1991 Cotton Bowl Miami 46 Texas 3
Miami suffered its worst season since 1985 when they finished 9-2. The Hurricanes came out with a chip on their shoulder playing in the Cotton Bowl against Texas in their home state. Miami dominated from the outset. The Hurricanes led 12-0 at the end of the first quarter. Miami scored double figures in three of the four quarters.
The Hurricanes outscored Texas 7-3 in the second quarter to take a 19-3 lead into the second half. A 34-yard interception return for a TD by Darrin Smith 3:14 into the second half extended the lead to 26-3. Randall Hill added a 46 yard TD reception from Craig Erickson late in the third quarter when he infamously went into the tunnel.
Miami added two more fourth-quarter TDs for the final margin. Miami outgained Texas 339 to 205. The final margin was aided by a plus-five turnover margin for Miami. Miami was vilified for 202 yards in penalties. That is often what is remembered most from that game. Rules were changed because of the 1991 Cotton Bowl.
Many of the Miami football team’s penalties were unsportsmanlike conduct folus. The 1991 Cotton Bowl epitomized Miami swagger. Excessive celebration penalties were instituted because of the exuberance Miami showed in the victory over Texas. Miami set the tone for the 1991 season with the win over Texas.