendary football programs such as Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State.

THE GAMES ARE ON TV? GOOD. SO WHAT ABOUT TRAVEL? I DON'T WANT TO FLY TO FOOTBALL GAMES.
That's one of the bigger downsides about this whole deal: It's not friendly on college fans' wallets. Iowa City is the closest Big Ten school to Lincoln, and it's five hours away. As fun as it would be to see Nebraska play Ohio State at the Horseshoe, are you really willing to drive 13 1/2 hours to do so? Look at it this way, though — would you rather be a Colorado fan and travel to California, Oregon and Washington?

WHAT ABOUT BIG TEN DIVISIONS AND A TITLE GAME?
Delaney recently said the new division alignment for the Big Ten will be announced in the next month, and earlier this month, the conference announced its 2011 title game will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis. That's only a one-year plan, though, and the Big Ten plans to conduct thorough research to determine future locations for the game.

IN THE END, IS THIS ALL A GOOD THING OR A BAD THING?
For now, it seems like a good thing. Really, it's the best possible option. Staying with the Big 12 was far too risky a move, and the Big Ten provides an exciting new challenge. Sure, the old rivalries are gone. No more epic Oklahoma games, and after this year, there's no more Colorado on Thanksgiving. But change can be a good thing, and having stability and a clear destination and future was a very valuable thing while conference realignment was shaking the college athletics landscape.

MAXOLSON@DAILYNEBRASKAN.COM