This will happen. Pelini will play for a NC @ Nebraska while Les prolly won't play for an SEC title again.
It's hard to win if 1) you have talent and no coaching; or 2) you have coaching and no talent. I still think Nebraska will have trouble contending for a title unless they can improve their recruiting. They play in a weak division and that will help them get to a Big 12 title game...but then they'll have to beat a Big 12 South team AND win the BCS game. Nebraska's glory days were pre-BCS and in the Big 8. They haven't done well since playing tougher competition and having to win a Big 12 title.
I noticed after the game that Pelini and Stoops spent a considerable time talking after the game at midfield. Turns out they are from the same town and played HS football together, small world: Lee to Paul bomb highlights Nebraska bowl rout - NCAA College Football Recap - ESPN
Glory days talk is a bit premature. Give him time to get his recruits and his system in place and I could see them getting in on a NC in the future. Aside for a few players, he inherited a mediocre team like Nick did and is turning things around quickly.
