Miami Lays Claim To Fifth Title
Jan. 2, 2001
By MARK LONG
AP Sports Writer
NEW ORLEANS – Receiver Santana Moss tossed his Miami helmet high intothe air, then sprinted to midfield to join several of his teammates incelebration. They jumped up and down on the Sugar Bowl logo, chanting aboutbeing state and national champions.
Then cornerback Markese Fitzgerald made an even more emphatic statement.
“There’s no recount needed,” he screamed, “Miami is No. 1!”
Not quite yet. But the second-ranked Hurricanes did all they could to provetheir point Tuesday night, beating No. 7 Florida 37-20.
Even though Miami (11-1) will have to wait for the outcome of Wednesdaynight’s Orange Bowl between top-ranked Oklahoma and No. 3 Florida State, theHurricanes believe that – if the Seminoles win – they should earn a share ofthe national title.
Miami still could claim the top spot in The Associated Press media poll. TheOrange Bowl winner, though, will automatically be crowned the champion of thecoaches’ poll by virtue of the Bowl Championship Series.
“We deserve it, but it’s up to the people now,” running back ClintonPortis said. “We want to be No. 1, and if the AP writers want to give us thechampionship, we would love that.”
Linebacker Dan Morgan doesn’t even need the wait for the writers’ poll. Hesaid the 17-point victory should be more than enough to sway any unconvincedvoters.
“We’re the best team in the nation,” he said. “We proved that all year bybeating Florida State, Virginia Tech and now Florida. If they don’t give it tous, it would be a real shame. But it won’t make us any less of a team.”
Said receiver Reggie Wayne: “We’ve done as much as we possibly could. It’sa great feeling. I don’t think I could ever feel like this again. It’s like adream come true.”
The Hurricanes rolled up 454 total yards, including 97 yards rushing fromPortis, 89 yards receiving from Moss and 270 yards passing from Ken Dorsey.They outplayed Florida from the start, moving the ball at will and scoring onthree of their first four possessions.
They put the game away with three late touchdowns – two by Najeh Davenport.Miami also got three field goals from Todd Sievers.
After the game, the Hurricanes signed autographs, high-fived fans andcelebrated as they left the field – anticipating the school’s fifth nationalchampionship. Miami also won titles in 1983, ’87, ’89 and ’91.
“In my heart we’re No. 1 no matter what happens,” said receiver AndreKing, who recorded the entire sideline festivities on video.
But for all the postgame festivities and locker room jubilation, all the’Canes can do now is wait.
“I have no doubt Florida State will win,” safety Al Blades said. “Andwhen they do that, we’ll be No. 1.”
