Joe Hernandez was a member of the 1970 Spartan team concluded the season 10-1 under head coach Fran Curci. Tampa upset Miami by a final score of 31-14 led by former Hurricane quarterback Lew Pytel, leading the Spartans to a No. 1 ranking. The victory was considered unlikely to happen against a University Division opponent. Tampa continued to dominate opponents following the victory and finished the season ranked No. 2 in the nation.