Miami

The helmet was altered to a solid white shell for the 1957 season, just as the team had worn from 1950 through '53. Their 5-4-1 '57 performance was directed by 142-pound QB Fran Curci, a local from Archbishop Curley H.S. who would later return to UM first as an assistant and then as their head coach. HB John Varrone, now out of Bossler's shadow, proved to be an effective receiver and runner while Vestor Newcomb and 6'3", 220-pound Charley Diamond again led the line charge, resulting in their number two ranking in national rush defense.

1958 was a 2-8 disaster and would mark the retirement of both the Drive Series and the white helmet. Instead, a Green Bay gold helmet was worn

without adornment. Diminutive QB Fran Curci threw well and speed abounded so after the ineffective offensive showing of 1957, Coach Gus was ready to revamp. Senior Gary Greaves and soph center James Otto were the line standouts. A new assistant coach, Hank Stram, was brought in to teach an innovative wide-open offense to junior QB Curci but it would take most of the season for the team to adapt to it. Suffering four offensive shutouts (the defense contributed a safety in both the 6-2 loss to BC and in the season's final game, a 2-0 victory over Oregon) was reason enough to believe the offense still needed improvement.