LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - No. 17 Nebraska opens against Southern Mississippi on Saturday hoping the fifth season under Bo Pelini marks the start of the Cornhuskers' return to its traditional place in the hierarchy of college football.

It's been 15 years since the Huskers won a national championship and 13 since they won a conference title. There's been a confident buzz coming out of preseason practice after last season's third-place finish in the Big Ten Legends Division and 9-4 record.

Linebacker Will Compton says the Huskers are close to elite status.

Nebraska expects to be tested by Southern Miss. The Golden Eagles were 12-2 a year ago and Conference USA champions. They finished ranked No. 20, four spots ahead of Nebraska.