I partially agree with this. But I don't think that's the only reason for Nebraska's struggles. The hire of Riley was surprisingly bad. I remember when I heard the news on the radio I was really surprised--it just seemed really bizarre.
On the conference move, Nebraska's financial situation is probably much better than it was in the Big 12. Unfortunately, the football program hasn't really been able to develop an identity in the B1G yet, and the recruiting has been hit and miss because of that. Is Nebraska a midwest team that's committed to recruit the Midwest? Are they instead making their bed by recruiting Cali? Are they committed to recruiting Texas and Oklahoma as much as they used to be? No one is really sure. I certainly think the brand has fallen enough that recruiting nationally like Notre Dame or Ohio State isn't really working like they'd want.
In sum, Nebraska needs to hire a good coach--forget if he's a "Nebraska guy" or if he runs the option or whatever other bullshit reason fans use to latch onto coaches. Just hire a good coach that can do these things:
(1) Recruit. Pick a specific location to be the main recruiting ground (not exclusive, but the main place they try to get their talent). I think California makes a lot of sense just because of the sheer numbers of recruits;
(2) Develop an offensive identity. Are you a spread team? Fine. Option team? Okay. Pro style? Sure. Just pick one and recruit the talent that will work with your offensive identity. Preferably one that works well with your chosen main recruiting ground;
(3) Pay for quality assistant coaches. Stop being cheap in this area; and
(4) Let the coach have at least 3 full recruiting cycles before the fans turn on him because he's not winning championships. I might get hammered because of this, but I think older Nebraska fans have lost touch with reality a bit and still think Nebraska should be as dominant as it was (I'm not naïve, there's a few Miami fans that still think this way too).
Those are my thoughts on the Huskers. Would love to meet you guys in an Orange Bowl again sometime soon! :)