 | 1989-90 |
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
1989-90: With a new coach, Dennis
Erickson, and a new quarterback,
Craig Erickson (pictured right), Miami wasn't given much of a chance to
win the national
title in 1989. After Craig Erickson went down with an injury against
Michigan State, freshman quarterback, Gino Torretta, threw 5
interceptions
in a 24-10 loss at Florida State.
The media stuck a stake in the Cane's season. Miami responded.
Craig Erickson came back after missing 4 games.
The Canes thumped nationally ranked Pittsburgh, 24-3. Miami's
defensive
line of Cortez Kennedy, Willis Peghuese, Greg Mark and Russell Maryland
then dominated #1 ranked and defending National Champion, Notre Dame,
27-10 on National television. The much maligned Craig Erickson was
brilliant as he went 16-26 for 207 yards and 2 touchdowns, including 2
memorable throws. The first was a 55 yard bomb to Dale Dawkins to give
Miami a 10-0 lead. The second was a 44 yard pass to Randall Hill on 3rd
down and 43 with Miami up by only 7. With the momentum, the Canes
took their #4 ranking into a Sugar Bowl matchup with 10-1 Alabama. Miami
crushed Alabama, 33-25 as
Craig Erickson threw 4 touchdown passes. Then they watched as
both Colorado and Michigan lost. The Associated Press awarded Miami with
their 3rd National
Title in 7 years, and Coach Erickson's first in his first year.
1990-91
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