So let me get this straight. For the past two years, I've been reading snow on this forum from people who are angry because of the quality of our opponents. Many are saying they want to be in a conference that will bring quality opponents into the Rent. They are threatening not to go to ball games because of the lack of quality opponents. Of course, their perception is that Michigan, Penn State, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois,Minnesota, etc. are the quality opponents they'd come to see.
But now we are faced with the 22nd most difficult schedule in the country. I'd submit that says something about quality of opponent, doncha think? But, especially now that we are rebuilding, it's highly likely that we are still looking at a 2-10 season, even if we are significantly improved. These same folks will be complaining about how bad we are losing to the dregs of college football every week, and they are threatening not to show up at the Rent in what, retaliation???
If we were in the Big 10, we'd still be looking at 2-10 seasons against that level of competition which might not be better that the schedule we have now in terms of quality of opponent. We'd just be playing against teams that people are more familiar with. As I look at the schedule, the very BEST we can hope for is 5-7 and likely not even there.
You really can't have it both ways. If anyone thinks that, because we are in the Big 10, we suddenly are going to be able to compete for national football championships, I want some of what you are smoking. What's more important now is patience and supporting the team while they work themselves back to respectability.