In honor of the Hurricanes retiring Heisman Trophy winner Gino Torretta’s No. 13 jersey this Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium we have compiled Torretta’s 13 most memorable starts as Miami’s quarterback.
October 14, 1989: No. 2 Miami 48, San Jose State 16
In only his second career start, Torretta throws for a then-school record 468 yards in the Canes’ 48-16 rout of the Spartans. Torretta completed 32 of 49 passes on the day, including touchdown strikes to Lamar Thomas, Wesley Carroll and Randy Bethel. Both Carroll and Dale Dawkins topped 100 yards receiving in the game. Torretta raced past Bernie Kosar’s previous school record of 447 yards before departing the game with more than nine minutes remaining.
September 12, 1991: No. 2 Miami 40, No. 10 Houston 10
Torretta and the Canes outdueled David Klingler and Houston’s ballyhooed Run ‘N Shoot offense in a 40-10 rout at the Orange Bowl. Torretta threw for 365 yards and four touchdowns, two each to Lamar Thomas and Kevin Williams, who averaged over 26 yards per catch between them. Three of Miami’s five touchdown drives were just four plays as Torretta executed the Canes’ quick-strike offense to perfection.
October 12, 1991: No. 2 Miami 26, No. 9 Penn State 20
Torretta connected with Horace Copeland on an 80-yard touchdown pass that broke open a 6-6 and tie and led the Canes to an eventual 26-20 victory over the Nittany Lions at the Orange Bowl. Torretta later hit Lamar Thomas on a 42-yard touchdown toss in the fourth quarter that put the game away. He finished with 260 passing yards, connecting with seven different receivers.
October 26, 1991: No. 2 Miami 36, Arizona 9
The Canes traveled west for their first-ever meeting with Arizona and Torretta lit up the Wildcats for 350 yards and two scores en route to a 36-9 win. Torretta threw a season-high 50 passes, connecting with Lamar Thomas on a 46-yard scoring strike to give Miami a 13-0 lead, and later hitting fullback Martin Patton on a 16-yard touchdown toss.