1991 NCAA Division I-A football season

American college football season December 2025 August 2023 1991 File:NCAA primary logo 1980.svg 106 Florida State 18 Miami (FL) (AP)Washington (Coaches, FWAA, NFF) Miami (FL) Washington Michigan wide receiver Desmond Howard The 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season was the main college football season sanctioned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The season began on August 28, 1991, and ended on January 1, 1992. For the second consecutive season, there was a split national championship. 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 Washington was slotted into the Rose Bowl as the Pac-10 champions, and the other spot in the Rose Bowl was automatically given to the Big Ten champions (in 1991, that was Michigan). The Rose Bowl's selection terms later thwarted potential title matchups of undefeated teams following the 1994 and 1997 seasons. Following the 1998 Bowl Championship Series (BCS) realignment, several Pac-10 and Big Ten teams were able to play in a BCS title game instead of being forced to play a non-title contender in the Rose Bowl; these include the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2002, 2006 and 2007, the USC Trojans in 2004 and 2005 and the Oregon Ducks in 2010. Miami closed the 1991 season with a 22–0 shutout over No. 11 Nebraska in the Orange Bowl, but their season was defined by a dramatic November victory over then No. 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 Florida State–Miami football 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 No. 15 in the AP poll. Washington posted a 15-point victory at No. 9 Nebraska in September, a seven-point win at No. 7 California in October, and repeated as Pac-10 champions. They went on to win the Rose Bowl by 20 points over No. 4 Michigan, the Big Ten champions who featured Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard; it was Washington's second consecutive Rose Bowl win. Michigan finished at 10–2, ranked at No. 6 in both polls. The Florida Gators captured their first official SEC title in school history (they had previously won the 1984 SEC title, but it was later vacated) in dominating fashion. Alabama finished second in the SEC with an 11–1 record, but were shutout 35–0 by the Gators. Florida's luck ran out in the Sugar Bowl, as No. 18 Notre Dame powered their way to a 39–28 win. Conference and program changes 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 Seminoles would begin ACC football play in 1992. The Big East Conference began sponsoring football during the 1991 season after adding Miami and other independent teams. Conference play, however, was not fully integrated and official standings were not kept until 1992. School 1990 Conference 1991 Conference Boston College Eagles I-A Independent Big EastFlorida State SeminolesI-A IndependentACC Miami (FL) Hurricanes I-A Independent Big East Pittsburgh Panthers I-A Independent Big East Rutgers Scarlet Knights I-A Independent Big East Syracuse Orangemen I-A Independent Big East Temple Owls I-A Independent Big East Virginia Tech Hokies I-A Independent Big East West Virginia Mountaineers I-A Independent Big East Rule changes The NCAA adopted the following rule changes for the 1991 season: Repealing a rule change from 1959, the width of the goal posts were shortened from 23 feet, 4 inches to 18 feet, 6 inches, matching the NFL width. The hashmarks did not change from their position of 53 feet, 4 inches apart, causing drastically difficult angles for field-goal attempts. Offensive holding, illegal use of hands, and clipping penalties committed behind the line of scrimmage will be enforced from the spot of the foul, rescinding a 1982 rule that enforced those penalties from the previous spot. When kickoffs and free kicks go out of bounds untouched in the field of play, the receivers have the option to put the ball in play 30 yards from the spot of the kick, in addition to the two other options (putting the ball in play at the out-of-bounds spot or re-kick after a five-yard penalty). When a fumble occurs anywhere in the field of play on fourth down, only the fumbling player can recover and/or advance the fumble. If a teammate recovers the fumble, the ball is dead at the spot of the fumble, unless the recovery was made behind the spot of the fumble, in which case the ball is dead at the spot of recovery. This mirrors the NFL's "Stabler fumble rule" adopted in 1979 after the "Holy Roller" game. After numerous taunting incidents in the 1991 Cotton Bowl, unsportsmanlike conduct (15 yard) penalties will be enforced for any taunting acts (such as finger-pointing, baiting an opponent verbally, etc.) and individual celebrations in the field of play. Teams attempting the "fumblerooski" must inform the referee of their intentions before the play. If a team fails to do this, they are penalized five yards. Recaps of the year Regular season August–September Neither of the 1990 champions, Colorado and Georgia Tech, cracked the top five in the preseason poll for 1991. The leading teams were No. 1 Florida State, No. 2 Michigan, No. 3 Miami, No. 4 Washington, and No. 5 Florida. August 29–31: No. 1 Florida State defeated No. 19 Brigham Young 44–28 in the Pigskin Classic, and No. 3 Miami won 31–3 at Arkansas.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-des-moines-register-top-rated-florid/201448167/ The Des Moines Register Top-rated Florida State bops No. 19 BYU, 44–28 August 30, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/anchorage-daily-news-miami-contains-emot/201450057/ Anchorage Daily News Miami contains emotion, Arkansas in 31–3 rout September 1, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com No. 2 Michigan, No. 4 Washington, and No. 5 Florida had not yet begun their schedules, and the latter team fell out of the top five. No. 7 Penn State, who defeated No. 8 Georgia Tech 34–22 in the Kickoff Classic,https://www.newspapers.com/article/asbury-park-press-penn-state-proves-too/140231185/ Asbury Park Press Penn State proves too much for Georgia Tech August 29, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com moved up: No. 1 Florida State, No. 2 Michigan, No. 3 Miami, No. 4 Washington, and No. 5 Penn State. September 7: No. 1 Florida State defeated Tulane 38–11, and No. 2 Michigan won 35–13 at Boston College.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/94550669/seminoles-ride-past-green-wave/ The Tampa Tribune Seminoles ride past Green Wave September 8, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-constitution-michigan-slugs/201452425/ The Atlanta Journal & Constitution Michigan slugs Boston College 35–13 September 8, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com No. 3 Miami was idle. No. 4 Washington opened their schedule with a 42–7 win at Stanford, and No. 5 Penn State overwhelmed Cincinnati 81–0.https://www.newspapers.com/article/anchorage-daily-news-washington-lays-was/201518634/ Anchorage Daily News Washington lays waste to Stanford, 42–7 September 8, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-patriot-news-state-chalks-up-81/201436123/ The Patriot-News State chalks up 81 September 8, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com The next poll featured No. 1 Florida State, No. 2 Miami, No. 3 Michigan, No. 4 Washington, and No. 5 Penn State. September 12–14: No. 1 Florida State blasted Western Michigan 58–0, No. 2 Miami defeated No. 10 Houston 40–10, and No. 3 Michigan won 24–14 over No. 7 Notre Dame.https://www.newspapers.com/article/south-florida-sun-sentinel-580-now-fsu/201448338/ Sun-Sentinel 58–0: Now FSU can point to Michigan September 15, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-montgomery-advertiser-hurricanes-roa/201450156/ The Montgomery Advertiser Hurricanes roar to 40–10 win over Houston September 13, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-michigan-finally/201440778/ Democrat and Chronicle Michigan finally tops Notre Dame, 24–14 September 15, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com No. 4 Washington was idle. No. 5 Penn State lost 21–10 at USC.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-southern-california/201443308/ The Kansas City Star Southern California upsets No. 5 Penn State September 15, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com No. 6 Florida opened SEC play by shutting out No. 17 Alabama 35–0,https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71593904/gators-pummel-tide-350/ The Tampa Tribune Gators pummel Tide 35–0 September 15, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com and the Gators moved back into the top five in the next poll: No. 1 Florida State, No. 2 Miami, No. 3 Michigan, No. 4 Washington, and No. 5 Florida. September 21: No. 1 Florida State, No. 2 Miami, and No. 3 Michigan were all idle. No. 4 Washington visited No. 9 Nebraska for a 36–21 win, but No. 5 Florida fell 38–21 at No. 18 Syracuse.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-nonpareil-washington-handles-n/201518712/ The Daily Nonpareil Washington handles NU September 22, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.comDame Mike Orange crush Gators, 38–21 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/67785155/ The Orlando Sentinel 22 September 1991 31 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com No. 6 Tennessee won a 26–24 nailbiter against No. 23 Mississippi Statehttps://www.newspapers.com/article/san-angelo-standard-times-tennessee-esca/135093384/ San Angelo Standard-Times Tennessee escapes Mississippi State September 22, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com to move into the top five: No. 1 Florida State, No. 2 Miami, No. 3 Michigan, No. 4 Washington, and No. 5 Tennessee. September 28: No. 1 Florida State visited No. 3 Michigan and won 51–31, the most points the Wolverines had ever allowed on their home turf.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-106145-see-michigan-ge/201448452/ The Plain Dealer 106,145 see Michigan get overwhelmed by Florida State September 29, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com No. 2 Miami won 34–10 at Tulsa.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-florida-times-union-hurricanes-domin/201442733/ The Florida Times-Union Hurricanes dominate Tulsa 34–10 September 29, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com No. 4 Washington overwhelmed Kansas State 56–3, No. 5 Tennessee defeated No. 13 Auburn 30–21, and No. 6 Oklahoma beat Virginia Tech 27–17.https://www.newspapers.com/article/omaha-world-herald-hobert-no-4-washing/201518792/ Omaha World-Herald Hobert, No. 4 Washington romp past Kansas State September 29, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-commercial-appeal-big-play-vols-humb/135088997/ The Commercial Appeal Big-play Vols humble Auburn in 'goodbye' September 29, 1991 November 16, 2023 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-victory-comes-to-pas/140214815/ The Daily Oklahoman Victory comes to pass for OU September 29, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com The next poll featured No. 1 Florida State, No. 2 Miami, No. 3 Washington, No. 4 Tennessee, and No. 5 Oklahoma. October October 5: No. 1 Florida State posted another high-scoring win over a top-ten opponent, defeating No. 10 Syracuse 46–14.https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-florida-state-has-its-way/201448540/ Newsday Florida State has its way October 6, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com No. 2 Miami won 40–3 over Oklahoma State, and No. 3 Washington shut out Arizona 54–0.https://www.newspapers.com/article/florida-today-hurricane-defense-corrals/201450265/ Florida Today Hurricane defense corrals Cowboys October 3, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-dawgs-romp-on-cats/201518888/ Kitsap Sun Dawgs romp on Cats October 6, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com No. 4 Tennessee was idle. No. 5 Oklahoma posted a 29–8 win at Iowa State, but nevertheless fell out of the top five in the next poll.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-no-magic-this-time-cyclones/201644482/ Waterloo Courier Cedar Falls No magic this time, Cyclones fall, 29–8 October 6, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com No. 6 Michigan moved back up with a 43–24 victory at No. 9 Iowa:https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sioux-city-journal-wolverines-tear-u/201713087/ The Sioux City Journal Wolverines tear up Iowa defense October 6, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com No. 1 Florida State, No. 2 Miami, No. 3 Washington, No. 4 Tennessee, and No. 5 Michigan. October 12: No. 1 Florida State defeated Virginia Tech 33–20, and No. 2 Miami got past No. 9 Penn State 26–20.https://www.newspapers.com/article/news-press-ugly-win-for-no-1-seminoles/140215006/ Fort Myers News-Press Ugly win for No. 1 Seminoles October 13, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sunday-oregonian-miami-sparkle-nips/201443783/ The Sunday Oregonian Miami sparkle nips Penn State October 13, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com No. 3 Washington posted a second straight lopsided shutout, 48–0 over Toledo.https://www.newspapers.com/article/tri-city-herald-third-ranked-huskies-cru/201519005/ Tri-City Herald Third-ranked Huskies crush Toledo 48–0 October 13, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com No. 4 Tennessee visited No. 10 Florida and lost 35–18. No. 5 Michigan won 45–28 at Michigan State, and No. 7 Notre Dame beat No. 12 Pittsburgh 42–7.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean-floridas-revenge-tennes/135099289/ The Tennessean Florida's revenge, Tennessee falls 35–18 October 13, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com The next poll featured No. 1 Florida State, No. 2 Miami, No. 3 Washington, No. 4 Michigan, and No. 5 Notre Dame. October 19: No. 1 Florida State beat Middle Tennessee 39–10, and No. 2 Miami shut out Long Beach State 55–0.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-miami-herald-a-sluggish-fsu-wins-by/163167486/ The Miami Herald A sluggish FSU wins by 'only' 29 October 20, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.comMiami 55 Long Beach St. 0 The Desert Sun Palm Springs, California October 20, 1991 B-7 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8858958/miami_55_long_beach_st_0/ July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com After outscoring their last three opponents 158–3, No. 3 Washington struggled against No. 7 California but pulled out a 24–17 victory.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-journal-washington-foils-cal/201519133/ The Atlanta Journal & Constitution Washington foils California's bid October 20, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com No. 4 Michigan defeated Indiana 24–16, and No. 5 Notre Dame won 28–15 at Air Force.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-times-michigans-magic-burns/201711856/ The Herald-Times Michigan's magic burns IU, 24–16 October 20, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-air-force-proves-p/201441345/ The Indianapolis Star Air Force proves pesky but Notre Dame prevails October 20, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com The top five remained the same in the next poll. October 25–26: No. 1 Florida State visited LSU for a 27–16 victory, No. 2 Miami won 36–9 at Arizona, No. 3 Washington beat Oregon 29–7, No. 4 Michigan defeated Minnesota 52–6, and No. 5 Notre Dame beat USC 24–20.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tampa-tribune-seminoles-rally-burie/135091704/ The Tampa Tribune Seminoles' rally buries LSU, 27–16 October 27, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-register-guard-miami-pins-a-369-los/201450414/ The Register-Guard Miami pins a 36–9 loss on Arizona October 27, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-spokesman-review-despite-penalties/201519284/ The Spokesman-Review Despite penalties, UW doesn't play fool to Oregon October 27, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-herald-records-gophers-fall-t/201657266/ The Times Herald Records, Gophers fall to U-M October 26, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com The top five again remained the same in the next poll. November November 2: No. 1 Florida State won 40–15 at Louisville.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-journal-fsu-stays-hot-blows/201434579/ The Atlanta Journal & Constitution FSU stays hot, blows Louisville away 40–15 November 3, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com No. 2 Miami was idle. No. 3 Washington defeated Arizona State 44–16, No. 4 Michigan shut out Purdue 42–0, and No. 5 Notre Dame blanked Navy 38–0.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-register-guard-huskies-rev-it-up-vs/201519424/ The Register-Guard Huskies rev it up vs. ASU November 3, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kalamazoo-gazette-purdue-no-match-fo/201711292/ The Kalamazoo Gazette Purdue no match for Michigan in 42–0 romp November 3, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kalamazoo-gazette-notre-dame-again-s/201411698/ The Kalamazoo Gazette Notre Dame again sinks Navy on football field, 38–0 November 3, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com In the next poll, Washington moved up to tie Miami at No. 2, with all of the other top teams remaining the same. November 9: No. 1 Florida State defeated South Carolina 38–10.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-palm-beach-post-fsu-beats-s-carolin/140214063/ The Palm Beach Post FSU beats S. Carolina unimpressively 38–10 November 10, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com No. 2 Miami beat West Virginia 27–3 while fellow No. 2 Washington won 14–3 at USC.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-palm-beach-post-miami-wakes-up-tops/140229308/ The Palm Beach Post Miami wakes up, tops West Virginia 27–3 November 10, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-signal-washington-finally-wins-at-co/201519606/ The Signal and Saugus Enterprise Washington finally wins at Coliseum November 10, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com No. 4 Michigan was a 59–14 victor over Northwestern.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-flint-journal-its-quick-easy-for-u/201658606/ The Flint Journal It's quick, easy for UM November 10, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com No. 5 Notre Dame blew a 31–7 second-quarter lead and lost 35–34 to No. 13 Tennessee on a blocked field goal attempt as time expired.https://www.newspapers.com/article/bristol-herald-courier-vols-dance-an-iri/135099504/ Bristol Herald Courier Vols dance an Irisg jig 35–34 November 10, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com No. 6 Florida won 45–13 over No. 23 Georgia to clinch the SEC title and a Sugar Bowl berth.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-palm-beach-post-gators-win-4513-cl/135094978/ The Palm Beach Post Gators win 45–13, clinch tie for SEC November 10, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com The next poll featured No. 1 Florida State, No. 2 Miami, No. 3 Washington, No. 4 Michigan, and No. 5 Florida. November 16 featured a highly-anticipated showdown between No. 1 Florida State and No. 2 Miami, the first time that the two rivals had met while ranked in the top two spots of the AP Poll. The Seminoles held a 16–7 lead in the fourth quarter, but the Hurricanes responded with a field goal and a touchdown to take a one-point lead with three minutes left. Florida State drove down the field, and coach Bobby Bowden elected to kick a field goal on third down with 29 seconds left. Kicker Gerry Thomas’s 34-yard attempt went wide right, delivering a 17–16 victory to Miami—the first of several FSU-Miami games in the 1990s and early 2000s which featured late-game kicking miscues by the Seminoles.https://www.newspapers.com/article/news-and-record-miami-nips-florida-state/201448661/ Greensboro News and Record Miami nips Florida State November 17, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com No. 3 Washington won 58–6 at Oregon Statehttps://www.newspapers.com/article/the-wichita-eagle-washington-gains-berth/201519700/ The Wichita Eagle Washington gains berth in Rose Bowl November 17, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com and No. 4 Michigan shut out No. 25 Illinois 20–0;https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pantagraph-michigan-of-old-tops-illi/201710588/ The Pantagraph Michigan of old tops Illini, 20–0 November 17, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com by clinching their respective conference titles, the Huskies and Wolverines ensured that they would meet each other in the Rose Bowl. No. 5 Florida finished their SEC schedule by beating Kentucky 35–26.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-miami-herald-how-sweet-gators-rule/135086131/ The Miami Herald How sweet! Gators rule SEC November 17, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com The next poll featured No. 1 Miami, No. 2 Washington, No. 3 Florida State, No. 4 Michigan, and No. 5 Florida. November 23: No. 1 Miami won 19–14 at Boston College.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-wichita-eagle-no-1-miami-survives-b/201450591/ The Wichita Eagle No. 1 Miami survives BC scare November 24, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com No. 2 Washington finished their season by defeating Washington State 56–21, and No. 4 Michigan dominated No. 18 Ohio State 31–3.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-tribune-uws-dream-creams-cougs/201519826/ Morning News Tribune UW's dream creams Cougs November 24, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.comhttps://www.newspapers.com/article/springfield-news-sun-no-contest-wolveri/201712662/ Springfield News-Sun No contest: Wolverines whip Buckeyes November 24, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com No. 3 Florida State and No. 5 Florida were idle as they prepared to play each other the following week. The top five remained the same in the next poll. November 30: No. 1 Miami beat San Diego State 39–12.https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-houston-chronicle-miami-makes-it-loo/201450684/ The Houston Chronicle Miami makes it look easy in beating San Diego State December 1, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com No. 2 Washington and No. 4 Michigan had finished their schedules. No. 3 Florida State suffered their second straight loss to an in-state rival, falling 14–9 to No. 5 Florida.https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-florida-finally/135100390/ Fort Worth Star-Telegram Florida finally solves slumping Florida State December 1, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com The top five in the final AP Poll of the regular season were No. 1 Miami, No. 2 Washington, No. 3 Florida, No. 4 Michigan, and No. 5 Florida State, but the Coaches’ Poll elevated Washington to No. 1 by a narrow margin. Postseason Bowl games With Washington contractually bound to the Rose Bowl and no opportunity for a de facto national championship matchup, No. 1 Miami opted for the hometown Orange Bowl as their postseason game. No. 11 Nebraska and No. 15 Colorado had finished in a tie both in their game against each other and at the top of the Big 8 standings; the Cornhuskers, with a higher ranking and better overall record, would face the Hurricanes. No. 2 Washington and No. 4 Michigan would meet in the Rose Bowl’s annual Pac-10 vs. Big Ten showdown. No. 3 Florida, the SEC champion, would face No. 18 Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl; No. 5 Florida State would go up against No. 9 Texas A&M, the SWC winner, in the Cotton Bowl; and the Fiesta Bowl would feature No. 6 Penn State against No. 10 Tennessee. Conference standings I-AA team wins over I-A teams Italics denotes I-AA teams. no no August 31 no Northeast Louisiana Southwestern Louisiana Cajun Field Lafayette, Louisiana Battle on the Bayou no 21–10 23,486 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69014324/nlu-indians-rip-usl/ The Daily Advertiser NLU Indians rip USL September 1, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com September 7 no UNLV 5 (I-AA) Nevada Mackay Stadium Reno, Nevada Battle for Nevada no 8–50 24,123 https://www.newspapers.com/article/reno-gazette-journal-rivalry-pack-routs/162955005/ Reno Gazette-Journal Rivalry? Pack routs Rebels September 8, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com September 14 no Illinois State Akron Rubber Bowl Akron, Ohio no 25–3 20,680 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-akron-beacon-journal-zips-are-left-s/163145055/ The Akron Beacon Journal Zips are left singing blues after 25–3 loss September 15, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com September 14 no Long Beach State 11 (I-AA) Boise State Bronco Stadium Boise, Idaho no 14–48 20,824 Boise St. 48, CS Long Beach 14 The Los Angeles Times September 16, 1991 C-20 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8858797/boise_st_48_cs_long_beach_14/ July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com October 5 no 11 (I-AA) William & Mary Navy Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium Annapolis, Maryland no 26–21 23,697 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun-division-i-aa-william/162914463/ The Baltimore Sun Division I-AA William & Mary takes step up at Navy's expense, 26–21 September 22, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com October 5 no Appalachian State Wake Forest Groves Stadium Winston-Salem, North Carolina no 17–3 28,234 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89683103/appalachian-rolls-by-sluggish-deacs/ The News and Observer Appalachian rolls by sluggish Deacs October 6, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com October 12 no The Citadel Army Michie Stadium West Point, New York no 20–14 40,459 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal-news-citadel-stuns-army/162875094/ The Journal News Citadel stuns Army October 13, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com October 26 no 11 (I-AA) Delaware Navy Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium Annapolis, Maryland no 29–25 30,490 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-journal-hens-stun-navy-2925/162990214/ The News Journal Hens stun Navy 29–25 October 27, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com No. 1 and No. 2 progress In the pre-season poll, Florida State was ranked No. 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 No. 1 and Miami reached No. 2. Those two Sunshine State teams would continue to be 1 and 2 as their November 16 meeting approached. On November 16 in Tallahassee, the long-awaited No. 1 & No. 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 23 and finished the regular season at 11–0; the Huskies took over the No. 2 spot in the final two polls of the regular season. In the coaches poll, Florida State and Miami opened up the season 1–2 and remained that way until Miami's win on November 16 put the Hurricanes No. 1 and allowed the Huskies to move to No. 2. After the end of the regular season, the coaches moved the Washington Huskies to the No. 1 ranking. They would keep the top spot after their Rose Bowl win over Michigan to split the National Title. Bowl games 1991–92 NCAA football bowl games New Year's Day Bowls Bowl Game Winning team Losing team Score Source Orange Bowl (Miami, Florida) No. 1 Miami (FL) No. 11 Nebraska 22–0 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daytona-beach-news-journal-no-1-mia/201450826/ The News-Journal No. 1 Miami stuffs Nebraska January 2, 1992 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com Rose Bowl (Pasadena, California) No. 2 Washington No. 4 Michigan 34–14 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-huskies-make-their/201519940/ The Los Angeles Times Huskies make their case January 2, 1992 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com Sugar Bowl (New Orleans, Louisiana) No. 18 Notre Dame No. 3 Florida 39–28 https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-irish-thwart-flo/135100487/ Wisconsin State Journal Irish thwart Florida January 2, 1992 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com Cotton Bowl (Dallas, Texas) No. 5 Florida State No. 9 Texas A&M 10–2 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer-florida-state/201448785/ The Philadelphia Inquirer Florida State overcomes turnovers to beat A&M January 2, 1992 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com Fiesta Bowl (Tempe, Arizona) No. 6 Penn State No. 10 Tennessee 42–17 https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-republic-lions-5-for-5/135099657/ Arizona Republic Lions 5 for 5 January 2, 1992 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com Peach Bowl (Atlanta, Georgia) No. 12 East Carolina No. 21 NC State 37–34 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72845831/blake-pirates-come-back-on-wolfpack/ The Charlotte Observer Blake, Pirates come back on Wolfpack January 2, 1992 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com Florida Citrus Bowl (Orlando, Florida) No. 14 California No. 13 Clemson 37–13 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-crafty-cal-fools-cl/140230051/ The Orlando Sentinel Crafty Cal fools Clemson January 2, 1992 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com Hall of Fame Bowl (Tampa, Florida) No. 16 Syracuse No. 25 Ohio State 24–17 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ledger-sixty-yard-td-toss-propels-sy/201449264/ The Ledger Sixty-yard TD toss propels Syracuse by Ohio State, 24–17 January 2, 1992 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com Other Bowls Bowl Game Date Winning team Losing team Score Source California Bowl (Fresno, California) December 14, 1991 Bowling Green Fresno State 28–21 https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-bowling-green-f/201587730/ Fort Worth Star-Telegram Bowling Green fights off Fresno State to win California Bowl, 28–21 December 15, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com Aloha Bowl (Hālawa, Hawaii) December 25, 1991 Georgia Tech No. 17 Stanford 18–17 https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-tech-climbs-off-t/140231872/ Honolulu Star-Bulletin Tech climbs off the deck to win by 1 December 26, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com Blockbuster Bowl (Miami Gardens, Florida) December 28, 1991 No. 8 Alabama No. 15 Colorado 30–25 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71596535/tide-offense-ends-slumber-to-beat-buffs/ The Montgomery Advertiser Tide offense ends slumber to beat Buffs December 29, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com Gator Bowl (Jacksonville, Florida) December 29, 1991 No. 20 Oklahoma No. 19 Virginia 48–14 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-commercial-appeal-oklahoma-captures/140232825/ The Commercial Appeal Oklahoma captures Gator December 30, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com Independence Bowl (Shreveport, Louisiana) December 29, 1991 No. 24 Georgia Arkansas 24–15 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-hog-wild-crowd-livens-bowl/135095211/ The Shreveport Times Hog-wild crowd livens bowl December 30, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com Liberty Bowl (Memphis, Tennessee) December 29, 1991 Air Force Mississippi State 38–15 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sacramento-bee-air-force-overwhelms/135093974/ The Sacramento Bee Air Force overwhelms Mississippi State 38–15 December 30, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com Holiday Bowl (San Diego, California) December 30, 1991 BYU No. 7 Iowa 13–13 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-nonpareil-hawks-byu-fit-to-be/201487108/ The Daily Nonpareil Hawks, BYU fit to be tied, 13–13 December 31, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com Freedom Bowl (Anaheim, California) December 30, 1991 No. 22 Tulsa San Diego State 28–17 https://www.newspapers.com/article/arizona-daily-sun-jackson-leads-tulsa/201443022/ Arizona Daily Sun Jackson leads Tulsa December 31, 1991 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com John Hancock Bowl (El Paso, Texas) December 31, 1991 No. 22 UCLA Illinois 6–3 https://www.newspapers.com/article/el-paso-herald-post-call-it-yawn-hanco/201522440/ El Paso Herald-Post Call it 'Yawn' Hancock January 1, 1992 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com Copper Bowl (Tucson, Arizona) December 31, 1991 Indiana Baylor 24–0 https://www.newspapers.com/article/tucson-citizen-indiana-zips-by-baylor/201471767/ Tucson Citizen Indiana zips by Baylor January 1, 1992 July 16, 2026 Newspapers.com Final rankings 1991 NCAA Division I-A football rankings AP Poll Miami (FL) (32) Washington (28) Penn State Florida State Alabama Michigan Florida California East Carolina Iowa Syracuse Texas A&M Notre Dame Tennessee Nebraska Oklahoma Georgia Clemson UCLA Colorado Tulsa Stanford Brigham Young North Carolina State Air Force Coaches Poll thumb|1991 Coaches Poll national championship trophy on display inside Husky Stadium Washington (33 1 2) Miami (FL) (25 1 2) Penn State Florida State Alabama Michigan California Florida East Carolina Iowa Syracuse Notre Dame Texas A&M Oklahoma Tennessee Nebraska Clemson UCLA Georgia Colorado Tulsa Stanford Brigham Young Air Force North Carolina State Heisman Trophy voting The Heisman Trophy is given to the year's most outstanding player Player School Position 1st 2nd 3rd Total Desmond Howard Michigan WR 640 68 21 2,077 Casey Weldon Florida State QB 19 175 96 503 Ty Detmer BYU QB 19 129 130 445 Steve Emtman Washington DT 29 100 70 357 Shane Matthews Florida QB 11 72 69 246 Vaughn Dunbar Indiana RB 6 51 53 173 Jeff Blake East Carolina QB 7 29 35 114 Terrell Buckley Florida State CB 1 24 51 102 Marshall Faulk San Diego State RB 0 10 32 52 Bucky Richardson Texas A&M QB 6 9 9 43 Other major awards Maxwell (MVP) - Desmond Howard, Michigan Camp (College Player of the Year) - Desmond Howard, Michigan Butkus (Linebacker) - Erick Anderson, Michigan Lombardi (Lineman) - Steve Emtman, Washington Outland (Interior lineman) - Steve Emtman, Washington AFCA Coach of the Year - Bill Lewis, East Carolina FWAA Coach of the Year - Don James, Washington Attendances Average home attendance top 3: Rank Team Average 1 Michigan Wolverines 105,337 2 Tennessee Volunteers 96,398 3 Penn State Nittany Lions 95,846 Source:ATTENDANCE RECORDS https://s3.amazonaws.com/fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/Attend.pdf References