Miami Hurricanes Football

Tonight is (finally) the very first game for the 2013 Miami Hurricanes football team. Sure, it is a Friday night game; not the night typically reserved for the special college games, but a special night, nonetheless. Though it has been several years since I was actually a student at The U, the traditions and legacy that go along with being a ‘Cane never expire. Let’s take a look back at some historical highlights from one of the greatest programs in college athletics.

1. The University of Miami football team’s first season was played in 1926–complete with my grandfather, C. Jackson Baldwin, running before the team wearing a 00 jersey and acting as the first “mascot” for the team.

   

   The first game was played on October 23, 1926 against Rollins College. There were 304 fans in attendance, and Miami pulled off a 7-0 win over Rollins.

2. Miami football went 8-0 for its inaugural season, with just a freshman team. This record included two wins against the University of Havana.
3. The first varsity team for the University played in 1927, and went on to earn a record of 3-6-1.
4. In 1937, the Hurricanes began to play in the Burdine Municipal Stadium, which was eventually renamed…The Orange Bowl…in 1959.
5. The first time that Miami played The University of Florida was in 1938, and the ‘Canes defeated the Gators 19-7 at Florida Field.
6. The University of Miami Hurricanes football team has won 5 National Championships (1983, 1987, 1989, 1991, 2001).
7. Miami holds a number of NFL draft records, including: most first round picks in a single draft, and most consecutive drafts with at least one first round pick.
8. The 2001 Miami Hurricanes Football team is considered by some experts to be one of the greatest teams in college football history.
9. Miami owns the record for the longest home winning streak in NCAA history with 58 wins at the Orange Bowl.
10. The U invented swag.

P.S. The University of Miami mascot is actually an Ibis, and his name is Sebastian. Sebastian got his name in 1957.

I hope that I have provided a little better glimpse into some quick highlights of Miami Hurricanes football history for those of you who are mildly ignorant to the legacy of The U. For those of you who share the passion as I do, you already know.

Go ‘Canes.