The Miami Hurricanes have been one of the greatest college football factories since the early 1980s. No school has dealt with as much adversity as “The U.”
Since the early 1980s, Miami has won five Associated Press National Championships in 1983, 1987, 1989, 1991, and 2001. It’s the second most in college football in that time period only behind Alabama with seven. There have also been two Heisman Trophy winners in Hurricanes’ history. They are Vinny Testaverde in 1986 and Gino Torretta in 1992.
They’ve had 42 major bowl game appearances. They have two of the longest winning streaks in NCAA history, 34 games from 2003 to 2003 and 29 games from 1990-1993. They also had the longest home winning streak at 58 games in a row from 1985 to 1994.
The Hurricanes are one of the great schools in college football history. If you want to go to the National Football League, then Miami is one of the best places to be.
Miami Hurricanes Weren’t Born Into Dominance
The Hurricanes’ football program began play in 1926, but didn’t achieve its first National Championship until 1983. Their first bowl game was at the 1934 Orange Bowl, where they lost in the inaugural event to Bucknell 26-0. They wouldn’t return to the Orange Bowl until 1945, where they won for the first time by defeating Holy Cross 13-6.
The team’s first All-American player didn’t arrive until 1950. While other schools like Notre Dame, USC, and Oklahoma had success from the start, Miami didn’t. They were led through these decades by two different College Football Hall of Fame coaches, Jack Harding and Andy Gustafson between the years of 1937 to 1963.
The Miami Hurricanes only made a grand total of nine bowl game appearances between 1935 and 1981. That was before they won their first National Championship in 1983. Key players in the early years include George Mira, Ted Hendricks, Jim Otto, and Jim Dooley, all of whom are in the College Football or Pro Football Hall of Fame.
New Coach Helps Save Team
In 1979, the school almost deleted the football program. They were coming off a scandal in 1978 where three freshmen players had thrown a Jewish man into a lake. This led to Head Coach Lou Saban resigning. Howard Schnellenberger came into the picture and saved the team.
Schnellenberger was hired in 1979 and managed to win a National Championship in 1983. In that time period, he created a powerhouse in college football that became one of the top college sports brands. He had a strategy of being willing to go into the inner cities to recruit athletes. This proved very successful.
Schnellenberger left after winning the National Championship in 1983 for a job in the United States Football League. However, his impact was felt for decades. Schnellenberger set up a blueprint for future coaches to follow. It led to four more National Championships for the team..
This Was the Team of the 1980s
No team won more National Championships in the 1980s than the Miami Hurricanes. Some of the players for Miami in the 1980s went on to be NFL stars. They won three titles with three head coaches in the 1980s, something no other team has accomplished.
The 1987 team had to be the decade’s best team. That season under Head Coach Jimmy Johnson, Miami redeemed itself after losing in the 1986 Fiesta Bowl to Penn State by going 12-0. The defense gave up a total of 125 points for the entire season. Miami also defeated six ranked opponents.
Dennis Erickson led the 1989 Hurricanes to a National Championship after defeating Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Their only loss that season was to Florida State, but the team bounced back by defeating top-ranked Notre Dame.
The Team Showed Off Its Swagger
In the 1980s and 1990s, the Hurricanes had more attitude on and off the field than any team seen before or since. The only equal you can think of in a football sense might be the old Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders. Miami celebrated so much after great plays that the NCAA banned celebrations.
A big controversy occurred in 1986 when the team arrived to play Penn State while decked out in combat fatigues. The team was also known for its legendary fights on and off the field. This includes infamous ones at Notre Dame in 1988, at San Diego State in 1992, and a fight in the streets against in-state rival Florida in 2000 before the Sugar Bowl (won by Miami).
Playing against Miami at this time was always a battle. The mascot was even detained on the field by police on the field in 1989. They would win a game and let you know about it.
School’s 2001 Team Was Greatest One Ever
The 2001 team was the greatest in college football history. It produced a record 38 draft picks, 17 in the first round. This also includes a record six first-rounders in the 2004 NFL Draft. They averaged 42.6 points per game while only allowing 9.75 points.
Some notable names on this 12-0 team included Ed Reed, Clinton Portis, and Andre Johnson. All-time greats coming off the bench include Frank Gore, Sean Taylor, and Vince Wilfork. There’s a longstanding theory that this team could’ve beaten some lower-tier NFL ones at the time. It might not just be a theory.
En route to a 12-0 season and a dominant National Championship win over Nebraska, the Hurricanes set an NCAA record. It was for the largest combined victory margin over back-to-back ranked opponents. They outscored Syracuse and Washington 124-7.
Miami-Florida State: One of CFB’s Best Rivalries
Few rivalries have the level of prestige that was enjoyed between Miami and Florida State. The Miami-FSU rivalry has been going on since 1951 with Miami enjoying a 35-33 lead. It was an intense rivalry between the 1980s and the mid-2000s.
For the most part, each team was ranked in the Top 25. Usually, the most memorable games have gone Miami’s way. This includes Florida State losing five different hotly-contested games to Miami because of missed field goals.
Each of these schools are two of college football’s most accomplished programs. They’ve combined for eight National Championships, 81 All-Americans, and five Heisman Trophy winners. While there hasn’t been a matchup between the two where both were ranked since 2016, there’s hope that changes in 2024.
‘Catholics vs. Convicts’
Another notable rivalry involves the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. While both teams don’t play each other much anymore, it was one of the fiercest rivalries from the 1980s to the early 1990s. One of the best “30-For-30” documentaries from ESPN highlights their 1988 game.
Notre Dame students produced a shirt saying “Catholics vs. Convicts,” a racist connotation given that Miami’s roster was predominantly African American. Notre Dame went on to win after Miami fumbled into the end zone. Between 1987 and 1990, Miami-Notre Dame was always a ranked matchup.
The 2017 game was the first time each team played each other while ranked since 1990. Miami crushed Notre Dame 41-8 at home. The two teams are supposed to play again in 2025 after canceling their game for 2024.
Florida Cup Champions
One thing Miami still has going for them is that they have more Florida Cup wins than in-state rivals Florida and Florida State. It doesn’t get too much competition since Florida doesn’t play against Miami every season. It will be on the line in 2024 since all three schools play each other.
Florida State won it one time in 2013. Florida won it in 2008 and 2019. Miami has won it every year from 2002-2004, thus giving them the edge.
Florida State still looks tough entering 2024, while Miami and Florida hope to establish themselves. Whoever wins the matchup between Miami and Florida in Week One will have a leg up. They will have the chance to beat Florida State later to win bragging rights and hoist the trophy.
All-Time Great Coaches in Miami History
Miami has been blessed with some top coaches in college football history. Schnellenberger set up the foundation for greatness. But it can be argued that Jimmy Johnson might’ve been just as influential. Under Johnson, Miami developed its swagger and the team went 52-9 under his leadership.
In addition, Miami was incredibly successful under Dennis Erickson, winning two National Championships in 1989 and 1991. Erickson went 63-9 as head coach. Butch Davis also helped the team bounce back from 1995 to 2000 after numerous scandals.
Larry Coker led the 2001 Miami Hurricanes to a National Championship in his first year as coach. Just like Erickson did in 1989. A coach who deserves some praise for helping Miami is Mark Richt. He led the Hurricanes to a 10-3 season in 2017, the only time it’s happened since 2003.
Notable Players in Miami History
The Hurricanes have had eight players inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. They include Arnold Tucker, Russell Maryland, Bennie Blades, and Don Bosseler. NFL stars Reggie Wayne and Santana Moss also made a huge mark as part of a legendary trio with Andre Johnson. Two other outstanding NFL Hall of Famers include Michael Irvin and new inductee Devin Hester.
In the early 1990s, the feared Miami defense featured Warren Sapp, Ray Lewis, and an actor/wrestler named Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Miami is also a huge contender for the nicknames “RBU,” “D-LineU,” and “DBU.” This is due to its outstanding NFL talent produced at running back, defensive line, and defensive back.
Miami has also out out some top tight-end talents. Bubba Franks and Jeremey Shockey were dominant in the early 2000s. Jimmy Graham was one of the most athletic ones in the 2010s, while David Nijoku has emerged as a solid one with the Cleveland Browns.
Miami’s Awesome Traditions
College football traditions are incredibly important for each program. The Hurricanes are no different. Running through the smoke-filled tunnel entering the field at home games is like a rite of passage for every player and hypes up the team.
At one time, the team created a turnover celebration object. During the 2017 season, anytime the defense forced a turnover, the key player got to put on a gold “U” chain. Soon, other schools were copying Miami.
While the Hurricanes don’t use the “Turnover Chain” anymore, the team still has its swagger. Every time Miami scores a touchdown at home, a cannon called “Touchdown Tommy” is set off. You can also always see Miami mascot Sebastian the Ibis at every game.
’30 For 30′: ‘The U’ and ‘The U: Part II’
A must-watch recommendation are two “30-For-30” documentaries done by ESPN. One episode covered the history of Miami through the 1980s and 90s. It did a great job highlighting the team’s controversies. The other covered the 2000s and the school’s Nevin Shapiro scandal.
They are called “The U” and “The U: Part II.” They’re usually on ESPN, or you can watch them on ESPN+. Both are must-watches. It’s not like other documentaries you might think of where the subject matter is endlessly praised. There are some honest assessments.
All-Time Hurricanes Record Holders
Some unexpected names hold records at Miami. Brad Kaaya is the team’s all-time leading passer with 9,972 yards. Ken Dorsey has the most touchdown passes with 86.
Duke Johnson the Hurricanes’ overall leading rusher with 3,519 yards, while Stephen McGuire has 35 rushing touchdowns. Santana Moss has the most receiving yards with 2,547. Mike Harley has the most catches with 182. Irvin, “The Playmaker,” still has the most receiving touchdowns with 26.
Andy Gustafson leads head coaches in wins 93 between 1948 to 1963. Erickson owns the highest win percentage at .875. Davis mastered bowl games, going 4-0 in them. It gives him the best winning percentage and most bowl wins in Miami coaching history.
The Home Field Advantage Was Real
When the Hurricanes played at Orange Bowl Stadium in Miami, they had one of the greatest home-field advantages. Fans there were loud and intense during games. They showed up to support the team. With most games starting around Noon Eastern team, the weather created an even more intense environment.
From 1985 to 1994, the team won 58 home games in a row. This streak includes multiple wins against No. 1-ranked teams in 1986, 1988, and 1989.
In 1989, Miami knocked off top-ranked Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish were in the midst of a 23-game winning streak. They had beaten Miami for their only loss in 1988. The last time Miami beat a No. 1-ranked team was at the Orange Bowl in 2000, where they defeated Florida State. Miami Gardens hasn’t provided anywhere close to the same advantages. It’s safe to say that the program misses the old Orange Bowl Stadium.
To Be The Best, You Have To Beat the Best
While they haven’t beaten a No. 1-ranked team in 24 years, they have an overall record of 9-10 against them. This ties them with the Alabama Crimson Tide for the most wins against a top-ranked team in college football history.
At one point, Miami won eight games in a row against No. 1-ranked teams from 1981 to 1993. This includes the 1988 season where Miami, as defending national champions, beat No. 1-ranked Florida State 31-0. It also includes two wins against Oklahoma, one of which was the 1987 National Championship Game.
When the Hurricanes are good, college football is better. Their rivalries with Florida State, Notre Dame, and Florida hit differently. They’re a prestigious program that needs to bounce back to relevancy.
Some Memorable Games
One of them was in the 2017 season and is known as “The Rally in Tally.” It saw the Hurricanes rally to beat Florida State for the first time in seven seasons. What is the school’s greatest game ever? That might be its 26-25 comeback win in 1987 against Florida State, which saw a lot of future NFL talent on the field.
The 1983 Orange Bowl saw Miami upset top-ranked Nebraska 31-30 for the National Championship after a clutch goal-line stand. In 1986, when the Hurricanes beat Oklahoma, the game was very intense. It featured some adult language during the coin toss.
The 2002 Fiesta Bowl was memorable for all the wrong reasons. Ohio State beat Miami in overtime to win the National Championship, a loss that sent the program spiraling. In 2003 and 2004, the Hurricanes managed to win extremely memorable Orange Bowl contests against Florida and Florida State.
The Fall of Miami
After Miami controversially lost its 2002 Fiesta Bowl game to Ohio State. the 2003 season saw their decline begin. Miami lost at Virginia Tech, then were upset at home by Tennessee. Their longstanding winning streaks were snapped in back-to-back weeks.
The team has never recovered. They went 11-2 that season but didn’t win more than nine games again until 2017. Coker lost control of the team. Miami moved from the Big East to the ACC in 2004. It was expected to dominate the conference, but has not won an Atlantic Coast Conference Championship.
Miami struggled to an 8-3 record in 2020. It was the most wins they’ve achieved since 2017. The Hurricanes also haven’t won a bowl game since 2016. They open the third year of Mario Christobal’s tenure with a Week 1 game against Florida.
1990s Controversies Briefly Sink Contention Hopes
Everything changed when academic advisor Tony Russell pleaded guilty to paying over 57 players from 1989 to 1994. He was falsifying Pell Grant applications. The university gave over $400,000 worth of improper benefits to players. They also failed to implement a drug program.
Sports Illustrated published a cover story detailing why they believed Miami should drop the football program in 1995. The program lost 31 scholarships from violations between 1996 to 1998. In 1997, the Hurricanes had their first losing season since 1979.
Davis had to rebuild the program through this mess. In 1996, several players were suspended for rules infractions. By 2000, the team was mostly scandal-free but it didn’t last.
Miami Hasn’t Recovered From Nevin Shapiro
The 2000s saw a whole new crop of issues arise. It can be argued that the Hurricanes haven’t recovered. The first time the public saw things pop up again was the infamous “7th Floor Crew” rap. Another incident was Miami’s incredulous fight with Florida International in 2006. It disgraced the program.
Shapiro was a Miami booster who was convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison for orchestrating a $930 million Ponzi scheme. It turned out that he was also paying Miami players for play, similar to what was happening in the early 1990s. The NCAA came down hard on the Hurricanes. It stripped them of several scholarships and put them on probation for three years.
Then, news broke that that the NCAA had also paid Shapiro’s lawyer $25,000 for information to help with the investigation. It’s likely that the NCAA could’ve given the Hurricanes a harsher penalty like SMU’s infamous “death penalty” if the information didn’t become public knowledge. Since then, Miami has done its best to avoid any controversy.
For More Great Content
Total Apex is an all-encompassing content producer. We provide heavily detailed articles every day on entertainment, gaming, sports, and so much more! Check out all our great sports content at Total Apex Sports. Check out our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.
