This week, Sports Editor Eric Taylor presents his top five sports upsets. Next week, look for Executive Editor Ron Petak’s top five favorite things about vacation.

5) Miami over Nebraska, 1984 Orange Bowl

I know this serves as a painful reminder for Husker fans, but the unthinkable happened on Jan. 2 when the “Scoring Explosion” from Nebraska fell for the first time and was denied a national title. Led by a freshman quarterback (Bernie Kosar) the 14-point underdog Hurricanes took advantage of a homefield advantage to stun the Huskers, 31-30. The game will be remembered for two things — Tom Osborne having the guts to go for two late in the game and Miami’s win setting them up for a near-decade dominance of college football.

4) N.C. State over Houston, 1983 NCAA title game

Houston and it’s Phi Slama Jama was supposed to dunk its way to an NCAA title and end the Cinderella story of coach Jim Valvano and his Wolfpack. But there was still one more dance left in the ball and that was done by Valvano after Lorenzo Charles’ dunk at the buzzer capped off an amazing run through the tourney.

3) Jets over Colts, Super Bowl III

It was supposed to be another blowout for the NFL as the Colts were installed as 18-point favorites. But Joe Namath’s guarantee came true as the Jets took advantage of a sloppy Colt performance in a 16-7 victory. The win solidified the AFL as a legitimate league and made Namath a hero and a Hall of Famer. It also led to Don Shula leaving the Colts and joining the Miami Dolphins, which worked our very well for South Florida and this Dolphins fan.

2) U.S.A. over Russia in 1980 Olympics

Do you believe in Miracles? Yes!! The stunning 4-3 victory ended Russia’s 20-year dominance of Olympic hockey and propelled the Americans to their first gold since 1960.

1) Buster Douglas over Mike Tyson

James “Buster” Douglas was a 42 to 1 underdog against the supposedly invincible Tyson prior to their bout on Feb. 11, 1990 in Toyko. But Douglas stunned Tyson with a 10th round knockout, setting off regrettable career paths for both men. Douglas lost his title six months later and Tyson never recovered from the loss.

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