In 1997 the term patsy may be living its final days. Looking ahead is something the Big 12 might not be able to do. Living on a reputation is something Nebraska does. They have been doing it for longer than I have been alive. It takes weeks, not years.
Football is played every weekend.
Focusing each week only strengthens the program. Imagine driving down any main street in America with numerous stoplights. If you ignore the light immediatley in front of you and focus on the next block, an accident is possible, if not likely. That accident sends your car to the repair shop. The Blue Book value just went down and future passengers might choose to ride in a different car.