1983 College Football Recap
During the regular season, Nebraska was undefeated, untied and unmerciful. The Huskers beat the teams on their 12–game schedule to a pulp. They piled up 624 points and won by an average acore of 52–16. Were they tough? Ask Minnesota, an 84–13 victim.
Nebraska in 1983 reminded folks of Army in 1944. Not the football team, the Normandy invasion force. Led by Heisman-winning back Mike Rozier and Outland winner Dean Steinkuhler, the Big Eight champs had won 24 games in two years. They had been the preseason choice for No.1 and nothing had changed.
In the Orange Bowl, the Huskers met a cocky, young Miami team that was ranked fifth and playing in its first major bowl game in 33 years. The Hurricanes were 10–1, but a fortunate 10–1, winning their last two regular season games by a total of six points.
At game time, Miami had a theoretical shot at No.1. Second-ranked Texas had lost the Cotton Bowl, No.4 Illinois had lost the Rose Bowl and No.3 Auburn had been very unimpressive in winning the Sugar Bowl. All the Canes had to do was beat Nebraska.
Playing on its home field, Miami scored the first 17 points of the game, led 31–17 after three quarters, then barely survived a furious Nebraska comeback in the fourth. The Huskers scored to make it 31–30 with 0:48 left, went for the win with a two-point conversion attempt, and failed.
Finally, defending Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker passed up his senior year at Georgia to play in the USFL.
Trending
Here are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about.
