Miami Hurricanes Legends Praise Resurgence of 'The U' as National Championship Game Looms
The revival of Miami's storied college football program is a topic that brings nostalgia and excitement among alumni, including some of the greatest players in school history. The Hurricanes are set to face off against undefeated Indiana Hoosiers in their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance, marking a 23-year absence from the national stage.
Former NFL stars Clinton Portis and Jeremy Shockey recently reconnected with other 'Canes legends at Seminole Hard Rock & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The reunion provided an opportunity for the group to share their thoughts on the current team's resurgence and what it means to be part of "The U" legacy.
For Portis, who played a crucial role in Miami's last national championship team in 2001, it's not surprising that the 'Canes made it to the College Football Playoff. According to him, "once they got into the playoffs, it kind of aligned." He attributes their success to a combination of factors, including injuries, defense, and running the ball effectively.
Shockey agrees, stating that Miami is playing "hot" right now, which has enabled them to make a significant run despite being one of the last selections into the tournament. The duo also emphasizes the importance of the team's defense in their success, particularly against Indiana's quarterback, Fernando Mendoza.
When asked about who will emerge victorious, both Portis and Shockey predict an underdog win, with Portis predicting a 27-24 victory for Miami and Shockey forecasting a 28-21 outcome. They suggest that getting pressure on the opposing quarterback is key to pulling off an upset.
The reunion was also a chance for the 'Canes legends to reconnect with one another and share in their excitement about the team's resurgence. For Portis, it was surreal to be surrounded by four or five Hall of Famers, which further solidified his appreciation for the program he called home.
As the Hurricanes prepare to face off against Indiana, it's clear that "The U" is back on the map, and its alumni are eager to see their team succeed. With their collective wisdom and experience, Portis and Shockey offer a unique perspective on what makes Miami such an attractive destination for top talent and how the program has evolved over the years.
Ultimately, it will be up to the current team to write its own story in the College Football Playoff era. But with the guidance of its legends and a renewed sense of pride among alumni like Portis and Shockey, there's no doubt that Miami is ready to make some noise in college football once again.
The revival of Miami's storied college football program is a topic that brings nostalgia and excitement among alumni, including some of the greatest players in school history. The Hurricanes are set to face off against undefeated Indiana Hoosiers in their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance, marking a 23-year absence from the national stage.
Former NFL stars Clinton Portis and Jeremy Shockey recently reconnected with other 'Canes legends at Seminole Hard Rock & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The reunion provided an opportunity for the group to share their thoughts on the current team's resurgence and what it means to be part of "The U" legacy.
For Portis, who played a crucial role in Miami's last national championship team in 2001, it's not surprising that the 'Canes made it to the College Football Playoff. According to him, "once they got into the playoffs, it kind of aligned." He attributes their success to a combination of factors, including injuries, defense, and running the ball effectively.
Shockey agrees, stating that Miami is playing "hot" right now, which has enabled them to make a significant run despite being one of the last selections into the tournament. The duo also emphasizes the importance of the team's defense in their success, particularly against Indiana's quarterback, Fernando Mendoza.
When asked about who will emerge victorious, both Portis and Shockey predict an underdog win, with Portis predicting a 27-24 victory for Miami and Shockey forecasting a 28-21 outcome. They suggest that getting pressure on the opposing quarterback is key to pulling off an upset.
The reunion was also a chance for the 'Canes legends to reconnect with one another and share in their excitement about the team's resurgence. For Portis, it was surreal to be surrounded by four or five Hall of Famers, which further solidified his appreciation for the program he called home.
As the Hurricanes prepare to face off against Indiana, it's clear that "The U" is back on the map, and its alumni are eager to see their team succeed. With their collective wisdom and experience, Portis and Shockey offer a unique perspective on what makes Miami such an attractive destination for top talent and how the program has evolved over the years.
Ultimately, it will be up to the current team to write its own story in the College Football Playoff era. But with the guidance of its legends and a renewed sense of pride among alumni like Portis and Shockey, there's no doubt that Miami is ready to make some noise in college football once again.