For the third time in five years, and the fourth in seven, the Federal Express Orange Bowl was the cream of the proverbial crop of New Year's Day bowl games as Miami soundly defeated Nebraska, 22-0, to take a share of the national championship.

Hurricane fullback and game MVP Larry Jones ran for 144 yards and a TD on 30 carries while quarterback Gino Torretta completed 19 of 41 passes for 257 yards and a TD.

The Huskers, leaders in NCAA offense going into the game, didn't earn a rushing yard in the first quarter and netted just one yard on one completed pass. Miami became the first team in 221 games to hold the Cornhuskers scoreless.

Nebraska starting I-back Derek Brown gained only 10 yards on five carries, and the Huskers pass attack was stifled by a Miami defensive front that got to quarterback Keithen McCant five times for losses of 32 yards. Second string running back Calvin Jones led Nebraska with 69 yards, most of which came in the second half.

Miami made a defensive stance early, holding Nebraska to a three-and-out on its first possession and sacking McCant for a loss of seven yards.

The Hurricane offense responded with a five-play, 51-yard scoring drive, that including a 36-yard pass completion to Kevin Williams. Two plays later, Williams caught an 8-yard toss in the endzone for the TD.

Miami continued its defensive domination while the offense added two Carlos Huerta field goals for a 13-0 cushion.

The third quarter proved no more fruitful for Nebraska. Needing a strong defensive showing, the 'Huskers failed to hinder Miami from marching 66 yards on its opening drive, culminating in a 1-yard Jones run and a 19-0 lead. Huerta added a 54-yard f ield goal, second longest in OB history, to make the final 22-0.

Williams caught eight passes for 126 yards for Miami and the defensive stoppers were tackle Rusty Medearis, who had four sacks, and Micheal Barrow, who contributed 10 tackles.

Miami finished #1 in the Associated Press poll while the University of Washington got the nod from the coaches poll.