Definition
The 2002 Rose Bowl was the 88th edition of the annual college football bowl game held at the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, California, United States. It served as the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) National Championship Game for the 2001 NCAA Division I‑A football season.
Overview
The game was played on January 3 2002 (a Monday) at the Rose Bowl stadium. The contest featured the University of Miami Hurricanes (ranked No. 1 in the BCS standings) against the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers (ranked No. 2). Miami won by a score of 37–14, securing the national championship for the 2001 season. The Hurricanes were coached by Larry Coker and led by senior quarterback Ken Dorsey, who was named the Rose Bowl Player of the Game. Nebraska was coached by Frank Solich. The game was broadcast in the United States on ABC and attracted an estimated television audience of over 20 million viewers. Attendance at the stadium was recorded at 92,618 spectators.
Etymology/Origin
The title “Rose Bowl” originates from the historic annual postseason game traditionally played on New Year’s Day in Pasadena, a tradition dating to 1902. The “2002” designation follows the convention of naming bowl games by the calendar year in which they are played, regardless of the season they conclude.
Characteristics
- Date and Venue: January 3 2002; Rose Bowl stadium, Pasadena, California.
- Teams: Miami Hurricanes (University of Miami, Florida) vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers (University of Nebraska–Lincoln).
- Final Score: Miami 37, Nebraska 14.
- Scoring Summary: Miami opened the game with a 10‑0 lead in the first quarter and extended it to 24‑0 by halftime. Nebraska scored two touchdowns in the third quarter, but Miami added 13 points in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
- Key Players:
- Ken Dorsey (Miami) – quarterback, 209 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions; Rose Bowl MVP.
- Clinton Portis (Nebraska) – running back, 111 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns.
- Coaching: Larry Coker (Miami) secured his first national championship; Frank Solich (Nebraska) recorded his final appearance in a BCS championship game.
- Broadcast and Media: The game was televised nationally by ABC; radio coverage was provided by ESPN Radio.
- Attendance: 92,618 spectators, representing a near‑sell‑out of the stadium’s capacity.
- Historical Significance: The victory gave Miami its fifth recognized national championship and marked the first time the Rose Bowl served as the BCS National Championship Game.
Related Topics
- Rose Bowl Game – The long‑standing college football postseason tradition held annually in Pasadena.
- Bowl Championship Series (BCS) – The system that selected the top two teams to compete for the national championship from 1998 to 2013.
- 2001 NCAA Division I‑A Football Season – The regular season culminating in the 2002 Rose Bowl championship.
- Miami Hurricanes Football – The football program of the University of Miami, noted for its successful run in the early 2000s.
- Nebraska Cornhuskers Football – The football program of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, a historically prominent team in college football.
- Ken Dorsey – Miami quarterback and Rose Bowl MVP, later a professional NFL player and coach.
All information presented reflects verified historical records.