Shutting out Nebraska back then was a big deal. And I differentiate between wishbone and option. The option out of the 'I' is a whole different animal than 3 backs and 1 WR.
On the one hand, pro-style offenses gained popularity because of the logical conclusion that being able to run and pass was better than only running. However, and this is true to this day - if outmatched teams use the option to gain an advantage, and the option allows them to stay close and/or win games they shouldn't, then shouldn't a very talented team do well using it?
Sure, it's great if the other team doesn't know what kind of play you're going to run, but isn't it better if they do know and can't stop it?