Different Setting for Cornhuskers

For Nebraska, the Orange Bowl isn’t what it used to be.

For one thing, following pressure by the Bowl Alliance, the game was moved from its namesake stadium and will be played Tuesday for the first time at Pro Player Stadium. But most important to the Cornhuskers is they can’t win the national championship in the Orange Bowl, as they did in 1995, 1972 and 1971.

Losses to Arizona State in the second week of this season and to Texas in the Big 12 championship game takes the edge off their game against Virginia Tech. However, the sixth-ranked Cornhuskers insisted Sunday that the game is still meaningful.

“It’s important that guys remember who you play for and that you’re playing for pride,� said senior Damon Benning, who is expected to start at I-back because of injuries to Ahman Green and DeAngelo Evans. “Our pride was hurt a little bit in the Texas game. Nobody wants to go out a loser.�

The Hokies see this as their moment in the spotlight, and Coach Frank Beamer called it the biggest game in school history. “This could be a giant step as far as Virginia Tech heading to another level,� he said.