The Hurricanes and Cougars have played many times in the past. The first time the programs met was in 1957. Between then and the ‘91 matchup, there were 15 contests played out on the field, with the Hurricanes earning eight wins in that same time frame. In the 16th meeting, the conversation entering the game was around how much of a offensive spectacle the game would be with two of college football’s high-powered offenses pitted against one another.
Head coach Dennis Erickson was entering his third season at the helm of Miami football. After the Hurricanes put together a 10–2 record in the 1990 season, Coach Erickson and his team set their sights on another national title bid.