NFT Overview

This artistic rendering of the 1991 Ring, commemorates the Miami Hurricanes Football National Championship versus the University of Nebraska.

A combustible offense, a rock-solid defense and the nation's best special teams -- by 1991 all these traits had become synonymous with Miami football and this team represented the zenith of its era. Quarterback Gino Torretta, a group of skill players nicknamed "The Ruthless Posse," and a linebacker corps that ranks among the greatest ever assembled, led the Hurricanes to an undefeated season. Miami started off by ripping Arkansas 31-3 on the road and stifling Houston's vaunted Run 'N Shoot offense, which had dominated opponents for four seasons up to that game. The Canes' first stiff challenge came in mid-October at home against Penn State but big plays by Horace Copeland (80-yard touchdown reception) and Kevin Williams (91-yard punt return for a score) helped hold off the Nittany Lions. Miami was 8-0 and ranked second heading into the annual grudge match in Tallahassee against No. 1 Florida State. In what became known as "Wide Right I" the Canes erased a 16-7 deficit in the final period on a 45-yard field goal by Carlos Huerta and a one-yard run by Larry Jones with 3:01 left to take a 17-16 lead. FSU marched down for a potential game-winning field goal in the closing seconds, but Gerry Thomas' 34-yard attempt was wide right. Miami took over the top ranking and escaped another close call a week later at Boston College as the UM defense held off a late Eagles drive in the final seconds to preserve the 19-14 victory. A blowout of San Diego State at home clinched an Orange Bowl berth against Big 8 champion Nebraska. With their fourth national title in their sights, the Canes stymied the Huskers' offense as few had, limiting Nebraska to just 82 rushing yards en route to a 22-0 win, which gave Miami the national title in the Associated Press rankings. The Canes shared overall national honors with Rose Bowl champion Washington, which was voted No. 1 in the coaches' poll.

The original championship ring was produced by Herff Jones.