Super Bowl runs have been commonplace for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

They’ve played in eight of them — and each have one thing in common.

They’ve never gone through New England.

In each of Ben Roethlisberger’s three Super Bowl appearances, the Patriots were not among the Steelers’ victims. The last two times these teams met for the AFC title, the games were played at Heinz Field.

They resulted in Steeler losses in 2002 and 2005. That was a few years before “SpyGate” was uncovered, leaving Pittsburgh players from those teams wondering whether New England knew their plays and stole those championships.

Some people suggest that Roethlisberger’s previous trips to the Super Bowl are somewhat lessened accomplishments because he never had to break through the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady combo deal to get there.

Belichick and Brady have combined for 23 postseason victories. No other NFL head coach and quarterback have even combined to participate in 23 postseason games, let alone win them.

All of this leads to the question that will be answered this weekend.

Will the Steelers roll into Gillette Stadium and deny the Pats the piece of history they’re expecting? If the Steelers win, they will be the first NFL team to play in nine Super Bowls.

If Pittsburgh is to win, Roethlisberger’s arm will have a lot to do with it.

Le’Veon Bell tore through Miami and Kansas City for rushing totals of 167 and 170 yards. Bell broke Steeler single-game postseason rushing records in both efforts.

Don’t expect a trifecta here.

New England is ranked third in the NFL in rushing defense. Belichick knows how to take away an opponent’s top offensive threat and that would be Bell. A 100-yard effort Sunday night against this defense would be surprising indeed.

That brings us to Ben, who will have to replace Road Ben with Home Ben. Road Ben has been susceptible to the big mistake, a critical interception. Home Ben has been methodical and effective.

Roethlisberger needs a 300-yard passing game and three touchdown tosses to go with it, maybe more, for the Steelers to win. The Patriots are going to get theirs offensively. They always do.

Beating New England anywhere is tough. Beating them up there? Well, the Pats are 5-1 in AFC title games at home. The Baltimore Ravens handed them their lone blemish.

This win is doable for the Steelers. They may need a clutch kick or two. They’ll probably need a turnover or two, a couple of long drives and a couple of big plays offensively.

It can all happen.

Ultimately, the team’s fate lies in the level of quality play by their quarterback.

Ben has a chance to go through New England and spoil its party.

That chance may never come again.

John Enrietto is sports editor of the Butler Eagle