VICTORY PULSE / THE PULSEMiami Deserves No. 1—and the Moment Brings Back Memories of the 2001 Hurricanes
Miami is back at No. 1 in the AP poll, and I believe the Hurricanes deserve it.
The historical detail needs to be precise: this is Miami’s first AP No. 1 ranking since 2002. Its previous appearance at the top was in the December 8, 2002 poll. The undefeated 2001 national champions belong to the same great era, but 2002 is the correct reference for this ranking milestone. [M1]
Miami reached this point at 6–0 after a 43–35 double-overtime win over Florida State. [M1] Winning a rivalry game like that and coming out still unbeaten gives the Hurricanes every reason to welcome their place atop the poll. They are my choice for No. 1, too.
The moment naturally sends me back to that 2001 roster. Ken Dorsey was the quarterback. Jeremy Shockey was at tight end. Ed Reed was in the secondary. And the running back room included Clinton Portis, Willis McGahee and Frank Gore. All were members of that team. [M2]
Gore is a personal connection for me: we went to high school together. Seeing his name on that roster brings the history closer to home. Miami’s official roster lists him as a freshman from Coral Gables Senior High School. [M2]
The receivers included Andre Johnson and Daryl Jones. Behind the familiar names was a team with talent throughout the lineup, including Bryant McKinnie on the offensive line and Jonathan Vilma at linebacker. [M2]
Remembering those players explains why Miami returning to No. 1 carries so much meaning. A ranking can bring back an entire era—the players you followed and the expectations that came with wearing that uniform.
This year’s Hurricanes will write their own story. Reaching No. 1 gives them something to defend every week, with the rest of the season still to play. For now, they have earned the recognition. As someone with a personal connection to a player from that 2001 team, I can appreciate both what Miami has accomplished today and the memories it brings back.
Reporting sources: M1 — NCAA, Miami’s return to No. 1 and date of its previous top ranking; M2 — University of Miami’s official 2001 roster.