Official recap Nebraska's quest for a third national championship came mighty close in 1981, but the Tigers of Clemson could not be denied in an exciting, hard-fought Orange Bowl game. As had happened to the Cornhuskers in 1970, the stage was set for a charge to the top by events earlier on New Year's Day, 1982. Clemson, undefeated Atlantic Coast Conference champions and ranked No. 1, dug in for the challenge from Big Eight champion and No. 4-ranked Nebraska. Meanwhile, Texas and Pittsburgh were giving the Cornhuskers their chance at No. 1. Pitt beat No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl and Texas toppled No. 3 Alabama, 14-12, in the Cotton Bowl. Would 1970 repeat? Could No. 4 Nebraska knock off No. 1 Clemson and claim the title? It was not to be as the fired-up Tigers capitalized on their own outstanding abilities and Cornhusker miscues to win their 12th consecutive game, 22-15, and earn a well-deserved national title. Full recap here. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED | TIME OWH STORY & PHOTOS CLEMSON RECAPS: 1, 2 BOLDING SPORTS RESEARCH GAME VIDEO   SERIES HISTORY | NU BOWLS SEASON STATS | NU ROSTER FINAL POLLS | HONORS

Clemson 22
Nebraska 15

Nebraska     7    0     0    8   —  15 
Clemson      6    6    10    0   —  22

1st quarter
CU — FG Donald Igwebuike 41  11:39
NU — Anthony Steels 25 pass from Mike Rozier
 (Kevin Seibel kick) 6:43
CU — FG Igwebuike 37 1:03
2nd quarter
CU — Cliff Austin 2 run (pass failed) 3:56
3rd quarter
CU — Perry Tuttle 13 pass from Homer Jordan
 (Bob Paulling kick) 6:12
CU — FG Igwebuike 36  2:36
4th quarter
NU — Roger Craig 26 run (Craig run) 9:15
A—72,748

                       NU       CU 
First downs            13       17 
Rushes-yards       40-193   51-155 
Passing yards          63      134
Total Offense      57-256   74-289 
Yards/Play           4.49     3.90
Return yards           68       12 
Passes             17-6-0  22-11-1 
Punts              6-43.0   4-45.8 
Fumbles-lost          3-2      3-0 
Penalties-yards      8-64     7-57