The Fiesta Bowl has been the worst postseason game for the Miami football program. Miami has appeared in the Fiesta Bowl four times without a win. That is the most appearances for Miami in a bowl game without winning. Miami’s Fiesta Bowl losses include two in the National Championship Game and one shutout.
Miami dominated Penn State in the 1987 Fiesta Bowl in a game that would decide the national championship. Five Vinny Tesatverde interceptions were the difference in the game. Miami lost for the second straight season in a bowl game where a win would have meant a Hurricanes’ National Championship.
1st play of the most watched college football history!...1987 @Fiesta_Bowl ...#BigSilz with a 15 yard sack on the PSU QB! pic.twitter.com/3KIui9pE2z
— #BigSilz (@DanSileoShow) October 10, 2023
The 1985 Fiesta Bowl was the epitome of what has gone wrong for the Hurricanes in Tempe. Miami took a 21-7 lead in the second quarter. UCLA rallied and led 22-21 at halftime. Miami and UCLA traded the lead in the fourth quarter before Bruins’ All-American kicker John Lee made a 22-yard field goal and UCLA won 39-37.
Arizona thoroughly dominated Miami playing at their archrival’s home field in a 29-0 win over the Hurricanes in the 1994 Fiesta Bowl. Miami was outgained 409-182 and had four turnovers. Arizona had the ball for 37:20 and gained 257 yards rushing. The Hurricanes suffered their second of three bowl shutouts.
The most recent Fiesta Bowl appearance for Miami is the one that upsets the vast majority of Hurricanes’ fans. Miami won the 2003 Fiesta Bowl before a questionable flag for pass interference was called in overtime. Ohio State scored in the second overtime, held Miami and became National Champions.