Where were you when the United States beat the Soviets in 1980? You ask anyone who was around during that time and whether they’re a diehard sports fan or a casual observer, they probably have an answer for you. It was, is and forever will be one of the greatest upsets in sports history and like I said earlier, the blend of athletics and politics at the time made for a better story than Hollywood could ever write.
The United States had lost an exhibition against the same USSA team just three days before the Olympics began, 10-3 at Madison Square Garden. That same Soviet team has disposed easily of NHL All-Star squads and was easily regarded as the best hockey team in the world.
Miami (FL) football in the 1980’s was the college football equivalent. They had won national championships in 1983 and 1987 while only finishing with more than two losses three times in all of the 1980’s. By 1988 they were defending national champions and a considerable favorite over Lou Holtz’s Fighting Irish that afternoon.
I don’t think anyone in their right mind would ever consider it Notre Dame’s biggest upset of all-time, that’d be reserved for ending Oklahoma’s win streak in 1957 or one of Knute Rockne’s wins over Army in Yankee Stadium. That said, it was still Notre Dame knocking off what as the standard in college football at the time.
Still Game(s) to be Played