Ep 28. The U: Part 2

In 1980s Miami, it wasn't just the heat that was blazing. The University of Miami Hurricanes started a football program in 1980 and just a few seasons later, they were winning national championships and forging a new way of playing the game. In The U: Part 2, the second episode of the 30 for 30 series about the Hurricanes' football team, the filmmakers delve back into the glory days of the team and explore the ripple effects of their incredible and controversial run.

The original The U premiered in 2009 and quickly became one of the most talked-about episodes of the 30 for 30 series. It focused on the Hurricanes' rise to dominance under the coaching of Howard Schnellenberger and Jimmy Johnson, as well as the culture around the team that was often criticized for being undisciplined, arrogant, and even dangerous. The U: Part 2 picks up where the first episode left off, examining the team's ups and downs in the 1990s and beyond.

The filmmakers interview many of the key players, coaches, and figures from the era, including Michael Irvin, Warren Sapp, Ray Lewis, and Ed Reed, as well as Miami natives who remember what it was like to be around the team during their heyday. They also explore the impact of the Hurricanes' success on college football as a whole, as other teams started emulating their high-powered offense and unapologetic swagger.

But The U: Part 2 also doesn't shy away from the controversies that plagued the team, including sanctions from the NCAA and accusations of rampant drug use and academic fraud. The filmmakers explore how these scandals affected the program and its reputation, and how those involved have reflected on their actions since then. They also examine how Miami's image as a hotbed for crime and violence may have played a role in the perception of the Hurricanes and their fans.

Overall, The U: Part 2 is a fascinating and comprehensive look at one of the most fascinating and polarizing teams in college football history. It's a must-see for fans of the sport, as well as anyone interested in the intersection of sports, culture, and politics. While it may not change anyone's opinion about the Hurricanes, it offers a nuanced and insightful look at what made them so captivating - and why they continue to be a topic of conversation today.