Long Beach Offers Miami a Bargain-Basement Foe
Five years ago, Cal State Long Beach was so desperate to save its struggling football program that it jumped at opportunities to be a patsy, provided the price was right.
That led to embarrassing losses at Michigan, 49-0, in 1987; and Clemson, 59-0, last season, but big paydays, $300,000 from Michigan, $250,000 from Clemson. Since 1986 Long Beach has lost seven big-money games while being outscored, 351-57.
But the school hauled in more than $3 million.
Today’s game at 1 p.m. PDT against second-ranked Miami at the Orange Bowl figures to be one of those big beatings but not one of those big moneymakers.
From a $125,000 guarantee the 49ers figure to net a bit more than $70,000.
The Miami deal was signed in September, 1986, for $100,000. The 49ers later tried to break the Miami contract, but the Hurricanes refused, although they kicked in an additional $25,000. Miami (5-0) has won 41 consecutive home games. The 49ers are 1-5.
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