22. 1987 Miami Hurricanes
Season Results: 12-0, Consensus National Champion
When the great Jimmy Johnson took over Miami’s football program in 1984, the Hurricanes were coming off an 11-win season. Three years into the job, Johnson’s team began the year 11-0 and set up a showdown with No. 2 Penn State for the National Championship (the Canes lost 14-10). However, the team wouldn’t be denied in ’87. With the sixth-best offense (34.3 PPG), second-best defense (10.4 PPG), and a ridiculous 15 future NFL players, the Canes were a machine.
Michael Irvin led the way at wideout with 715 yards and six scores. Miami played outstanding defense all season, limiting its opponents to 244.0 total yards and 1.0 touchdowns per game. During the regular season, Miami toppled five ranked opponents — including Florida State, Notre Dame, Arkansas and Florida. Finally, the Canes stood atop the college football world after defeating No. 1 Oklahoma, 20-14 in the Orange Bowl to claim the National Championship.
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