"Illinois football isn’t winning a NC this year either, we all know that. They aren’t even winning the B1G. So what."
We are again competing for 7th place in the B1G, against Iowa, MN, WI, MSU, NE and Washington behind bigger spenders OSU, MI, PSU, USC, IU and Oregon. Just like last year. Just like next year, and the year after, etc.. It's been fun considering where we were a few years ago, but my concern is that we will all tire of the reality that no matter how well we play, we are just outgunned by a third of hte conference.
"Player NIL will find its equilibrium. The market will make sure of it. Those that figure it out will do well (Illinois), those that can’t will flounder (perhaps Rutgers ??), no different than real life business world. Enron is not around for a reason."
I agree. We will see what the equilibrium pont is - will IU donors continue to fund massively, for example; or will teams like us save up for a big spending run every 4 or 5 years; or will we settle into a tiered gridlock? Will the also-rans just give up? Who knows? Only time will tell.
"Bielema says it’s the most exciting time ever for college football and I agree."
I admire his and your optimism and wish I could share in it.