After a conversation with a colleague a couple of days ago, I did some looking at the B1G's history in the CWS. I knew that the results weren't going to be great but I was surprised at the absolute lack of success. I don't have the notes in front of me so I'm going by memory . . .
Last B1G CWS appearance - 2013 Indiana.
Second last B1G CWA appearance - 1986 Michigan.
Last B1G CWS championship - 1966 Ohio State.
Second last CWS championship appearance - 1965 Ohio State (runner up)
Essentially, if Michigan can beat Texas Tech and advance to the finals, it will be the first B1G team in the CWS finals in the last 53 years.
These are current B1G teams which have never appeared in a CWS during their existence (regardless of conference affiliation):
-Northwestern
-Illinois
-Purdue
-Maryland
These are current B1G teams which have never appeared in a CWS since joining the B1G but who have appeared in the CWS while affiliated with a different conference:
-Nebraska (3 times)
-Penn State (5)
These are current B1G teams that have appeared in the CWS once during their existence - regardless of conference affiliation at the time - but not won a national title:
-Wisconsin (1)
-Iowa (1)
-Indiana (1)
-Michigan State (1)
-Rutgers (1)
These are current B1G teams that have won the CWS at one time plus number of total appearances:
-Michigan (8 with 2 titles)
-Minnesota (5 with 3 titles)
-Ohio State (2 with 1 title)
B1G had a nice run with championships in '53 (Mich), '56 (Minn), '60 (Minn), '62 (Mich), '64 (Minn) and '66 (OSU) but it has been a dry well ever since.
And, BTW, I did not know and wasn't particularly thrilled to see that Iowa State has been to the CWS twice.