The Rock Makes Reference To Classic BYU/Miami Game In TV Sitcom

PROVO, Utah – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is primarily known for his successful acting and WWE career. But once upon a time, he was a college football player at the University of Miami during the Hurricanes zenith.

The Rock just wrapped up season one of his TV sitcom on NBC titled “Young Rock.” He’s the Executive Producer of the show. On episode four, titled “Check Your Head” of the 11-episode season, the show dived into The Rock’s first year at Miami in 1990.

Once a heralded recruit from Freedom High School in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Johnson signed with the Canes in large part because of the relationship he formed with Ed Orgeron. Yes, the current LSU head coach. Orgeron was the defensive line coach for the Hurricanes during their glory years.

The Rock was part of the 1990 Miami team that lost to BYU.

My favorite scene from one of my favorite shows right now, #YoungRock.

Also, the only one at #BYU that got “hit in the mouth” that game was @TyDetmer14, but we know the final score @TheRock 😉#GoCougs | #AAPI #AAPIHM pic.twitter.com/40CraW5iq3

— Hemā Heimuli Jr. (@x_hems) May 14, 2021

In the episode, there’s a scene of Orgeron talking to Miami players, including Johnson, about the 1990 opener at, you guessed it, BYU.

“Saturday is our season opener against BYU. Those Utah boys like to throw those pretty passes. Play that finesse game. What do we like to do,” asked the actor playing Orgeron.

All of the Miami players exclaimed, “Hit ’em in the mouth!”

#OnThisDay 30 years ago: @BYUfootball took down the No. 1 ranked @MiamiHurricanes.

The win catapulted @TyDetmer14 to stardom and Heisman glory.#BYU | #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/GwZdBSlQ4f

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 9, 2020

As you all know, BYU navigated the rare Hurricane watch for Provo with the defending National Champions in town. BYU, led by Heisman Trophy-winning QB Ty Detmer, took down the No. 1 Hurricanes, 28-21. In a game that is still viewed as the greatest victory in BYU football history.

Ty Detmer did get “hit in the mouth” but came out victorious

Ty Detmer saw the “Young Rock” clip on social media and replied with a picture that did show him getting “hit in the mouth” during the 1990 classic.

Still one of my favorite pictures I have! “Hit in the mouth” lol pic.twitter.com/6WaEorq2sa

— Ty Detmer (@TyDetmer14) May 14, 2021

The Rock didn’t play in that 1990 game in Provo. He suffered a season-ending injury just days before the season-opener against the Cougs. Johnson went on to play the following four years with Miami before launching a media empire as a wrestler and now entertainment icon.

You can watch “Young Rock” episodes on-demand on NBC.com.

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12-3 pm) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.