1991 NCAA Division I-A football season
Encyclopedia
The 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season ended with a split champion for the second consecutive season. Both the Miami Hurricanes
and the Washington Huskies
finished the season undefeated (12-0) and with the top ranking in a nationally recognized poll. Under the conference-bowl selection alignments of the time, the Hurricanes and Huskies could not meet in a decisive title game because A) Washington was slotted into the Rose Bowl as the Pac-10 champions and B) the other spot in the Rose Bowl was automatically given to the Big 10 champions, in this case Michigan. The Rose Bowl's selection terms also thwarted potential title matchups of undefeated teams in 1994 and 1997; since the 1998 BCS realignment, several Pac-10 and Big 10 teams have been able to play in a BCS title game instead of the Rose Bowl.
A major rule change narrowed the goal posts from 23 feet, 4 inches to 18 feet, 6 inches, the same width as the National Football League
. The distance between the hashmarks were not moved in until 1993, leaving kickers to face severe angles on short field goal attempts for the 1991 and 1992 seasons.
The Hurricanes closed the 1991 season with a 22-0 shutout over #11 Nebraska
in the Orange Bowl
, but their season was defined by a dramatic November victory over then-#1 ranked and perennial rival Florida State
. That game ended with the FSU place kicker missing a field goal, wide right, which would become a theme in the Miami-FSU rivalry
; this game later took on the moniker "Wide Right I
." Nebraska lost to both national champions in 1991 and finished at 9-2-1, ranked fifteenth in the AP poll.
The Washington Huskies posted a 15-point victory at #9 Nebraska in September, a 7-point win at #7 California
in October, and consecutive Pac-10
and Rose Bowl
championships. Washington defended its Rose Bowl
title with a 20-point victory in the 1992 Rose Bowl
over #4 Michigan, the Big Ten
champions with Heisman Trophy
winner Desmond Howard
. The Wolverines scored a late touchdown to tighten the final score to 34-14, and finished at 10-2, ranked sixth in both polls.
The Florida Gators captured their first SEC
title in school history (excepting the 1984
SEC title, which was vacated by the NCAA
) in dominating fashion. Alabama
finished second in the SEC in 1991 with an 11-1 record, but were annihilated 35-0 by the Gators, led by head coach Steve Spurrier
. Florida's luck ran out in the Sugar Bowl
, as #18 Notre Dame powered their way to a 39-28 win.
The SEC expanded from 10 to 12 members, adding Arkansas
from the Southwest Conference and South Carolina
, independent in football and a Metro Conference
member for other sports. The two schools, however, would not begin SEC play until the 1992 season
, when the SEC split into two divisions and added its season-ending championship game. The All-American Bowl
played at Legion Field
in Birmingham
, Alabama
, was discontinued as local officials prepared to host the new SEC title game.
Independent Florida State
joined the ACC
in 1991; known primarily as a basketball conference, the ACC would never be the same for football. Dominant from the moment they joined, Florida State went undefeated in conference play for years and won the conference title for the remainder of the 1990s.
The Big East
began to sponsor football, adding powerhouse Miami and other independents, though conference play wasn't yet fully integrated and standings were not kept in 1991.
was ranked #1 with 54 of the 59 votes cast, Michigan was 2nd, and Miami
3rd. As of the September 10th poll, Florida State remained the overwhelming choice for #1 and Miami reached #2. Those two Sunshine State teams would continue to be 1 and 2 as their November 16th meeting approached. On November 16th in Tallahassee
, the long awaited #1 & #2 showdown had the 10-0 Seminoles hosting the 8-0 Hurricanes. Visiting Miami won, 17-16 to take the top spot. In the Pacific Northwest
, Washington
won its Apple Cup
game by 35 points on November 23rd and finished the regular season at 11-0; the Huskies took over the #2 spot in the final two polls of the regular season.
1991 Miami Hurricanes football team
The 1991 Miami Hurricanes were the national champions of the 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season, as determined by the AP Poll. 1991 was a split championship year, though, as the Washington Huskies finished #1 in the Coaches' Poll...
and the Washington Huskies
1991 Washington Huskies football team
The 1991 Washington Huskies football team represented the University of Washington in the 1991 college football season. Head coach Don James was assisted by coordinators Keith Gilbertson and Jim Lambright , both head coaches themselves within two years.The 1991 team was arguably the finest team in...
finished the season undefeated (12-0) and with the top ranking in a nationally recognized poll. Under the conference-bowl selection alignments of the time, the Hurricanes and Huskies could not meet in a decisive title game because A) Washington was slotted into the Rose Bowl as the Pac-10 champions and B) the other spot in the Rose Bowl was automatically given to the Big 10 champions, in this case Michigan. The Rose Bowl's selection terms also thwarted potential title matchups of undefeated teams in 1994 and 1997; since the 1998 BCS realignment, several Pac-10 and Big 10 teams have been able to play in a BCS title game instead of the Rose Bowl.
A major rule change narrowed the goal posts from 23 feet, 4 inches to 18 feet, 6 inches, the same width as the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
. The distance between the hashmarks were not moved in until 1993, leaving kickers to face severe angles on short field goal attempts for the 1991 and 1992 seasons.
The Hurricanes closed the 1991 season with a 22-0 shutout over #11 Nebraska
1991 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team
The 1991 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team represented the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in the 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season. The team was coached by Tom Osborne and played their home games in Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska.-Schedule:...
in the Orange Bowl
Orange Bowl
The Orange Bowl is an annual American college football bowl game played at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. It has been played annually since January 1, 1935 and celebrated its 75th playing on January 1, 2009...
, but their season was defined by a dramatic November victory over then-#1 ranked and perennial rival Florida State
1991 Florida State Seminoles football team
The 1991 Florida State Seminoles football team finished the 1991 college football season ranked #4 in both polls. They started the season ranked #1, but were dropped in the rankings after Wide Right I. The Seminoles offense scored 449 points while the defense allowed 188 points...
. That game ended with the FSU place kicker missing a field goal, wide right, which would become a theme in the Miami-FSU rivalry
College rivalry
Pairs of schools, colleges and universities, especially when they are close to each other either geographically or in their areas of specialization, often establish a college rivalry with each other over the years. This rivalry can extend to both academics and athletics, the latter being typically...
; this game later took on the moniker "Wide Right I
Wide Right (Florida State)
Wide Right I is the colloquial name for a 1991 college football game between the Miami Hurricanes and Florida State Seminoles. The game is one of the most significant in the history of the Miami – Florida State rivalry, and its name is a reference to its dramatic ending: With 29 seconds remaining...
." Nebraska lost to both national champions in 1991 and finished at 9-2-1, ranked fifteenth in the AP poll.
The Washington Huskies posted a 15-point victory at #9 Nebraska in September, a 7-point win at #7 California
1991 California Golden Bears football team
The 1991 California Golden Bears represented the University of California-Berkeley. The Golden Bears scored 443 points while the defense allowed 239 points. Led by head coach Bruce Snyder, the Golden Bears participated in the Florida Citrus Bowl.-Schedule:...
in October, and consecutive Pac-10
Pacific Ten Conference
The Pacific-12 Conference is a college athletic conference that operates in the Western United States. It participates in the NCAA's Division I; its football teams compete in the Football Bowl Subdivision , the higher of two levels of NCAA Division I football competition...
and Rose Bowl
Rose Bowl Game
The Rose Bowl is an annual American college football bowl game, usually played on January 1 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. When New Year's Day falls on a Sunday, the game is played on Monday, January 2...
championships. Washington defended its Rose Bowl
1991 Rose Bowl
The 1991 Rose Bowl was the 77th Rose Bowl Game, played on January 1, 1991. The #8 Washington Huskies built a 33-7 halftime lead and defeated the #17 Iowa Hawkeyes 46-34. Washington sophomore quarterback Mark Brunell was named the Player of the Game....
title with a 20-point victory in the 1992 Rose Bowl
1992 Rose Bowl
The 1992 Rose Bowl was a college football bowl game played on January 1, 1992, the 78th Rose Bowl game. Before 103,566 in attendance in Pasadena and a national television audience, the #2 Washington Huskies defeated the #4 Michigan Wolverines 34-14. Washington DT Steve Emtman and QB Billy Joe...
over #4 Michigan, the Big Ten
Big Ten Conference
The Big Ten Conference is the United States' oldest Division I college athletic conference. Its twelve member institutions are located primarily in the Midwestern United States, stretching from Nebraska in the west to Pennsylvania in the east...
champions with Heisman Trophy
Heisman Trophy
The Heisman Memorial Trophy Award , is awarded annually to the player deemed the most outstanding player in collegiate football. It was created in 1935 as the Downtown Athletic Club trophy and renamed in 1936 following the death of the Club's athletic director, John Heisman The Heisman Memorial...
winner Desmond Howard
Desmond Howard
Desmond Kevin Howard is a former NFL wide receiver, punt returner, and kickoff returner.He played football for the University of Michigan from 1989–1991 and won the Heisman Trophy in 1991...
. The Wolverines scored a late touchdown to tighten the final score to 34-14, and finished at 10-2, ranked sixth in both polls.
The Florida Gators captured their first SEC
Southeastern Conference
The Southeastern Conference is an American college athletic conference that operates in the southeastern part of the United States. It is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama...
title in school history (excepting the 1984
1984 NCAA Division I-A football season
The 1984 NCAA Division I-A football season ended with Brigham Young University winning their first national championship by beating an unranked Michigan team in the Holiday Bowl...
SEC title, which was vacated by the NCAA
National Collegiate Athletic Association
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a semi-voluntary association of 1,281 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the United States...
) in dominating fashion. Alabama
1991 Alabama Crimson Tide football team
The 1991 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama in the 1991 college football season. The team was led by head coach Gene Stallings who was in his second season at Alabama. The team played their home games at Bryant-Denny Stadium, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and at...
finished second in the SEC in 1991 with an 11-1 record, but were annihilated 35-0 by the Gators, led by head coach Steve Spurrier
Steve Spurrier
Stephen Orr Spurrier is an American college football coach and player. Spurrier is the current head coach of the University of South Carolina's Gamecocks football team. He is also a former professional player and coach...
. Florida's luck ran out in the Sugar Bowl
1992 Sugar Bowl
The 1992 Sugar Bowl was the 58th edition to the annual game. It featured the third-ranked Florida Gators and the 18th-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Using a come-from-behind performance, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish upset the highly favored Gators 39–28...
, as #18 Notre Dame powered their way to a 39-28 win.
The SEC expanded from 10 to 12 members, adding Arkansas
Arkansas Razorbacks football
The Arkansas Razorbacks football program is a college football team that represents the University of Arkansas. The team is a member of the Southeastern Conference's Western Division, which is in Division I's Football Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association...
from the Southwest Conference and South Carolina
South Carolina Gamecocks football
The South Carolina Gamecocks football team represents the University of South Carolina in NCAA Division I college football. The Gamecocks have been a member of the Southeastern Conference since 1992. Steve Spurrier is the current head coach, and the team plays its home games at Williams-Brice...
, independent in football and a Metro Conference
Metro Conference
The Metropolitan Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, popularly known as the Metro Conference, was an NCAA Division I athletics conference, so named because all of its charter members were in urban metropolitan areas in, or at least on the fringes of, the Southern United States...
member for other sports. The two schools, however, would not begin SEC play until the 1992 season
1992 NCAA Division I-A football season
The 1992 NCAA Division I-A football season was the first year of the Bowl Coalition, and ended with Alabama's first national championship in thirteen years—their first since the departure of Bear Bryant...
, when the SEC split into two divisions and added its season-ending championship game. The All-American Bowl
All-American Bowl
The All-American Bowl was an annual postseason college football bowl game played at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama from 1977 to 1990. The game was known as the Hall of Fame Classic from 1977 to 1985....
played at Legion Field
Legion Field
Legion Field is a large stadium in Birmingham, Alabama, United States, primarily designed to be used as a venue for American football, but is occasionally used for other large outdoor events. The stadium is named in honor of the American Legion, a U.S. organization of military veterans. At its peak...
in Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama. The city is the county seat of Jefferson County. According to the 2010 United States Census, Birmingham had a population of 212,237. The Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Area, in estimate by the U.S...
, Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
, was discontinued as local officials prepared to host the new SEC title game.
Independent Florida State
Florida State Seminoles football
The Florida State Seminoles football team represents Florida State University in college football. The Florida State Seminoles compete in NCAA Division I-FBS and are members of the Atlantic Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference...
joined the ACC
Atlantic Coast Conference
The Atlantic Coast Conference is a collegiate athletic league in the United States. Founded in 1953 in Greensboro, North Carolina, the ACC sanctions competition in twenty-five sports in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association for its twelve member universities...
in 1991; known primarily as a basketball conference, the ACC would never be the same for football. Dominant from the moment they joined, Florida State went undefeated in conference play for years and won the conference title for the remainder of the 1990s.
The Big East
Big East Conference
The Big East Conference is a collegiate athletics conference consisting of sixteen universities in the eastern half of the United States. The conference's 17 members participate in 24 NCAA sports...
began to sponsor football, adding powerhouse Miami and other independents, though conference play wasn't yet fully integrated and standings were not kept in 1991.
Conference standings
#1 and #2 Progress
In the pre-season poll, Florida State1991 Florida State Seminoles football team
The 1991 Florida State Seminoles football team finished the 1991 college football season ranked #4 in both polls. They started the season ranked #1, but were dropped in the rankings after Wide Right I. The Seminoles offense scored 449 points while the defense allowed 188 points...
was ranked #1 with 54 of the 59 votes cast, Michigan was 2nd, and Miami
1991 Miami Hurricanes football team
The 1991 Miami Hurricanes were the national champions of the 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season, as determined by the AP Poll. 1991 was a split championship year, though, as the Washington Huskies finished #1 in the Coaches' Poll...
3rd. As of the September 10th poll, Florida State remained the overwhelming choice for #1 and Miami reached #2. Those two Sunshine State teams would continue to be 1 and 2 as their November 16th meeting approached. On November 16th in Tallahassee
Tallahassee, Florida
Tallahassee is the capital of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat and only incorporated municipality in Leon County, and is the 128th largest city in the United States. Tallahassee became the capital of Florida, then the Florida Territory, in 1824. In 2010, the population recorded by...
, the long awaited #1 & #2 showdown had the 10-0 Seminoles hosting the 8-0 Hurricanes. Visiting Miami won, 17-16 to take the top spot. In the Pacific Northwest
Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is a region in northwestern North America, bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and, loosely, by the Rocky Mountains on the east. Definitions of the region vary and there is no commonly agreed upon boundary, even among Pacific Northwesterners. A common concept of the...
, Washington
1991 Washington Huskies football team
The 1991 Washington Huskies football team represented the University of Washington in the 1991 college football season. Head coach Don James was assisted by coordinators Keith Gilbertson and Jim Lambright , both head coaches themselves within two years.The 1991 team was arguably the finest team in...
won its Apple Cup
Apple Cup
The Apple Cup is the trophy awarded to the winner of an American college football rivalry game played annually by the teams of the two largest universities in the U.S. state of Washington: the University of Washington Huskies and the Washington State University Cougars...
game by 35 points on November 23rd and finished the regular season at 11-0; the Huskies took over the #2 spot in the final two polls of the regular season.
Bowl games
- Rose Bowl1992 Rose BowlThe 1992 Rose Bowl was a college football bowl game played on January 1, 1992, the 78th Rose Bowl game. Before 103,566 in attendance in Pasadena and a national television audience, the #2 Washington Huskies defeated the #4 Michigan Wolverines 34-14. Washington DT Steve Emtman and QB Billy Joe...
: #2 Washington1991 Washington Huskies football teamThe 1991 Washington Huskies football team represented the University of Washington in the 1991 college football season. Head coach Don James was assisted by coordinators Keith Gilbertson and Jim Lambright , both head coaches themselves within two years.The 1991 team was arguably the finest team in...
34, #4 Michigan 14 - Sugar Bowl1992 Sugar BowlThe 1992 Sugar Bowl was the 58th edition to the annual game. It featured the third-ranked Florida Gators and the 18th-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Using a come-from-behind performance, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish upset the highly favored Gators 39–28...
: #18 Notre Dame 39, #3 Florida 28: #20 48, #19 14: #5 Florida State1991 Florida State Seminoles football teamThe 1991 Florida State Seminoles football team finished the 1991 college football season ranked #4 in both polls. They started the season ranked #1, but were dropped in the rankings after Wide Right I. The Seminoles offense scored 449 points while the defense allowed 188 points...
10, #9 Texas A&M1991 Texas A&M Aggies football teamThe 1991 Texas A&M Aggies football team completed the season with a 10-2 record. The Aggies had a regular season Southwest Conference record of 8-0 and were conference champions...
2: #6 Penn State 42, #10 Tennessee1991 Tennessee Volunteers football teamThe 1991 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee in the 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season. The Volunteers offense scored 352 points while the defense allowed 263 points. Led by head coach Johnny Majors, the Volunteers competed in the .-Schedule:-Team players...
17: #14 California1991 California Golden Bears football teamThe 1991 California Golden Bears represented the University of California-Berkeley. The Golden Bears scored 443 points while the defense allowed 239 points. Led by head coach Bruce Snyder, the Golden Bears participated in the Florida Citrus Bowl.-Schedule:...
37, #13 Clemson 13: #1 Miami1991 Miami Hurricanes football teamThe 1991 Miami Hurricanes were the national champions of the 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season, as determined by the AP Poll. 1991 was a split championship year, though, as the Washington Huskies finished #1 in the Coaches' Poll...
22, #11 Nebraska1991 Nebraska Cornhuskers football teamThe 1991 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team represented the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in the 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season. The team was coached by Tom Osborne and played their home games in Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska.-Schedule:...
0 - Hall of Fame Bowl1992 Hall of Fame BowlThe 1992 edition to the Hall of Fame Bowl featured the 16th ranked Syracuse Orangemen, and the 25th ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. It was the sixth edition to the Hall of Fame Bowl....
: #16 Syracuse1991 Syracuse Orangemen football teamThe 1991 Syracuse Orangemen football team represented Syracuse University in the 1991 Division I-A college football season. The Orangemen finished the season 10–2, winning the 1992 Hall of Fame Bowl.Two new eras began for Syracuse football...
24, #25 Ohio State1991 Ohio State Buckeyes football teamThe 1991 Ohio State Buckeyes football team represented the Ohio State University in the college football season of 1991-1992. The Buckeyes compiled a 8–4 record, including the 1992 Hall of Fame Bowl in Tampa, Florida, where they lost 24–17 to the Syracuse Orangemen.-Schedule:-Coaching...
17: #22 UCLA1991 UCLA Bruins football teamThe 1991 UCLA Bruins football team represented UCLA in the 1991 NCAA college football season. The Bruins offense scored 323 points while the defense allowed 190 points...
6, Illinois1991 Illinois Fighting Illini football teamThe 1991 Illinois Fighting Illini football team represented the University of Illinois in the 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season. The Illinois offense scored 264 points while the defense allowed 188 points...
3 - Copper Bowl1991 Copper BowlThe 1991 edition to the Copper Bowl featured the Indiana Hoosiers and the .In the first quarter, Indiana quarterback Trent Green scored on a 1 yard touchdown run making it 7-0 Indiana. In the second quarter, Indiana got a 27 yard field goal from Bonnell making the lead 10-0. Vaughn Dunbar scored on...
: Indiana1991 Indiana Hoosiers football teamThe 1991 Indiana Hoosiers football team represented Indiana University in the 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season.-Schedule:-Team players in the NFL:-Awards and honors:*Vaughn Dunbar, First team All-American...
24, 0 - Holiday Bowl1991 Holiday BowlThe 1991 Holiday Bowl was a college football bowl game played December 30, 1991 in San Diego, California. It was part of the 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season. It featured the seventh ranked Iowa Hawkeyes, and the unranked . The teams played to a 13-13 tie....
: 13, #7 Iowa1991 Iowa Hawkeyes football teamThe 1991 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the University of Iowa in the 1991 college football season.-Schedule:-Team players in the NFL:...
13: #22 28, 17: #12 East Carolina1991 East Carolina Pirates football teamThe 1991 East Carolina Pirates football team represented East Carolina University in the 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season. The Pirates offense scored 409 points while the defense allowed 277 points. Led by head coach Bill Lewis, the Pirates won the Peach Bowl defeating in-state rival North...
37, #21 34: #8 Alabama1991 Alabama Crimson Tide football teamThe 1991 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama in the 1991 college football season. The team was led by head coach Gene Stallings who was in his second season at Alabama. The team played their home games at Bryant-Denny Stadium, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and at...
30, #15 25: Air Force1991 Air Force Falcons football teamThe 1991 Air Force Falcons football team represented the United States Air Force Academy in the 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season. The Falcons came within one victory of playing for the National Championship...
38, 15: 18, #17 Stanford1991 Stanford Cardinal football teamThe 1991 Stanford Cardinal football team represented Stanford University in the 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season. It would be Dennis Green's final season as the head coach.-Regular season:...
17: #24 Georgia 24, Arkansas 15: 28, 21
Final AP Poll
- Miami (FL)1991 Miami Hurricanes football teamThe 1991 Miami Hurricanes were the national champions of the 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season, as determined by the AP Poll. 1991 was a split championship year, though, as the Washington Huskies finished #1 in the Coaches' Poll...
- Washington1991 Washington Huskies football teamThe 1991 Washington Huskies football team represented the University of Washington in the 1991 college football season. Head coach Don James was assisted by coordinators Keith Gilbertson and Jim Lambright , both head coaches themselves within two years.The 1991 team was arguably the finest team in...
- Penn St.
- Florida St.1991 Florida State Seminoles football teamThe 1991 Florida State Seminoles football team finished the 1991 college football season ranked #4 in both polls. They started the season ranked #1, but were dropped in the rankings after Wide Right I. The Seminoles offense scored 449 points while the defense allowed 188 points...
- Alabama1991 Alabama Crimson Tide football teamThe 1991 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama in the 1991 college football season. The team was led by head coach Gene Stallings who was in his second season at Alabama. The team played their home games at Bryant-Denny Stadium, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and at...
- Michigan
- Florida
- California1991 California Golden Bears football teamThe 1991 California Golden Bears represented the University of California-Berkeley. The Golden Bears scored 443 points while the defense allowed 239 points. Led by head coach Bruce Snyder, the Golden Bears participated in the Florida Citrus Bowl.-Schedule:...
- East Carolina1991 East Carolina Pirates football teamThe 1991 East Carolina Pirates football team represented East Carolina University in the 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season. The Pirates offense scored 409 points while the defense allowed 277 points. Led by head coach Bill Lewis, the Pirates won the Peach Bowl defeating in-state rival North...
- Iowa1991 Iowa Hawkeyes football teamThe 1991 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the University of Iowa in the 1991 college football season.-Schedule:-Team players in the NFL:...
- Syracuse1991 Syracuse Orangemen football teamThe 1991 Syracuse Orangemen football team represented Syracuse University in the 1991 Division I-A college football season. The Orangemen finished the season 10–2, winning the 1992 Hall of Fame Bowl.Two new eras began for Syracuse football...
- Texas A&M1991 Texas A&M Aggies football teamThe 1991 Texas A&M Aggies football team completed the season with a 10-2 record. The Aggies had a regular season Southwest Conference record of 8-0 and were conference champions...
- Notre Dame
- Tennessee1991 Tennessee Volunteers football teamThe 1991 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee in the 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season. The Volunteers offense scored 352 points while the defense allowed 263 points. Led by head coach Johnny Majors, the Volunteers competed in the .-Schedule:-Team players...
- Nebraska1991 Nebraska Cornhuskers football teamThe 1991 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team represented the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in the 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season. The team was coached by Tom Osborne and played their home games in Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska.-Schedule:...
- Georgia
- Clemson
- UCLA1991 UCLA Bruins football teamThe 1991 UCLA Bruins football team represented UCLA in the 1991 NCAA college football season. The Bruins offense scored 323 points while the defense allowed 190 points...
Final Coaches Poll
- Washington1991 Washington Huskies football teamThe 1991 Washington Huskies football team represented the University of Washington in the 1991 college football season. Head coach Don James was assisted by coordinators Keith Gilbertson and Jim Lambright , both head coaches themselves within two years.The 1991 team was arguably the finest team in...
- Miami (FL)1991 Miami Hurricanes football teamThe 1991 Miami Hurricanes were the national champions of the 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season, as determined by the AP Poll. 1991 was a split championship year, though, as the Washington Huskies finished #1 in the Coaches' Poll...
- Penn St.
- Florida St.1991 Florida State Seminoles football teamThe 1991 Florida State Seminoles football team finished the 1991 college football season ranked #4 in both polls. They started the season ranked #1, but were dropped in the rankings after Wide Right I. The Seminoles offense scored 449 points while the defense allowed 188 points...
- Alabama1991 Alabama Crimson Tide football teamThe 1991 Alabama Crimson Tide football team represented the University of Alabama in the 1991 college football season. The team was led by head coach Gene Stallings who was in his second season at Alabama. The team played their home games at Bryant-Denny Stadium, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and at...
- Michigan
- California1991 California Golden Bears football teamThe 1991 California Golden Bears represented the University of California-Berkeley. The Golden Bears scored 443 points while the defense allowed 239 points. Led by head coach Bruce Snyder, the Golden Bears participated in the Florida Citrus Bowl.-Schedule:...
- Florida
- East Carolina1991 East Carolina Pirates football teamThe 1991 East Carolina Pirates football team represented East Carolina University in the 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season. The Pirates offense scored 409 points while the defense allowed 277 points. Led by head coach Bill Lewis, the Pirates won the Peach Bowl defeating in-state rival North...
- Iowa1991 Iowa Hawkeyes football teamThe 1991 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the University of Iowa in the 1991 college football season.-Schedule:-Team players in the NFL:...
- Syracuse1991 Syracuse Orangemen football teamThe 1991 Syracuse Orangemen football team represented Syracuse University in the 1991 Division I-A college football season. The Orangemen finished the season 10–2, winning the 1992 Hall of Fame Bowl.Two new eras began for Syracuse football...
- Notre Dame
- Texas A&M1991 Texas A&M Aggies football teamThe 1991 Texas A&M Aggies football team completed the season with a 10-2 record. The Aggies had a regular season Southwest Conference record of 8-0 and were conference champions...
- Tennessee1991 Tennessee Volunteers football teamThe 1991 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee in the 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season. The Volunteers offense scored 352 points while the defense allowed 263 points. Led by head coach Johnny Majors, the Volunteers competed in the .-Schedule:-Team players...
- Nebraska1991 Nebraska Cornhuskers football teamThe 1991 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team represented the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in the 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season. The team was coached by Tom Osborne and played their home games in Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska.-Schedule:...
- Clemson
- UCLA1991 UCLA Bruins football teamThe 1991 UCLA Bruins football team represented UCLA in the 1991 NCAA college football season. The Bruins offense scored 323 points while the defense allowed 190 points...
- Georgia
- Stanford1991 Stanford Cardinal football teamThe 1991 Stanford Cardinal football team represented Stanford University in the 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season. It would be Dennis Green's final season as the head coach.-Regular season:...
- Air Force1991 Air Force Falcons football teamThe 1991 Air Force Falcons football team represented the United States Air Force Academy in the 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season. The Falcons came within one victory of playing for the National Championship...
Heisman Trophy voting
The Heisman is given to the Most Outstanding Player of the year- Desmond HowardDesmond HowardDesmond Kevin Howard is a former NFL wide receiver, punt returner, and kickoff returner.He played football for the University of Michigan from 1989–1991 and won the Heisman Trophy in 1991...
, Michigan, Jr. - WR-KR - Casey WeldonCasey WeldonWilliam Casey Weldon is a former professional American football player. Weldon is best known for being the quarterback for Florida State in the late-1980s and early-1990s. During his senior season in 1991, Weldon finished runner-up in the Heisman Trophy balloting to Desmond Howard of Michigan...
, Florida St., Sr. - QB - Ty DetmerTy DetmerTy Hubert Detmer is a former National Football League and NCAA quarterback. He starred at Brigham Young University, where he set many records and won the Heisman Trophy in 1990...
, BYU, Sr. - QB - (1990 winner) - Steve EmtmanSteve EmtmanSteven Charles "Steve" Emtman is a former professional American football player. He played defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts, the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Redskins of the National Football League...
, Washington, Jr. - DT - Shane MatthewsShane MatthewsMichael Shane Matthews is a former American college and professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League for all or part of fourteen seasons during the 1990s and 2000s. He played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he played...
, Florida, Jr. - QB - Vaughn DunbarVaughn DunbarVaughn Allen Dunbar was an American football running back for the New Orleans Saints and the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. He played college football at Indiana University. He now works for the Carrier Corporation in Tucker, GA.-High school:Dunbar attended R...
, Indiana, Sr. - TB - Jeff BlakeJeff BlakeJeff Bertrand Coleman Blake is a retired American football quarterback who played in the National Football League. Although he finished his career with the Chicago Bears, he was formerly a quarterback for the New York Jets, Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Arizona...
, East Carolina, Sr. - QB - Terrell BuckleyTerrell BuckleyDouglas Terrell Buckley is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League....
, Florida St., Jr. - DB - Marshall FaulkMarshall FaulkMarshall William Faulk is a former American football running back who played in the National Football League. He is currently an analyst for NFL Total Access, Thursday Night Football, and NFL GameDay Morning on the NFL Network...
, San Diego St., Fr. - RB - Bucky RichardsonBucky RichardsonJohn "Bucky" Powell Richardson is a former quarterback for Texas A&M University who went on to play professionally for the NFL's Houston Oilers.-High School and College:...
, Texas A&M, Sr. - QB
Other major awards
- MaxwellMaxwell AwardThe Maxwell Award is presented annually to the collegiate American football player judged by a panel of sportscasters, sportswriters, and National Collegiate Athletic Association head coaches and the membership of the Maxwell Football Club to be the best football player in the United States. The...
(MVP) - Desmond HowardDesmond HowardDesmond Kevin Howard is a former NFL wide receiver, punt returner, and kickoff returner.He played football for the University of Michigan from 1989–1991 and won the Heisman Trophy in 1991...
, Michigan - CampWalter Camp AwardThe Walter Camp Player of the Year Award is given annually to the collegiate American football Player of the Year, as decided by a group of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I-A head coaches and sports information directors under the auspices of the Walter Camp Football Foundation;...
(Back) - Desmond Howard, Michigan - ButkusDick Butkus AwardThe Butkus Award, instituted in 1985, is given annually to the top linebackers at the high school, collegiate and professional levels of football...
(Linebacker) - Erick AndersonErick AndersonErick Scott Anderson is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League. He played college football for the University of Michigan. He won the Butkus Award in 1991.-College career:...
, Michigan - LombardiLombardi AwardThe Rotary Lombardi Award is awarded annually to the best college football lineman or linebacker. The Lombardi Award program was approved by the Rotary Club in Houston in 1970 shortly after the death of Vince Lombardi. The committee outlined the criteria for eligibility for the award, which...
(Lineman) - Steve EmtmanSteve EmtmanSteven Charles "Steve" Emtman is a former professional American football player. He played defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts, the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Redskins of the National Football League...
, Washington - OutlandOutland TrophyThe Outland Trophy is awarded to the best United States college football interior lineman by the Football Writers Association of America. It is named after John H. Outland. One of only a few players ever to be named All-America at two positions, Outland garnered consensus All-America honors in...
(Interior lineman) - Steve Emtman, Washington - AFCA Coach of the Year - Bill LewisBill Lewis (football)-External links:*...
, East Carolina - FWAA Coach of the Year - Don James, Washington