College football needs another team like the University of Miami of the 1980’s and early 1990’s.
“The U” revolutionized the game, both in the college ranks and in the NFL as well. They started post touchdown celebrations, as we know them today.
They hit opponents with no regard for human life. Then they stood over them to let them know what just happened (if they were still conscious).
In today’s game, violent hits and obnoxious post play banter aren’t allowed. I’m not necessarily saying that either should be. My point is that it would be nice to see a team with an attitude week in and week out.
People hated Miami. Not only did the play with reckless abandon, dance in your face after a big play, and consistently talk, they won. The Hurricanes won conference championships and national championship. If there’s one thing that is for sure in today’s world of sports, it’s the fact that everyone hates a winner.
The Yankees have won 27 World Series titles. They are widely considered as the most hated team in baseball. The Lakers have won 16 NBA titles. People can’t stand them. Alabama has won three of the last four NCAA football championships. Maybe its because we live in Louisiana, but from what I can tell, people don’t care for them too much either.
Teams today are under more scrutiny than ever before. This could be why you don’t see teams like the Miami any longer. Today, they would be fined or penalized on every other play. I understand that rules have been changed and new ones have been added in order to keep players safe. But this has consequences. Football is a game that is centered on intimidation and violence.
Which just so happen to be the same two things that Miami were known for. The closest thing we have now is a Heisman Trophy winner making non- threating hand gestures towards his opponents after picking up a first down.
He was penalized on the field and criticized by national media for a week after. If the NCAA and NFL don’t back off the rule overload, will we ever see a team like the Miami of old again?
No. And that’s a shame.
College football today could use a team that everyone hates. A team that you don’t want to pull for but can’t put down the remote to change the channel.