1998 MIAMI HURRICANES - wiki

The 1998 Miami Hurricanes: A Season of Near Misses

The 1998 Miami Hurricanes football season was a rollercoaster, marked by both exciting wins and frustrating losses. Although they finished with a respectable 9-3 record, the season felt like one of unrealized potential for fans who saw glimpses of greatness. This article examines the highs and lows of that season, the key players, and why the Hurricanes fell short of achieving even greater success.

Dennis Erickson's Last Stand

1998 marked the final season for head coach Dennis Erickson at the University of Miami. After leading the Hurricanes to two national championships in the early 1990s, Erickson's tenure had seen a decline in recent years. The 1998 season was viewed as a chance for redemption and a return to national prominence, however his team had one to many slip ups. airbnb wedding venues miami

Key Players and Performances

Despite the disappointing finish, the 1998 Hurricanes boasted several talented players. Edgerrin James led the rushing attack with over 1,600 yards and 17 touchdowns, showcasing his incredible talent. James would eventually enter the NFL Draft early. chicken brasa miami beach Quarterback Kenny Kelly provided a solid presence under center, and the defense was anchored by future NFL stars like Dan Morgan.

Notable Games and Results

The Hurricanes started the season strong, winning their first five games. Key victories included a 49-0 rout of Rutgers and a 38-31 victory over West Virginia. However, the season took a turn with a 26-23 loss to Virginia Tech. premier parking miami fl Another loss to Syracuse further hampered their chances of a major bowl appearance. Despite these setbacks, the Hurricanes finished the regular season on a high note, defeating UCLA 49-45 in a thrilling game.

The MicronPC Bowl

The Hurricanes capped off their season with a victory over North Carolina State in the MicronPC Bowl. scooter repair miami fl While a bowl win is always a positive, it was not the Orange Bowl or other major bowl game that the program once had become accustomed to. You can read more about the 1998 Miami Hurricanes season here.

Why They Fell Short

The 1998 Hurricanes were a talented team, but consistency and key execution issues at critical times cost them. The losses to Virginia Tech and Syracuse were particularly damaging, preventing them from competing for a major bowl berth or national title contention. In the end, Erickson was let go at the end of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Miami Hurricanes record in 1998?

The Miami Hurricanes finished the 1998 season with a 9-3 record.

Who was the head coach of the Miami Hurricanes in 1998?

Dennis Erickson was the head coach of the Miami Hurricanes in 1998.

Who was Miami's star running back in 1998?

Edgerrin James was the star running back for the Miami Hurricanes in 1998.

What bowl game did Miami play in 1998?

The Miami Hurricanes played in the MicronPC Bowl in 1998, defeating North Carolina State.

Why wasn't the 1998 Miami Hurricanes team considered a national championship contender?

Key losses to Virginia Tech and Syracuse prevented them from competing for a major bowl and a national championship.

Summary

The 1998 Miami Hurricanes season was a mix of promise and disappointment. Despite a strong rushing attack led by Edgerrin James and a talented defense, the team's inconsistency and key losses prevented them from achieving their ultimate goals. The season marked the end of an era with Dennis Erickson departing as head coach, leaving behind a team with unfulfilled potential.