LINCOLN, NEB. ? Nebraska is looking to salvage something from its worst season in 41 years.

The Cornhuskers wrap up the regular season against No. 13 Colorado today, and a win against the Buffaloes would be their first against a Top 25 opponent this year.

A victory would also provide a good foundation for next season.

“If we win, it sends a message that we don’t give up,” Nebraska I-back David Horne said. “Most times we’ve lost, we’ve lost big. I look at this as a turnaround game. Hopefully, it will get some of our fans back, get the media off our back and get some confidence back for the team.”

The Huskers (7-5 overall, 3-4 Big 12 Conference) are likely headed for a minor bowl game after piling up their most losses since the 1961 season, when they struggled to a 3-6-1 record under Bill Jennings.

The Buffaloes (8-3, 6-1) enter the game as the Big 12 North Division champs. Regardless of the outcome, Colorado will play Oklahoma in the conference title game Dec. 7 in Houston.

The winner of that game earns a Bowl Championship Series bid.

Colorado coach Gary Barnett said his team won’t look ahead.

“We’re going to put every bit of emotion into this game that we can put into it,” he said. “Trust me. This game is going to get all of our attention.”

Nebraska had beaten Buffalo nine straight times before losing 62-36 last year in Boulder, Colo.

The Huskers haven’t forgotten that game.

“In the past, we were always the dominant team and everybody feared us,” defensive end Chris Kelsay said.

“Now, the tables are turned. We don’t fear our opponents, but we know our opponents don’t fear us.”

The Huskers, who saw their 26-game home win streak end Nov. 2 in a 27-24 loss to Texas, have won five straight against the Buffs in Lincoln.

“Obviously, we do not have a great track record,” Barnett said. “It’s going to be a difficult task, and we know that.”

The game will feature strong rushing attacks. The Huskers lead the Big 12 and are third in the nation in rushing with 273.4 yards per game. The Buffs are third and sixth, respectively, at 250.6 yards.

Heisman Trophy candidate Chris Brown, who finished with 198 yards and six touchdowns in last year’s rout, is questionable because of a bruised sternum.

Colorado does have Bobby Purify, who had 154 yards and a touchdown against Nebraska last year and is averaging 5.9 yards per carry this season.

Nebraska is looking to extend its streak of 33 consecutive nine-win seasons. To accomplish that goal, the Cornhuskers need victories against Colorado and their bowl opponent.