The 1987 Fiesta Bowl: Penn State vs. Miami - A Clash for the National Championship
The 1987 Fiesta Bowl, played on January 2, 1987, between the undefeated Miami Hurricanes and the undefeated Penn State Nittany Lions, was more than just a college football game; it was a clash of titans that ultimately determined the national champion. The game's significance extended beyond the field, influencing the future of college football and the way national champions were crowned.
Background
In 1987, the landscape of college football was different. The traditional New Year’s Day bowl games were obligated to invite conference champions, which often prevented the top two teams in the nation from facing each other. The Fiesta Bowl, however, sought to change that.
The Fiesta Bowl began in 1971 as a late December showcase for the champion of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). Following the departure of Arizona and Arizona State to the Pac-10, the Fiesta Bowl became unaffiliated with a conference champion and moved to an early New Year’s kickoff - shopping for the best possible matchups. In 1987, the Fiesta Bowl took the unprecedented step of moving its game from New Year’s Day to January 2 so the television audience wouldn’t be diluted by competing bowl telecasts.
The top two teams at the end of the regular season were major independents Miami (FL) and Penn State. Unaffiliated with conferences, the Hurricanes and Nittany Lions could choose their own destinations and they had three unaffiliated bowl suitors: the Fiesta Bowl, Jacksonville’s Gator Bowl, and Orlando’s Florida Citrus Bowl. The Fiesta Bowl secured the matchup, setting the stage for a historic game.
Teams Overview
Miami Hurricanes: The Hurricanes entered the Fiesta Bowl with an 11-0 record. They were led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Vinny Testaverde and boasted an offense that averaged 38 points per game. Their defense was also formidable, allowing only one team to score more than 20 points against them. The Hurricanes were known for their brash and bold style of play.
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Penn State Nittany Lions: Penn State was also undefeated, but their path to the Fiesta Bowl was perceived differently. They were criticized for close wins against weaker teams. While their offense wasn't as high-powered as Miami's, their defense was strong and opportunistic.
Game Summary
Miami scored first in the second quarter on Melvin Bratton's one-yard dive. The stalemate continued into the second half until Miami took an early lead on Mark Seelig's 38-yard field goal.
The game was a defensive struggle, with Penn State deploying a unique nickel defense that utilized five linebackers instead of the traditional five defensive backs. This strategy disrupted Testaverde’s short and intermediate passing game, forcing him to attempt longer throws. Penn State’s defense also forced seven Miami turnovers, including two fumble recoveries.
An interception by PSU's Shane Conlan, the Defensive Player of the Game, set up a six-yard touchdown run by D.J. Dozier.
Clinging to a 14-10 lead with three minutes remaining, Penn State’s defense had to just hold one more time, but it looked like Testaverde unlocked their secret. With the completion to Blades, Testaverde connected on six straight completions to take the ball to PSU's six-yard line.
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With the completion to Blades, Testaverde connected on six straight completions to take the ball to PSU's six-yard line. The Hurricanes began the potential go-ahead drive at their own 23-yard line with 3:09 left on the clock.
Key Moments
- Fourth-and-Six Conversion: With just minutes remaining, Testaverde connected with Brian Blades for a 31-yard pass on fourth-and-six from Miami's own 27-yard line, keeping the Hurricanes' hopes alive.
- Sack and Incompletion: After driving to Penn State's 5-yard line, Testaverde was sacked on second down and pressured into an incompletion on third, setting up a crucial fourth-down play.
- Final Interception: On the final play of the game, with Miami on the Penn State goal line, Testaverde threw an interception, sealing the victory for the Nittany Lions.
Outcome
Penn State won the game 14-10, claiming their second national title in five years. Shane Conlan was named the Defensive Player of the Game for his outstanding performance.
Impact and Legacy
The 1987 Fiesta Bowl had a significant impact on college football:
- National Championship Format: The game demonstrated the potential of a standalone national title game, leading to the creation of the Bowl Coalition, Bowl Alliance, Bowl Championship Series (BCS), and ultimately the College Football Playoff.
- Defense Wins Championships: The game reinforced the saying that "defense wins championships," as Penn State's defense played a crucial role in their victory.
- Fiesta Bowl Prestige: The 1987 Fiesta Bowl elevated the game's prestige, solidifying its place among the top bowl games in college football.
1987 NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship Game
While the Fiesta Bowl captured the attention of the nation, another championship game took place that year: the 1987 NCAA Division I-AA Football Championship Game. This game featured the Northeast Louisiana Indians (now the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks) and the Marshall Thundering Herd.
The game was played on December 19, 1987, at the Minidome (now known as Holt Arena) in Pocatello, Idaho. Northeast Louisiana finished their regular season with a 9-2 record (6-0 in conference). Ranked third in the final NCAA I-AA poll and seeded second in the tournament, the Indians defeated North Texas State, Eastern Kentucky, and third-seed Northern Iowa to reach the final. Marshall finished their regular season with a 7-4 record (4-2 in conference). Ranked 14th in the final NCAA I-AA poll and unseeded in the tournament, the Thundering Herd defeated James Madison, Weber State, and top-seed Appalachian State to reach the final.
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Northeast Louisiana won the game, claiming the Division I-AA national championship.
Other Notable Events in 1987
- Cameron University Aggies: The 1986 Cameron University Aggies had a remarkable season, finishing with 11 wins and a seven-game win streak. They earned two consecutive home playoff berths and generated significant revenue for the NAIA.
- Aggie Players Honored: Defensive tackle Thomas O'Kelley was named to the NAIA All-American first team, and defensive back Ken Whetstone was a second-team All-American selection.
tags: #1987 #NCAA #football #championship #game #details
