Evan Bland Omaha World-Herald

For the first time in a decade, Nebraska is a ranked team in October.

The Huskers (5-1) made their season debut in the Associated Press Top 25 on Sunday at No. 25 a day after rallying past Maryland by a field goal on the road. They had been the equivalent of 30th in the poll last week before losses by six teams ranked between Nos. 14-25 — plus unranked Penn State (equivalent of 28th) — cleared a path back to national recognition.

Nebraska in the preseason was essentially 34th. It received no votes after the Michigan loss but has regained momentum with two straight league triumphs. The team plays at Minnesota on Friday ahead of home contests against Northwestern (Oct. 25) and USC (Nov. 1).

Last year, NU spent two September weeks in the Top 25 after beating

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