The No. 24 Cornhuskers welcome the Hurricanes in a game that doesn’t quite have the punch it had from say, 1983-2001. 

It’s an elimination game of sorts for either team as the far as the College Football Playoff is concerned. Miami has lost at least four games eight straight years and Nebraska has lost at least four games in 10 straight seasons. The loser falls into that kind of season. 

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“It’s gonna be fun,” Nebraska coach Bo Pelini said on the Big Ten teleconference Tuesday. “You always want to play games against good opponents, talented opponents, great programs. Miami certainly fits into that category.” 

The Huskers have plenty to prove. What would a win do for Nebraska? 

— It gives Pelini a nonconference win to build on. The Pelini era in Nebraska has produced a 2-4 record in home-and-homes with Virginia Tech, Washington and UCLA. 

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— It puts that scare against McNeese State in the past and gives the Big Ten a much-needed a win against a Power 5 opponent. The conference is 1-9 so far, and Nebraska and Penn State are the lone unbeatens. 

— It would legitimize an offense that ranks fifth in the FBS with 595.7 yards per game. Ameer Abdullah, who has 501 total yards already, could jump into the Heisman mix . Quarterback Tommy Armstrong is progressing despite a 53.1 completion percentage. 

“He’s still a young football player,” Pelini said of Armstrong. “He’s got better; he’s getting better. Every week is a challenge, and a chance for him to continue working at his trade, clean up the details. We’re seeing steady improvement, and that’s all you ask for.” 

— About those games from 1983-2001. Miami beat Nebraska in four of five high-profile bowl games in which four national championships were decided. The Cornhuskers were a favorite target of “The U” back in those days. Few people remember the 1962 Gotham Bowl in which Nebraska beat Miami. Almost everybody remembers the Orange Bowls in 1984, 1989 and 1992, and of course that 2002 Rose Bowl. Miami hasn’t played at Nebraska since 1976.

“The traditions are so great,” Pelini said. “I think the past set it up for what it is today. I think it’s really important to always recognize that and embrace it. It’s a great thing.” 

— It puts Nebraska in the conversation for the Big Ten championship. The Cornhuskers play at Michigan State on Oct. 4 and at Wisconsin on Nov. 15. Ohio State, Penn State or Michigan aren’t on the schedule, however.