The Play That Could Have Changed Nebraska Football Forever
If you could rewrite history, what moment in Nebraska football would you change? For many fans, one play stands out above the rest—the missed extra point in the 1984 Orange Bowl against Miami. This single play arguably altered the course of Nebraska football history and the legacy of head coach Tom Osborne.
The Moment: January 2, 1984 – Nebraska vs. Miami
Nebraska entered the game as the No. 1 team, undefeated and seemingly destined for a national championship. Facing No. 5 Miami, led by freshman quarterback Bernie Kosar, Nebraska fell behind early but clawed back. Late in the fourth quarter, down 31-24, quarterback Turner Gill led the Huskers on a dramatic touchdown drive, capped by a Jeff Smith run to bring the score to 31-30 with just 48 seconds remaining.
Then came the decision that defined Osborne’s legacy. Instead of kicking the extra point for a tie—which would have likely secured Nebraska the national title—Osborne went for the win. The play call was a pass to Jeff Smith in the end zone. Miami safety Kenny Calhoun barely deflected the ball, securing Miami’s first national championship and leaving Nebraska with heartbreak.
The What-If: A Perfect Season, A Dynasty Unfolding
What if Osborne had opted for the extra point? Nebraska would have finished 12-0-1, likely crowned national champions. This would have cemented Osborne’s championship legacy a full decade before his first title in 1994. Would this have changed recruiting? Would Nebraska have won additional championships in the late 1980s? Perhaps the dominance of Miami’s dynasty would have never taken shape.
Or, what if Calhoun had missed the deflection? The two-point conversion succeeds, Nebraska wins 32-31, and the Huskers claim their first national title since 1971. The “they-can’t-win-the-big-one” narrative surrounding Osborne disappears. The ripple effects of this play could have reshaped college football’s power structure for years to come.
Controversial Yet Defining
Many fans still debate Osborne’s decision. Some admire his guts and his loyalty to his players. Others wonder if playing it safe would have been the smarter move. But in a way, the failure of this play may have fueled the relentless pursuit that led to Osborne’s three championships in the ’90s.
One play. One decision. One deflection. Change that moment, and Nebraska football history might look entirely different.
