1989 College Football Recap
The Miami Hurricanes cemented their claim as team of the decade by winning their third national title of the 1980's. The 'Canes beat the defending national champions Notre Dame, 27–10, in the biggest game of the year on Nov. 25 and then edged once-beaten Alabama in the Sugar Bowl while the Fighting Irish toppled No.1 Colorado, 21–6, in the Orange Bowl. The Ericksons (head coach Dennis and star quarterback Craig, no relation) and Co. got it done on the field but Notre Dame got it done at the bargaining table, inking an unprecedented six-year, $30 million deal with NBC giving the network exclusive rights to televise all Irish home games through 1995.
The Buffaloes, inspired by fallen teammate and starting quarterback Sal Aunese, who succumbed to cancer on Sept. 23, played with a fervor previously unseen and won the Big Eight title, finished the regular season unbeaten and ranked number one in the national polls.
Houston quarterback Andre Ware ran-and-shot his way to the NCAA record books and the Heisman trophy. Then opted to forgo his senior-season and make himself eligible for the NFL draft. Also in 1989, two big names left the coaching ranks, while one soon-to-be big name found a new home. Michigan fixture Bo Schembechler retired from the Wolverines while Oklahoma's Barry Switzer resigned under pressure. Meanwhile, Florida hired head coach Steve Spurrier away from Duke in an effort to clean up its act.
Trending
Here are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about.
