They were way below the radar coming into the 1983 season.
And after their 28-3 opening-game loss to the Florida Gators, the Miami Hurricanes were not even an afterthought. But the ‘83 UM squad went on to win their next 10 regular-season games and subsequently defeat Nebraska 31-20 in the Orange Bowl for the Canes’ first of five national titles.
At halftime of UM’s 31-17 win over the FIU Panthers on Saturday, about 65 former players, coaches and staff from that team, including head coach Howard Schnellenberger, were recognized on the field after spending the weekend celebrating the 35th anniversary of their title.