30 for 30 (TV Series) The U: Part 2 (2014) User Reviews

Once again, the University of Miami wins championships and then ends up becoming an embarrassment.

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 17 January 2015]

In 2009, ESPN's "30 for 30" series focused on the super-successful but super-thuggish University of Miami football team of the 1980s and 90s. The school won several national championships but ultimately was punished by the NCAA for their many rules violations. It was a very interesting show and so I was thrilled to see that there was a follow-up episode, "The U: Part 2". In it, you learn that despite a few years during which the school seriously struggled following the NCAA sanctions, soon the school was back to their winning ways and eventually back to being the NCAA champions. However, like a case of deja vu, towards the end of the show, the program is once again rocked with thuggish behaviors and more NCAA rule violations that anyone could possibly count--mostly due to the school's connection with a man who operated a mega-million dollar ponzi scheme! So, it's a case where if you've seen part one, it's like seeing part 2 and vice-versa! Well worth seeing and very well made but also a care where it's pretty much the same old same old...

Even Better Than the First

[Michael_Elliott · 4 August 2016]

30 for 30: The U Part 2 (2014)

**** (out of 4)

Billy Corbin follows up his 2009 30 for 30 episode with this even better film that talks about the rise of Miami football during the early 2000s and their eventual collapse due to a scandal that rocked college football.

I was really shocked to see how wonderful this film was but it turned out to be even better than the original. The best thing about this film is the fact that it gives an honest and at times funny look at what went on during these years. The now infamous Championship game against Ohio State is looked at in great detail and it was wonderful getting to hear from the players on their reactions to that game now.

The Shapiro scandal is also looked at in great detail and this here is when the documentary is at its best because it gives you a clear idea of what was going on but it also asks questions on how something like this could happen. Of course, the answer is the blank check and school's turning a blind eye to this type of stuff.

If you're a fan of Miami football then I really don't think you'll be letdown with this film. If you hate Miami football then you'll still enjoy seeing what the school was able to do and I'm sure you'll get an added kick out of what eventually happened.

The U gets back on top only to fall from grace once again

[Woodyanders · 9/10 · 26 May 2020]

Part 2 on the legendary University of Miami football team the Hurricanes starts off with Coach Butch Davis getting the team back into mighty fighting shape so Coach Larry Coker could lead them to a National Championship victory in 2001. However, a bad call from a referee prevents the Hurricanes from winning a second National Championship the following year. Worse yet, the U starts to fall apart in 2003, with the all-time worst and most damaging incident occurring when various team players are revealed to be buddies with sleazebag booster Nevin Shapiro, who beget a huge nasty scandal with his massive multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme. Director Billy Corben captures the bittersweet highs and lows of the U during this turbulent period with bracing acuity. Moreover, the players relate a wealth of fun stories about their glory days. Sure, the U may be tainted with scandal and had more than its fair share of bad boy players, but there's no denying that the Hurricanes were a simply incredible college football team in their prime. It's all about the U, baby!