College football duos: Ranking the 32 best dynamic duos in modern history

5. Ken Dorsey and Willis McGahee, Miami

Those Miami teams at the turn of the century were some of the best teams to ever grace the football field. Ed Reed, Phillip Buchanon and Dan Morgan solidified a great defense, but it was the offense that put up the headlines. No Miami offense was as good as that 2002 squad.

Ken Dorsey was going into his senior season ready to finish the best career of any quarterback in team history. He led the team to the championship in the 2001 season, but his numbers in 2002 were even better, even if it had a bittersweet ending.

The presence of Willis McGahee really helped Dorsey flourish. McGahee ran for 1,753 yards and 28 touchdowns. Only eight players have scored more rushing touchdowns in a season ever. He even added 355 receiving yards, putting him over 2,100 yards on the season. Honestly, it’s underrated in terms of best seasons from a running back in history. Obviously, it’s not Barry Sanders, but can you name 10 better performances from a running back?

In the passing game, Dorsey had his best season. He threw for 3,300 yards and 28 touchdowns. They both turned up in big games. Against No. 9 Florida State, Dorsey threw for 362 yards and two touchdowns. Both touchdowns came in the fourth quarter as Miami finished the comeback. McGahee had 95 yards and a score. Miami ended up winning by one.

Obviously, this season ended with a loss in the National Championship. McGahee tore most of the ligaments in his knee in that Fiesta Bowl Game, missing the end. Miami ended up losing in double overtime. It showed the importance of McGahee. He wasn’t even having a good game, but he still put up 72 total yards and a touchdown. If the Hurricanes had McGahee at the end, it’s hard to believe they wouldn’t be able to win this game.