Led by second-year head coach Howard Schnellenberger, the Hurricanes played their home games at the Miami Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida.
They were invited to the Peach Bowl, where they defeated Virginia Tech, 20–10.
[13] [14] Jim Kelly threw for two touchdowns and halfbacks Mark Rush and Smokey Roan each ran for one as Miami upset Florida on their way to a Peach Bowl berth.
Dan Miller had attempted a field goal as time expired with one official signaling the kick was good, while the other did not.
Both teams left the field with the score 28-7 before minutes later it was changed to 31-7 as it was explained the official that appeared to wave the kick "no good" was signaling that the clock had run out.