On January 2, 1984: All during the regular season, when Nebraska was rolling to a 12-0 record and averaging 52 points, some were calling this Cornhuskers’ team the greatest in college football history. But all that ends in the Orange Bowl tonight. Behind Bernie Kosar’s passing. Miami takes a 17-0 lead in the first quarter and holds a 31-17 edge midway into the final period. But Nebraska storms back and Jeff Smith scores two touchdowns, with his 24-yard run on fourth-and-eight bringing the Cornhuskers to within 31-30 with 48 seconds left. An extra point ties the game and most likely gives Nebraska the national title. But coach Tom Osborne makes the gutsy call of going for the two-point conversion and victory. “We wanted an undefeated season and a clear-cut championship. I don’t think we should go for the tie in that case. It never entered my head,” Osborne says afterward about going for the tying kick. “I guess I’m not very smart.” When Miami’s Ken Calhoun knocks down Turner Gill’s pass, the 11«-point underdog Hurricanes (11-1) have their amazing upset. They also will have the national championship, rising from fifth (AP) and fourth (UPI) to first in both polls. Nebraska will be ranked second.
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