Huskers try to pass key Big Ten test

madison, wis.» Nebraska has a primetime opportunity to silence its doubters.

To do that, the seventh-ranked Cornhuskers must prove themselves Saturday night against a team that has thrived all season on proving its own detractors wrong.

Tested by a rigorous schedule, No. 11 Wisconsin hopes to topple another top-10 opponent when Nebraska visits Madison.

“I feel like we’re the underdog every week, honestly. We’ve been getting picked to lose I think probably 75 percent of our games, so we’re used to it,” said Nebraska senior quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr.

“I’m sure they probably have us losing (to Wisconsin), but like any other week, we’re ready for them,” Armstrong added.

The surprising leaders of the Big Ten’s West Division, the Cornhuskers (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten) are off to their best start in 15 years. But they could use a statement game on the road to pad their playoff résumé. Their biggest win was a 35-32 victory at home over then-No. 22 Oregon in Week 3.

Otherwise, coach Mike Riley’s Cornhuskers have drawn skeptics for closerthan-expected victories against what should have been overmatched opponents.

With two losses already in conference, the easiest way for Wisconsin (5-2, 2-2) to return to the Big Ten title game is to win its final five games, starting with Nebraska.