Canes Poised To Remain Undefeated

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(#2 AP/#2 ESPN/USA TODAY) Miami Hurricanes (4-0, 1-0 BIG EAST)vs. West Virginia Mountaineers (1-3, 0-0 BIG EAST)

When: Thursday, October 2, 2003, at 7:30 p.m. EDT.
Where: Orange Bowl (Natural Grass; 72,319) in Miami.
TV: ESPN will televise the game live with Mike Tirico (play-by-play) and Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso (analysis) describing the action. Dr. Jerry Punch will report from the sidelines.
Fox Sports Net Florida (Tape Delay, Friday, Oct.. 3, 4 p.m. Eastern) will replay ESPN’s broadcast of the Miami/West Virginia football game.
Radio: The Hurricanes Radio Network (WQAM 560 AM) will carry the game live with Joe Zagacki (play-by-play) Don Bailey, Jr. (analysis), and Brian London (sideline reports) describing the action. Josh Darrow is the studio host.
En Espanol: Radio Unica (1210 AM) will broadcast the game in Spanish with Roly Martin (play-by-play) and Joe Martinez (analysis) describing the action.
Student Station: WVUM (90.5 FM) will broadcast the game in with Jeremy Marks Peltz (play-by-play) and Jesse Agler (analysis) describing the action.
Websites: Miami (www.hurricanesports.com), West Virginia (www.msnsportsnet.com).

THE MIAMI-WEST VIRGINIA SERIES

Miami and West Virginia have played 18 times since the 1942 season with the Hurricanes holding a 15-3 series advantage over the Mountaineers.Additionally, Miami is 10-2 against West Virginia since the start of BIG EAST Conference play in 1991 and 8-2 against the Mountaineers since full league play began in 1993.The 15-3 record against the Mountaineers includes a 7-1 mark on the road in Morgantown and a 8-2 mark at the Orange Bowl in Miami.The Nov. 9, 1991, meeting with West Virginia marked the Hurricanes’ first official BIG EAST Conference football game. Prior to the start of full league play in 1993, the Hurricanes played the Mountaineers and Boston College in that inaugural 1991 season.Miami enters the 2003 game with West Virginia riding a five-game win streak in the series dating back to the 1998 season. Additionally, UM has won eight of the last nine meetings with the Mountaineers since 1994.The current five-game win streak against West Virginia is tied for the longest in the series with the five-game UM win streak set from 1974-1992. The Hurricanes have also put together win streaks of three games (1994-96) and two games (1942-56). West Virginia’s three wins came in 1973, 1993 and 1997.In the current five-game win streak over West Virginia, Miami has outscored the Mountaineers 194-87 (38.8-17.4, UM +21.4). In the 10 games played at the Orange Bowl, UM has outscored the Mountaineers 242-125 (24.2-12.5, UM +11.7).

SERIES RECORD
Miami leads, 15-3
Record at the Orange Bowl: Miami leads, 8-2
Record at Morgantown: Miami leads, 7-1

UM STANDS TALL IN THE BIG EAST
In its 13th season of competition in the BIG EAST, Miami has forged a league-best 67-10 (.870) overall conference record. The Hurricanes’ eight BIG EAST titles are also a league-best, ahead of Syracuse (3), Virginia Tech (3) and West Virginia (1).

BIG EAST-RECORD 25-GAME WIN STREAK ON THE LINE AGAINST WEST VIRGINIAWith the win over Boston College to open the 2003 BIG EAST Conference season, Miami has won 25 consecutive BIG EAST games since a 55-0 defeat over Rutgers on Nov. 20, 1999. The current streak is ahead of the Hokies’ 14-game string from 1998-2000. Additionally, UM has also won 28 of its last 29 BIG EAST games including a 1999 loss to Virginia Tech. Miami has also recorded conference win streaks of 12 games (1991-93), 10 games (1995-96) and seven games (1994).

DURING THE STREAK…
*Closest Road Game: 26-24 at Virginia Tech (December 1, 2001)
*Closest Home Game: 28-21 over Pittsburgh (November 21, 2002)
*Largest Home Victory Margin: 61 in a 61-0 over Rutgers (September 8, 2001)
*Largest Road Victory Margin: 58 in a 64-6 win at Rutgers (Sept. 30, 2000)

MIAMI UNSCATHED AGAINST 3 SCHOOLS IN BIG EAST PLAY
Miami improved to 12-0 against Boston College since opening BIG EAST play in the 1991 season. BC, Temple and Rutgers are the conference foes who have never beaten Miami in league competition. The Hurricanes are 11-0 against the Owls since 1992 and will face them on Oct. 18 in the Orange Bowl. Miami stands at 10-0 vs. Rutgers since 1993 and will face the Scarlet Knights at the Orange Bowl on Nov. 22.

THE LAST TIME THEY MET…
MIAMI 40, WEST VIRGINIA 23 (OCT. 26, 2002 – MOUNTAINEER FIELD, MORGANTOWN)
Miami tied a school record with its 29th straight victory in its 40-23 win over West Virginia at Mountaineer Field. West Virginia put together an impressive rushing performance that saw them trail the Hurricanes 24-23 late in the third quarter, but Miami showed why it is the defending national champions, immediately responding with a pair of touchdowns four minutes apart. Ken Dorsey threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Andre Johnson and Willis McGahee ran in from a yard out for a 37-23 lead with 13:59 to play.

Dorsey had his best game of the season, completing 22-of-36 passes for a career-high 422 yards and three touchdowns. He got some help from a pair of playmakers in McGahee, who had 112 yards and three scores on 32 carries, and Johnson, who had 111 yards and two touchdowns on six catches.
West Virginia’s downfall was its inability to pass. Rashe Marshall was just 6-of-17 passing for 60 yards and an interception. Avon Cobourne paced the Mountaineers ground attack with 175 yards on 26 carries.

COKER OFF TO RECORD START
Miami head football coach Larry Coker is 28-1 as a head coach entering the West Virginia game. Coker set a modern NCAA record for victories by a first-year head coach in 2001 with 12 wins. Coker’s 24-1 two-year start ranks as one of the finest by a head coach in the history of college football in terms of winning percentage. In terms of victories through two seasons as a head coach, Coker’s 24 victories ranks third all-time, the most in 109 years.

MIAMI’S REGULAR SEASON WIN STREAK
With the win over Boston College, Miami enters the West Virginia game riding a 36-game win streak in regular-season play. The streak started on Sept. 23, 2000, with a 47-10 victory at West Virginia. Miami’s last regular season loss was a 34-29 setback at Washington (Sept. 9, 2000). Since then, the Hurricanes have won 38 of 39 games overall (including two bowl victories). Miami’s 34-game unbeaten streak overall ended with a loss to Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 3, 2003. Miami is 38-2 since the start of the 2000 season, the nation’s best record during that stretch. Miami’s 47-6 record since 1999 also is the nation’s finest.

MIAMI IMPROVES TO 11-3 IN BIG EAST OPENERS
With the win over Boston College, Miami improved to 11-3 in BIG EAST Conference openers since starting in the league in 1991, while going 9-3 since complete league play began in 1993. UM has won its last five conference openers. On the road in league openers, UM is 8-2, including wins in four straight.

CURRENT ROAD WIN STREAK AT 17 GAMES
Miami has won a national-best 17 straight regular season games away from the Orange Bowl since defeating West Virginia in Morgantown, 47-10, on Sept. 23, 2000. The current 17-game road win streak is the longest at UM since the Hurricanes won 19 straight road contests from Sept. 15, 1984, to Sept. 17, 1988.

ROAD WARRIORS
Since 1983, Miami has constructed the nation’s best record in road games (not including neutral sites). The Hurricanes’ road record in the 20 seasons beginning with 1983 is the best among all NCAA Division 1A football institutions. Miami has a record of 86-19-0 in road games at the opponent’s home. During that span, Miami has gone unbeaten in road games in nine seasons (1985, 1986, 1987, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 2001 and 2002).

MIAMI’S RECORD ACCORDING TO AP RANK
UM is 214-41-2 all-time in games while holding an AP national ranking. Since 1983, Miami is 149-21 as a top 10 team and 121-13 as a top five team. The Hurricanes are 42-6 as the nation’s No.1-ranked team. Miami has won 32 of its last 34 when ranked No. 1.

MIAMI VS. AP-RANKED TEAMS
Miami is 74-99-1 vs. AP-ranked teams since its first game against a ranked opponent against No. 18 Alabama in 1941, is 35-53 vs. AP top-10 teams since playing No. 6 Alabama in 1947, is 19-32 against AP top-5 teams since playing No. 3 Maryland in 1953, and is 9-7 against No. 1-ranked teams.

VS. RANKED/UNRANKED OPPONENTS SINCE 1990
Since 1990, Miami has registered a 35-23 mark against Associated Press ranked teams and a 96-6 record against unranked opponents.

GREEN HURRICANES
Miami has 17 starters with five or fewer career starts. DT Vince Wilfork and OT Eric Winston are the veterans of the group with five career starts each. Winston’s first career start was as a tight end in 2002. On the defensive side, seven Hurricanes have five or less career starts, including Baraka Atkins (4), Orien Harris (4), Javon Nanton (2), Darrell McClover (3), Thomas Carroll (2) and Leon Williams (1). Offensively, 10 different Hurricanes qualify including starting quarterback Brock Berlin (4), starting tailback Frank Gore (4) and starting split end Ryan Moore (4). Along with Winston, four offensive linemen have started four or less games, including Joel Rodriguez (4), Rashad Butler (2) and Alex Pou (1). Junior college transfer Kevin Everett has started two games this year in a double-tight formation and fullback Kyle Cobia made his first career start against East Carolina. Of the 17 players, 11 are either freshmen or sophomores and 15 made their first career start this season.

THE 24-GAME ORANGE BOWL WIN STREAK
Miami faces West Virginia with a 24-game home win streak on the line at the Orange Bowl. The streak dates back to a 28-20 win over West Virginia on Oct. 30, 1999.

Miami’s last home loss was to second-ranked Penn State, 27-23, on Sept. 18, 1999.During the 24-game streak, Miami has outscored its opponents 1,084 to 309 (45.2-12.9 per game – 32.3 UM margin of victory).In non-conference games during the streak, Miami has outscored 10 opponents 448 to 177 (44.8-17.7 per game – 27.1 UM margin of victory).Against the BIG EAST, Miami has outscored the league 636 to 142 (45.4-10.1 per game – 35.3 UM margin of victory) in 14 home contests.Against the eight ranked teams defeated at the Orange Bowl during the streak, Miami outscored the opposition 342-178 (42.8-22.3 per game – 20.5 UM margin of victory).During the streak, Miami’s lowest point total is 27 points in a 27-24 thrilling win over No. 1 Florida State on Oct. 7, 2000.Scoring has been high during the streak with the Hurricanes surpassing 30 points 20 times, 40 points 14 times, 50 points nine times and 60 points four times. The most points UM has scored during the streak is 65 points in a 65-7 win over No. 12 Washington on Nov. 24, 2001.The UM defense has posted five shutouts during the 24-game streak and had another seven games where the opponent scored seven or less points.The most points allowed by UM was 45 by Virginia Tech on Dec. 7, 2002. Opponents have achieved double-digit scoring 12 times during the 24-game streak.Prior to Pittsburgh’s first quarter touchdown on Nov. 21, 2002, the last touchdown recorded by a BIG EAST opponent at the Orange Bowl was in the first quarter vs. Boston College on Nov. 25, 2000 – 23 straight quarters over six league games.Over the last 16 home games since defeating Pittsburgh, 35-7, on Nov. 11, 2000, the Hurricanes have outscored home opponents 730 to 196 (45.6-12.4 per game – 33.2 UM margin of victory).Including the home loss to Penn State in 1999, Miami has won 28 of 29 home contests since a 26-14 loss to Florida State on Oct. 10, 1998.

HURRICANES AT NIGHT
In the modern era of University of Miami football, the Hurricanes have enjoyed success in night games accumulating a 81-17 (.827) record at night since 1980. Since 1990, Miami is 44-12 (.786) at night. Under head coach Larry Coker, the Hurricanes are 15-1 (.938) at night.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: A MIAMI TRADITION
Miami football has a tradition of achieving a high graduation rate among its football student-athletes. Miami has received recognition by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) as one of an elite group of schools to have exceeded a 70 percent graduation rate among its football student-athletes in eight of the past 11 years. In fact, the Hurricanes’ have exceeded the national graduation rate for AFCA member schools for 15 consecutive years.

From 1992-97, Miami was one of only eight schools in the nation to graduate at least 70 percent of its football student-athletes and that trend continues to the present day. As of the end of the spring semester of 2003, 16 of 22 Miami football student-athletes who entered UM in the fall of 1997 have graduated, a rate of 72.7 percent – exceeding the national average.

Since the AFCA began its national survey of graduation rates for football playing institutions, Miami has graduated 71.03 percent of its football student-athletes – far above the national average.

Ten members of Miami’s 2002 team earned spots on the BIG EAST All-Academic Team – the most any team can qualify for the honor. But that’s not unusual at Miami – it’s the norm. The 2002 season marked the fifth straight year that Miami has placed the league maximum on the All-Academic Team.

A STATED GOAL: LEAD THE NATION IN RECORDING TURNOVERS
Since 1998, the Hurricanes defense has recorded takeaways at a record pace. It peaked in 2001, when the defense netted 45 turnovers (an NCAA high) along with the +2.36 per game average as Miami’s 27 pass interceptions led the nation, while the 18 fumbles recovered tied for second nationally. Through a third of the 2003 season, Miami is already halfway to equalling its 2002 total and on pace to match its numbers from the 2000 season.

HIGH TURNOVER MARGIN IS A PRIORITY
The Hurricanes have garnered a plus-1 turnover margin through four games this season. Miami’s plus-3 turnover margin against East Carolina continues a trend of opportunism that has become a tradition in recent years. Last season was an aberration as Miami ranked 67th nationally in turnover margin with an average margin of minus-.08 turnovers per game. This trend is unusual. In the three previous seasons, Miami’s turnover rate rose drastically as did Miami’s victory total. The 45 turnovers caused in 2001 was a national best and a school record.

MIAMI LEADS THE NATION IN TOUCHDOWNS BY RETURN SINCE 1999
The Hurricanes have scored a total of seven touchdowns this season via returns, matching their total from last season. Two via a fumble return, one on a punt return, once via an interception return and once on a kickoff return. Since 1999, Miami has scored more touchdowns on various returns (punts, kickoffs, fumbles or interceptions) than any team in the nation.School 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Bowls Total

A TRADITION OF NON-OFFENSIVE SCORING
Miami has scored seven touchdowns this season via non-offensive means (special teams or defense) and one safety. The Hurricanes have scored at least one non-offensive touchdown in each of their four games this season, scoring 44 points through non-offensive means in 2003. In 2002, the Hurricanes had six non-offensive scores. For the second straight season in 2001, Miami led the nation in non-offensive scoring with 11 touchdowns and one safety. The 11 scores and one safety gave UM 68 points. The Hurricanes led the nation in 2000 with 13 touchdowns and 89 points coming from defense and special teams.

IF MIAMI SCORES FIRST
When Miami scores first it is nearly a lock to win. Beginning with the 1983 season, the Hurricanes have gone 167-14 when scoring first. Against Boston College, Miami followed its habit of jumping to an early lead when Roscoe Parrish set a school record with a 92-yard punt return for a score with 13:11 remaining in the first period (1:49 into the game). Miami has followed suit in all four games this season.

THE HURRICANES WHEN SCORING 30 OR 31 POINTS
Miami has won 114 consecutive games when scoring 30 or more points since a 31-30 loss at Notre Dame in 1988.

Miami has won 135 consecutive games when scoring 31 or more points since falling 39-37 to UCLA in the 1985 Fiesta Bowl.Excluding bowl games, Miami has won 146 consecutive regular season games when scoring 31 or more since a 34-31 loss to Mississippi State in 1980.

4TH QUARTER DOMINANCE
Over the last 18 seasons, Miami has been almost unbeatable when leading after three quarters. Since 1985, Miami has won 164 of 166 regular season games in which it entered the fourth quarter with a lead. The two losses in this span occurred at East Carolina (1999) and West Virginia (1997). Prior to those two losses, UM’s last loss when leading after three quarters was in 1984 against Maryland (42-40), after leading 34-21 heading into the fourth quarter.

BERLIN SPREADING IT AROUND
Miami quarterback Brock Berlin has used the weapons at his disposal effectively through the first four games of the season, connecting with 12 different receivers. Berlin has found tight end Kellen Winslow 15 times this season, while connecting with running back Frank Gore and wide receivers Ryan Moore and Kevin Beard 12 times. Roscoe Parrish has caught nine passes. Against Boston College, Berlin’s 18 completions went to eight different receivers and were distributed to four receivers, three running backs and a tight end. On the season, Berlin has completed passes to six different wide receivers, two running backs, two fullbacks and two tight ends.

GORE SETS UM RUSHING MARK
Sophomore tailback Frank Gore made Miami football history against East Carolina. The Coral Gables native rushed for 134 yards against the Pirates to make him the first running back in UM history to eclipse century mark in the Hurricanes’ first three games of a season. Gore has eclipsed the 100-yard barrier in three of Miami’s four games this season. No back in Miami history had started a season with a trifecta of 100-yard rushing efforts. Gore rushed for 118 yards in the season opener against Louisiana Tech and followed up with a 124-yard effort against Florida. Before Gore, only one back in Miami history (Dyral McMillan in 1996) started a season with consecutive 100-yard rushing performances (119 at Memphis; 156 vs. The Citadel).

OFFENSE IS PRODUCING ON THIRD DOWNS
Miami has converted 53 percent (27 of 51) of its third-down plays through the first four games of the 2003 season. The Hurricanes were an impressive 12 of 16 (75 percent) with a touchdown on third down at Louisiana Tech in the season opener. But UM struggled against Florida, going just 4 of 11 (36.4 percent) on third down. The Canes were 5 of 10 against East Carolina and 6-of-14 at Boston College. Miami has been effective on third and long (six yards or more) this season, converting on 13-of-27 (48.1 percent) attempts for 240 yards and a touchdown, which equates to 8.9 yards per attempt on third and long. The Canes have also been efficient on third and short (two yards or less), converting 8 of 12 (66.7 percent) on the season. Miami is perfect on to fourth down tries this season, going 2 for 2 against Florida.

HURRICANE QBS THIRD-DOWN PASSING
Miami quarterbacks have been extremely productive through the air on third down so far this season. Brock Berlin is completing 73.7 percent of his passes on third down, racking up 172 yards, 12 first downs and one touchdown. Crudup took over in the third quarter at Louisiana Tech and went 2-for-3 for 68 yards, including a 51-yard pass.3rd Down Passing

MIAMI ALMOST AUTOMATIC IN THE RED ZONE
Miami is averaging 39.2 points per game early on in 2003, and the Hurricanes’ production in the red zone is a big reason why. UM has produced points on 14-of-16 trips inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. The Hurricanes have scored 77 points in their 16 appearances in the red zone, with nine touchdowns and five field goals. Miami failed to score inside the redzone once at Louisiana Tech and once at Boston College. UM has rushed for six touchdowns inside the red zone and passed for three more.

QUICK STRIKE HURRICANES
Miami’s quick-strike offense is running smoothly once again in 2003, having scored six touchdowns on drives of two minutes or less. Of the Hurricanes 13 offensive touchdown drives this season, nine have been in less than three minutes.

QUICK STRIKE OFFENSE
The average drive time on UM’s 13 offensive touchdowns in 2003 is 2:34. Overall, six of the 13 touchdowns were scored under two minutes of drive time. Additionally, two touchdowns have come in under a minute.

HURRICANES CONTINUE BIG-PLAY TRADITION
Miami’s offense is one that has proven over the years that it can strike quickly. Three games into the 2003 season the Hurricanes have recorded 49 plays of 10 or more yards, or 22% of its total offensive plays for the season. The Hurricanes have struck for 10 or more yards once every 4.3 plays from scrimmage. Hurricanes’ quarterback Brock Berlin is leading the way for the Canes with 39 big plays, while tailback Frank Gore is second with 18 big plays.

MIAMI COACHING LOCATIONS
Head coach Larry Coker leads a contingent of six UM coaches on the field during Thursday night’s Miami/West Virginia game. Joining Coker on the sidelines is offensive line coach Art Kehoe, running backs and special team coordinator Don Soldinger, defensive line coach Greg Mark, defensive backs coach Mark Stoops and quarterbacks coach Dan Werner. Offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Rob Chudzinski and defensive coordinator Randy Shannon man the upstairs coaching box. Linebackers coach Vernon Hargreaves and wide receiver coach Curtis Johnson also work from the coaches box.

BALANCED OFFENSE KEY FOR HURRICANES’ SUCCESS
One of the keys to the University of Miami’s success has been its balance offensively. Each of the last five seasons the Hurricanes have rushed for over 2,000 yards and passed for over 2,000 yards. Miami is the only school in the nation to surpass 2,000 yards both rushing and passing each season since 1998. Boston College and Iowa State have accomplished this feat for the past three season (2000-2001), while Minnesota has rushed and passed for 2,000 yards for four straight seasons.Hurricane Offense

BIG PLAYS HARD TO COME BY AGAINST HURRICANE `D’
As good as the Miami offense has been at producing big plays over the past five several years, the Hurricanes’ defense has been even better at limiting opponent offense’s big plays. During the Larry Coker era (2001-2003), a span of 29 games and 2,007 plays, the Miami defense has only allowed 14 plays to go for 40 yards or more, less than one percent of the opponent’s plays (0.698 percent). UM allowed five 40-plus yard plays in 2001, four in 2002 and has allowed five so far this season. By comparison, in 2002 Miami’s offense produced 24 plays of 40 yards or more (2.71 percent). The following is a breakdown of the 14 40-plus yard plays against the Hurricane defense over the past three years.

HURRICANES TO WATCH ON OFFENSE…
Brock Berlin, QB — Berlin, in his first year as the starting quarterback, is completing 59.3 percent of his passes for 884 yards through the Hurricanes first four games … he has completed 73-of-123 passes with five touchdowns and five interceptions … the Shreveport, La., native is averaging 221 yards per game through the air with a 125.0 quarterback efficiency rating … he has spread the ball around to 12 different receivers this season, including six wide receivers, two running backs, two fullbacks and two tight ends … Berlin ranks fourth in the BIG EAST in yards per game (221.0) and sixth in pass efficiency (125.0) … turned in the best performance of his career against Florida, torching his former teammates for 278 of his 340 yards in the second half and leading UM back from a 23-point deficit for one of the greatest comebacks in UM history … from the 6:10 mark of the third quarter on, Berlin was 18-of-21 passing for 269 yards and two touchdowns while completing 12 consecutive passes during that stretch.

Frank Gore, RB — Gore has come back from a torn ACL to become Miami’s go-to-guy on offense in 2003 … the sophomore has rushed 453 yards on 85 carries to pace the Hurricanes … he is averaging 113.2 yards per game to rank third in the BIG EAST and 19th nationally … Gore is gaining 5.3 yards per carry and is getting over 21 carries per game … he has also served a threat in the UM passing game, catching 12 passes (tie-2nd) for 105 yards, which is good for 26.2 yards per game. … Gore has rushed for four touchdowns this season.

Vernon Carey, LG — Although he has battled a sprained ankle and moved from right tackle to left guard, Vernon Carey is one of the most important cogs that makes Miami’s offense run … Carey has started 16 games in his Miami career, blocking for NFL running backs Clinton Portis and Willis McGahee … now Carey is clearing the way for talented sophomore Frank Gore, who ranks third in the conference and 19th nationally in rushing yards per game at 113.2 … UM is averaging 166.2 yards per game on the ground.

Chris Myers, RG — Myers and Carey formed one of the most potent right sides in college football last season … with Carey moved to the left side this year, Myers continues to be Miami’s most consistent performer along the offensive front … has an excellent frame, work ethic and intelligence to go along with great technique and fundamentals.

Kellen Winslow, TE — Maybe the most dynamic player in college football … the 6 foot, 5 inch 252-pounder has a team-high 15 catches this season for 138 yards and a touchdown … the focal point of opposing defenses, Winslow has worked to become a complete player this season, making blocking a point of emphasis … he ranks fifth all time at UM in career receptions by a tight end with 74 and sixth (behind offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski) in receiving yards by a tight end with 898.

Kevin Beard, WR — A fifth-year senior, Beard is the veteran of the wide receiving corps … he is tied for second on the team in receptions with 12 and leads the team with 197 receiving yards … he has scored one touchdown and is averaging 49.2 yards per game, which leads the Hurricanes … had his career-defining game came against Florida as he helped Miami overcome a 23-point deficit with a career-best seven catches for a career-high 164 yards and a touchdown …he also pulled in a career-long 62 yard catch … Beard also leads the team with a 16.4 yard per catch average.

Ryan Moore, WR — A redshirt freshman, Moore has stepped up early in 2003 and become a go-to-guy when Miami needs a first down … he has caught two touchdown passes in his 12 receptions for the year … Moore has 155 yards receiving on the season for 38.8 yards per game … he is averaging 12.9 yards per catch.

Roscoe Parrish, WR/PR — Parrish is one of the Hurricanes’ most explosive players … a threat to score every time he touches the ball … Parrish has found the endzone twice this season, on a 50-yard touchdown pass against East Carolina and a school-record 92-yard punt return at Boston College … he has nine catches for 158 yards for a 39.5 per game average … Parrish is averaging 20.1 yards on punt returns which ranks second in the BIG EAST and fifth nationally.

HURRICANES TO WATCH ON DEFENSE…
Vince Wilfork, DT — A dominating presence inside, Wilfork has started all four UM games at defensive tackle this season … has four tackles for a loss for 17 yards … is second on the team in sacks with three for minus-15 yards … has recorded 12 total tackles, including eight solo stops.

Baraka Atkins, DE — Atkins is a redshirt freshman that has stepped in at defensive end this season and produced big plays for the Hurricanes immediately … he leads the team with four quarterback sacks for minus-24 yards … also leads the team in tackles for loss with five for 28 yards … tied for fifth on the team with 17 total tackles, including seven solo stops and 10 assists … leads the team with seven quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles.

Jonathan Vilma, MLB — Senior leader of the Hurricanes’ defense, Jonathan Vilma has started 27 career games at UM … tied for second on the team in tackles with 25 total stops from his middle linebacker position … has recorded 14 solo tackles and 11 assists … has three tackles for loss (-8 yards).

D.J. Williams, WLB — The Hurricanes’ weakside linebacker, Williams has more career starts than any other Miami player with 29 … the hard-hitting senior is having his best and most consistent season of his career for the Hurricanes … tied for second on the team in tackles with 25 … has 17 solo stops and eight assists … scored a touchdown on a 78-yard fumble return at Louisiana Tech … Williams has 3.5 tackles for loss (-12 yards), including one sack for a loss of six yards.

Sean Taylor, FS — A physical specimen at free safety, the 6-foot-3, 230-pound Taylor has been a disruptive force for the Hurricanes in the secondary … he leads the team in tackles with 28, including 15 solo stops and 13 assisted tackles … has two tackles for loss for negative five yards … leads the team in interceptions with three … return an interception 67 yards for a touchdown in UM’s 33-14 win at Boston College … has broken up a team-high four passes this season.

Antrel Rolle, CB — Rolle has proven to be a shut-down corner on the left side of the secondary … has the fifth-most tackles on the team with 17 stops … has recorded 13 solo tackles and 4 assists … has one interception, which he returned for 30 yards … has also recorded one sack for minus-six yards this season … he has also forced one fumble.

Mo Sikes, SS — A senior leader in the Miami secondary, Sikes has 16 career starts for the Hurricanes … Sikes is fourth in the team in tackles with 20 … he has 13 solo stops and 7 assists through four games this season … has one tackle for loss and one pass breakup … recorded a highlight reel hit against Florida to stop the Gators on third down as the Hurricanes battled back for the win after being behind by 23 points in the third quarter.

HURRICANES TO WATCH ON SPEICAL TEAMS…
Jon Peattie, PK — Peattie, a redshirt freshman, has stepped in for the departed Todd Seivers as the Hurricanes’ placekicker and performed well … has made five-of-six field goals (83.3 percent) with a long of 38 yards … is a perfect 17 of 17 on PATs … he is 2 for 2 in the 20-29 yard range, 3 for 3 from 30-to-39 yards and 0 for 1 for beyond 40 yards … is third in the BIG EAST in field goals per game at 1.25 and is tied for the league lead in accuracy at 83.3 percent.

Brian Monroe, P — Monroe, a true freshman, is handling the punting duties for the Hurricanes … is averaging 34.5 yards per punt with a long of 46 yards … on his 13 punts this season, Monroe has pinned the opponent inside the 20-yard line three times and forced four fair catches.

PASSING TOUCHDOWN CONNECTIONS
Current Miami quarterback Brock Berlin has connected with redshirt freshman wide receiver Ryan Moore with two scoring strikes through the first three games of the duos’ career at Miami. Below is a look at some of the Hurricanes’ great quarterback/receiver combinations finds numerous touchdown connections. Andre Johnson caught 21 touchdown passes from Ken Dorsey, which is the UM school record. Dorsey also found Reggie Wayne in the endzone 13 times and Jeremy Shockey 12 times. Vinny Testaverde and Michael Irvin hooked up 18 times for touchdowns, while Gino Torretta and Lamar Thomas combined for 16 scoring strikes. Bernie Kosar and Eddie Brown connected for 14 scoring tosses.

MIAMI REMAINS NO. 1 IN THE NFL DRAFT
During the last 20 years, National Football League teams have turned to the University of Miami more than any other college or university when it comes to premium picks in the annual draft. The following chart illustrates college programs that have produced the most players selected in the first three rounds from 1984 to 2003.

MIAMI GAMES USUALLY PACKED WITH NFL TALENT
The Miami program has been the best in sending players to the NFL by way of the first three round of the draft over the last 16 years leading the country 68 top-three round picks since 1987. With that, many of the Hurricanes games in 2003 are among the highest in sending a combined amount to the NFL Draft’s first three rounds. The Miami/FSU and Miami/Tennessee games highlight this list. In each of these games, a combined 117 players have been drafted into the first three rounds of the draft.