OSU and Nebraska don't have traditional in-state rivals, but Ohio State has Michigan. Nebraska previously had Oklahoma (interesting that Nebraska has fallen off a bit since joining the Big 10... though admittedly there are other issues going on at Nebraska). Interestingly though, OK State has been emerging over the last few years and the Battle of Bedlam has become more high profile than it had been for a couple decades.

But recruits like the spotlight. One way to attract the spotlight is to have a high-profile rival. And I do think the lack of a natural rival or high profile game does hurt us.