re: Why is the triple option so hard to defend?

Nebraska isn't the only team to have run the triple option back then. Oklahoma ran the wishbone for 15 years or more, Nebraska did too. There were several NCs between them and a few Heisman trophy winners as I recall. (I believe Texas, A&M, Arkansas and Mississippi State did as well). As with any offense, once the defenses figure it out, it goes by the wayside. I don't think it would be as successful in the SEC with speed and talent at defense we tend to see, but who knows...