Miami ran the ball 381 times in 1992 and threw it 457, a split of 55-45 in favor of passing.
Back then, CFB was much more of a running game.
Seven passers cleared 3,000 yards passing that year, including Torretta (the most being 3818 by Jimmy Klingler). Last year, the WKU quarterback threw for DOUBLE what the leading passing yardage wise was in 1992 (5967 vs 3818). NINE QBs threw for more than FOUR THOUSAND yards last year.
Of course, there's a caveat, too...most teams played an 11-game schedule in 1992 compared to a 12-game schedule today. Okay, fair point. But the highest completion pct has gone up over 7% from then, too.
Oliver decided to take a gamble that Miami COULD NOT run the ball against Alabama under any conceivable circumstance. He would show a look so Torretta called the play, then put 11 on the line for a second or two and then drop anywhere from 4-8 DBs.
But remember - it wasn't just the defense. Holding the ball for 36 minutes while grinding out yards by the 3-4 yard carry was the bigger contributor.
I know the defense - deservedly so - gets a ton of credit in that game because of the turnovers and short fields. But that was a true team game top to bottom. The special teams - starting with Palmer's punt return for our 1st possession - to the offense grinding to the defense forcing three and outs.
I don't think what happened then is applicable to today.
