Husker Football: Five Best Nebraska-Miami Clashes

Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

December 15, 1962 – Nebraska Cornhuskers 36, Miami Hurricanes 34

Miami came into the game with a 7-3 record while Nebraska entered at 8-2, but the seasons themselves weren’t the biggest drama leading into this game.

Neither Miami nor Nebraska would officially accept bids and head to New York City without payment ahead of time. In fact, the airplane in Lincoln sat on the tarmac until the check cleared.

There was also the issue of a press strike going on in New York that prevented a majority of news coverage from going out.

John Milton, the Huskers’ freshman coach was quoted in the Daily Nebraskan as saying:

"“It was one of the best games I’ve been a part of; It was one of the coldest games I’ve ever been in.”"

The game itself was televised nationally on ABC, but it proved to be a hot one, even if the temperature was didn’t match.

Back and forth, the teams battled with Nebraska holding on late after Miami had scored, solidifying a final score of 36-34.

Husker standouts included Willie Ross, who scored a rushing touchdown and added a 92-yard kickoff return for a score.

Miami quarterback George Mira won the game’s MVP award in a losing effort while completing 24 passes out of 46 attempts for 321 yards and a touchdown.

The Gotham Bowl was particularly significant to Nebraska football according to quarterback Dennis Claridge who was quoted in the Daily Nebraskan:

"“What it did was put Nebraska in people’s minds,” said Claridge, “It opened people’s eyes to the potential Nebraska had.”"