Hlas column: Overall, the addition of Nebraska to the Big Ten is a pretty good thing for the U. of Iowa

What does the addition of the University of Nebraska to the Big Ten mean for the University of Iowa:

Good: Let's start with the obvious. It's a border state.

The Hawkeyes get a new league member that is nearer to them than over half of the other Big Ten schools. You can get to Lincoln from here. In an era where Boston College shares a league with Miami and Washington State could soon be in the same conference as Texas Tech, that's a happy thing.

Good: It's been said that a rising tide lifts all boats. Optimistic, confident people believe that.

Iowa should welcome the extra competition coming its way in football. The Pac-10 isn't getting a glorious football program in Colorado. But Iowa and the Big Ten are welcoming a team of renown.

You figure Iowa will be play Nebraska every year. If you win that game, it enhances your ranking and reputation most of the time. In hindsight, some of the greatest glories the Hawkeyes have enjoyed in Kirk Ferentz's tenure would have been missing had the Big Ten not admitted Penn State to the league.

Good: Nebraska has a solid wrestling program.

The Huskers tied for 12th in the 2010 NCAAs, which isn't something to which Iowa can relate. But the Huskers have five top-8 finishes under former Northern Iowa Coach Mark Manning, and were fourth in 2009.

Better for Hawkeye wrestling to get a Nebraska than a school with a mediocre wrestling program or worse, none at all.

Good: A Big Ten football championship game is born. The first Saturday in December will soon be a big day in Big Ten country, like it has been for a long time now in the SEC, ACC and Big 12.

Good: Nebraska elevates Big Ten women's basketball.

The Huskers were 32-2 and won their first Big 12 title in 2010. Connie Yori was the National Coach of the Year.

Good: Adding Nebraska and helping the Big 12 along with its breakup should open the door for an even better bowl lineup.

Right now, it's Rose, Capital One, Outback, Gator, Insight, Texas, Dallas Football Classic and Motor City. With one more football power in tow, there's room for another really good bowl.

The Holiday Bowl currently pits a Big 12 team with a Pac-10 club. Why the Big Ten ever left the San Diego game is one of life's great mysteries.

The Alamo Bowl recently shed the Big Ten for a Big 12/Pac-10 matchup. Think there's any second-guessing going on in San Antonio right now?

Bad: Nebraska could dominate Iowa in bowl-selection scenarios if both have similar records, at least from 2011 through the next several seasons.

You know the Capital One and Outback bowls would slobber over getting a Nebraska team neither has had. Few programs in the nation bring as many fans to bowls as Iowa. Nebraska's is one.

Bad: Nebraska men's basketball is unaccomplished, to say the least.

Iowa fans can't be too condescending about this given their program's recent shortcomings, but the Hawkeyes don't have to go back far to remember their last NCAA tourney win.

OK, it's been nine years. So it actually is a long time.

But Nebraska has never won an NCAA game. It hasn't even been to the NCAAs since 1998. Few other BCS conference schools (OK, Northwestern comes to mind) can say that?

The Huskers haven't won a men's basketball conference title since 1950. They were 2-14 in the Big 12 last season.

Bad: I'd been hoping the Big Ten would expand to Arizona State or Hawaii, not Nebraska or Missouri.

The round-trip drive from Iowa City to Lincoln for games in November or February isn't exactly the kind of thing you'll see on Travel Channel.