'91 Washington vs '02 Miami Game Preview

The quarterfinals are here! The Scout.com/WhatIfSports.com Tournament of Champions pits 16 national championship teams from 1988 through 2005 in head to head battles to determine just which team from this exciting era of college football would be the best. Here is a look at our second quarterfinal matchup between the '91 Washington Huskies and the '01 Miami Hurricanes.

'01 Miami enters the quarterfinals after an impressive 25-13 win over '02 Ohio State in the opening round, while '91 Washington got here with a dominating 24-9 win over '97 Michigan.

For Miami, the first round win was a Ken Dorsey (31-51, 376 yards, 3 touchdowns) clinic as he dissected the Ohio State defense with precision passing. Ohio State couldn't contain tight end Jeremy Shockey who caught seven passes for 91 yards and two touchdowns, and when Clinton Portis wasn't grinding out the yards (30 carries, 100 yards) on the ground he was too tough for Ohio State's linebackers to cover in the passing game (6 catches, 87 yards, 1 touchdown). Miami's defense got to the Ohio State quarterback for five sacks.

Washington's secondary was just too much for Michigan's Brian Griese (12-36, 127 yards). Griese spent the entire game throwing in a hurry or going down under the pressure of Washington's ferocious pass rush led by Jaime Fields and Steve Emtman. With Beno Bryant (138 yards, 2 touchdowns) and Jay Barry (120 yards, 1 touchdown) leading the way, Washington hammered out 257 rushing yards.

For Miami to get the win, the Hurricanes will have to stay with the same formula they used against Ohio State --- throw the ball down the middle to Shockey, find ways to get the ball to Portis, and give Dorsey time to pick the defense apart. Washington needs to establish the ground game and quarterback Billy Joe Hobert (18-37, 186 yards) has to get enough of a passing game to keep the Hurricanes from jamming up the line of scrimmage.

SECOND ROUND EDGE: In terms of pure talent on the field, this is a no-brainer, Miami all the way. But this is a Washington defense that doesn't give up big plays and keeps the Huskies in ball games. If Washington can establish a running game and keep its defense off the field, then the Huskies have a chance to spring the upset here. If Miami can get Shockey loose down the middle of the field, then it could be a long night for Washington. Watch this one closely. If you're looking for a real upset possibility, this could be it.

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