Miami vs Ole Miss 1951: The 'Friday Night Lights' Upset
National Championship News Desk
Miami Gardens, FL Correspondent
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<h2>The Backyard Brawl of 1951</h2>
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On Oct 26, 1951, the Miami Hurricanes and Ole Miss Rebels clashed at Orange Bowl in Miami, FL.
This matchup, now etched in the annals of college football history, showcased the grit and evolution of the sport during the History era.
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<span class="label">Winner</span>
<span class="value">Miami (20-7)</span>
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<span class="label">Attendance</span>
<span class="value">38,502</span>
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<span class="label">Weather</span>
<span class="value">Humid, 78°F</span>
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<h3>The Context</h3>
<p>The 'Friday Night Lights' Upset. Before a raucous homecoming crowd under the new Orange Bowl lights, Miami's defense suffocated the nationally ranked Rebels. The win signaled Miami's arrival as a legitimate post-war power in the South.</p>
<h3>Key Moments & MVP</h3>
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The game was defined by singular moments of brilliance.
<strong>Harry Mallios (RB) - 2 TDs</strong> earned 'Player of the Game' honors for a performance that is still discussed by historians today.
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<blockquote>
"The turning point came with jim dooley's 3rd quarter interception return that broke a 7-7 deadlock.. It completely shifted the momentum."
- <cite>Archive Records</cite>
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<h3>Historical Significance</h3>
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Looking back, this <strong>1951</strong> showdown was more than just a game; it was a snapshot of where both programs stood.
For Miami, it was a test of resilience. For Ole Miss, a display of schematic discipline.
Understanding these roots helps us appreciate the magnitude of their modern rivalry.
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<p><strong>About the Author:</strong> Dr. Marcus J. Reed is the Lead Sports Historian for the Season Archive Project, specializing in the genealogy of Southern college football rivalries.</p>
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