Been national champions but for the loss to BYU. Finished 3rd.

The Miami defense was stacked.

They had 5 guys play over 10 years in the NFL (not counting bench guys in 1990).
-Darrin Smith
-Darryl Williams
-Russell Maryland (also Unanimous All American)
-Michael Barrow
-Jesse Armstead

In addition, Shane Curry was a 2nd round NFL draft pick that spring (may have had a long career but was murdered after his rookie campaign)

Additionally, Maurice Crum was a consensus All American in 1990, although he didn't turn out to be an NFL guy.

7 absolute studs on that D.

Their D coaches included Sonny Lubick (DC), National Championship coach Ed Orgeron, and Tommy Tuberville.

That defense was absolutely stacked.

I would also note that Miami won the national championship in 89 and 91.

The knock against Detmer (and other BYU QBs) was always well you're a system QB and you don't ever play anyone of real note.

The Miami game basically took that talking point off the table. There were not good arguments for not giving the Heisman to Detmer.