Miami Preparing For Trip To Virginia Tech
Oct. 27, 2003
Complete Release in PDF Format
Depth Chart in PDF Format
Download Free Acrobat Reader
(#2 AP/#2 ESPN/USA TODAY) MIAMI HURRICANES (7-0, 3-0 BIG EAST)
AT (#10 AP/#11 ESPN/USA TODAY) VIRGINIA TECH (6-1, 3-1 BIG EAST)
When: Saturday, November 1, 2003, at 7:45 p.m. EDT.
Where: Lane Stadium/Worsham Field (Natural Grass; 65,115) in Blacksburg, Va.
TV: ESPN will televise the game live with Ron Franklin (play-by-play) and Mike Gottfried (analysis) describing the action. Adrian Karsten will report from the sidelines.
Fox Sports Net Florida (Tape Delay, Sunday, Nov. 2, 5 p.m. ET) replays all Hurricanes football games.
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.
National Radio: Sports USA will broadcast the game nationally with Larry Kahn (play-by-play), former UM quarterback Gino Torretta (analysis) and Troy West (sideline reports) describing the action.
Websites: Miami (www.hurricanesports.com), Virginia Tech (www.hokiesports.com).
MIAMI-VIRGINIA TECH SERIES HIGHLIGHTS
Miami and Virginia Tech have met 20 times since 1953 with the Hurricanes holding the 15-5 series lead. The record includes a 6 -5 mark in BIG EAST play since in 1992.Miami is riding a three-game win streak in the series and has won the three meetings by a combined score of 123-90 (41.0-30.0), an 11-point margin of victory. Prior to the three most recent wins by Miami, Virginia Tech had won five straight over the Hurricanes from 1995-1999. UM won the first 12 meetings in the series from 1953-1994.The overall series record includes a 4-3 series lead for Miami at Lane Stadium/Worsham Fieldan and a 9-2 advantage for the Hurricanes at the Orange Bowl. UM also has a 2-0 lead in neutral site games with wins at the 1966 Liberty Bowl (14-7) and 1981 Peach Bowl (20-10).Major overall and BIG EAST win streaks are once again on the line heading into the Miami/Virginia Tech game. In 2000, Virginia Tech entered the game at the Orange Bowl riding a 19-game overall win streak and a then-BIG EAST record 14-game win streak, but fell to Miami, 41-21, to end both streaks. In 2001, Miami travelled to Lane Stadium riding a 20-game overall win streak and a new-BIG EAST record 16-game win streak, and came away with the streaks intact following a 26-24 victory. This season, Miami enters the game riding a 27-game BIG EAST win streak, a 18-game road win streak and a 38-game regular season win streak.The 2003 game marks the fifth straight season both teams enter the game nationally ranked. Miami enters this year’s contest with a No. 2 ranking by the Associated Press and USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll, while Virginia Tech is ranked 10th by AP and 11th by the coaches. Last season, the Hurricanes entered the game ranked No. 1 in the AP, while Virginia Tech was ranked 18th. In 2001, Miami entered the game ranked No. 1, while Virginia Tech was ranked 14th. In 2000, UM was ranked 3rd and the Hokies were 2nd.
Series Record
Miami leads, 15-5
Record at the Orange Bowl: Miami leads, 9-2
Record at Lane Stadium/Worsham Field: Miami leads, 4-3
Record at neutral sites: Miami leads 2-0
UM STANDS TALL IN THE BIG EAST
In its 13th season of competition in the BIG EAST, Miami has forged a league-best 69-10 (.873) 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 WIN STREAK AT 27 ENTERING TEMPLE GAME
Miami enters the Virginia Tech game winners of 27 consecutive BIG EAST games since a 55-0 defeat over Rutgers on Nov. 20, 1999. The current streak is ahead of the Virginia Tech’s 14-game string from 1998-2000. Additionally, UM has also won 30 of its last 31 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 (Dec. 1, 2001)
*Closest Home Game: 22-20 over West Virginia (Oct. 2, 2002)
*Largest Home Victory Margin: 61 in a 61-0 over Rutgers (Sept. 8, 2001)
*Largest Road Victory Margin: 58 in a 64-6 win at Rutgers (Sept. 30, 2000)
COKER OFF TO RECORD START
University of Miami head football coach Larry Coker is 31-1 as a head coach after Saturday’s 52-14 victory over Temple. His 31-1 record through 32 games is the best by a head football coach in the history of the sport through that span of games, edging out Oklahoma’s Barry Switzer and Walter Camp of Yale. 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 ranked 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 ranked third all-time, the most in 109 years.
SI.COM’S MIDSEASON ALL-AMERICA TEAM
SI.com released its midseason All-America team this week with tight end Kellen Winslow and free safety Sean Taylor named to the first team. Winslow is the Hurricanes leading receiver with 36 catches for 391 yards. Taylor is tied for the NCAA lead with 1.00 interceptions per game (six total). Taylor is also UM’s third leading tackler with 43 tackles and leads the team with 12 pass breakups. Taylor also has 4.5 tackles for loss and one sack. Winslow and Taylor were preseason All-Americans, but redshirt freshman place-kicker Jon Peattie has came from no where to earn honorable mention recognition with his hot start. The Clearwater native has hit 13-of-15 field goals and 18 extra points. He converted on a school record five field goals, including the game winner, against West Virginia. Peattie’s 9.5 points per game average is third in the BIG EAST and 10th nationally, while his 2.17 field goals per game ranks fourth nationally.
MIAMI NO. 2 IN FIRST BCS POLL
The season’s first Bowl Championships Series poll was released Monday, Oct. 20, with the Miami Hurricanes occupying the No. 2 spot behind Oklahoma. The Hurricanes Nov. 1 opponent Virginia Tech comes in third with 10.23 points. Oklahoma leads the way with 2.77 points, while Miami checks in with 4.10 points with the help of a BCS-quality win over No. 5 Florida State (13.14). The one-loss Georgia Bulldogs are fouth with 12.99 points.
MULTIPLE HURRICANES UP FOR NATIONAL AWARDS
As many as 10 different Hurricanes are in the running for national awards this season. Jonathan Vilma and D.J. Williams were named semifinalists for the Butkus Award earlier this week. Free Safety Sean Taylor is among the leading candidates for the Thorpe Award given to the top defensive back in the country. Mo Sikes, Antrel Rolle and Kelly Jennings are also candidates for the Thorpe Award. Miami has four players up for the Lombardi, which is given to the nation’s top offensive or defensive lineman or linebacker. Vilma and Williams are candidates along with Vince Wilfork and Kellen Winslow. Vernon Carey and Wilfork are also being heavily considered for the Outland Trophy given annually to the nation’s top interior lineman. Winslow is also the leading candidate for the Mackey Award given to the nation’s top tight end. Redshirt freshman Jon Peattie has quickly become a serious contender for the Lou Groza Award, which is given to the best place-kicker in the country.
WINSLOW TAKING THE NATION BY STORM
After a slow start, Miami tight end Kellen Winslow has caught fire in recent weeks, catching 21 passes for 253 yards in wins over West Virginia, fifth-ranked Florida State and Temple. Winslow recorded 100-yards receiving for two consecutive weeks for the first time in his career against WVU and FSU. His 18-yard reception on fourth and 13 against West Virginia kept the Hurricanes game-winning drive alive. Winslow now has 36 catches for 391 yards on the season with a 10.9 yards per catch average. He ranks 56th nationally in receptions per game with 5.14 and third among tight ends. Texas Tech’s Mickey Peters is averaging 6.14 catches per game in the Red Raiders pass-happy offense that averages 60 pass attempts and 40 completions per game. Winslow’s numbers from the tight end position are comparable to the top wide receivers in the nation. The following is a breakdown of how Winlsow compares to the nation’s top wideouts and tight ends.
MIAMI’S REGULAR SEASON WIN STREAK AT 39 GAMES
With the win over Temple, Miami extended its school record for consecutive victories in regular season games to 39. 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 41 of 42 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 42-2 since the start of the 2000 season, the nation’s best record during that stretch. Miami’s 51-6 record since 1999 also is the nation’s finest. The previous school mark of 36 straight regular-season victories was achieved from 1985-88.
CURRENT ROAD WIN STREAK AT 18 GAMES
With the win at Florida State on Oct. 11, Miami has won a national-best 18 straight regular season games at opponents’ home sites since defeating West Virginia in Morgantown, 47-10, on Sept. 23, 2000. The current 18-game road win streak is the longest at UM since the Hurricanes won a school-record 20 straight road contests from Sept. 15, 1984, through Oct. 15, 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 87-19-0 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 216-41-2 all-time in games while holding an AP national ranking. Since 1983, Miami is 151-21 as a top 10 team and 123-13 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 75-99-1 vs. AP-ranked teams since its first game against a ranked opponent against No. 18 Alabama in 1941, is 36-53 vs. AP top-10 teams since playing No. 6 Alabama in 1947, is 20-32 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 36-23 mark against Associated Press ranked teams and a 97-6 record against unranked opponents.
THE 26-GAME ORANGE BOWL WIN STREAK
Miami extended its Orange Bowl win streak to 26 games with a 52-14win over Temple. 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 26-game streak, Miami has outscored its opponents 1,158 to 343 (44.5-13.2 per game – 31.3 UM margin of victory).In non-conference games during the streak, Miami has outscored 10 opponents 470 to 197 (47.0-19.7 per game – 27.3 UM margin of victory).Against the BIG EAST, Miami has outscored the league 710 to 176 (44.4-11.0 per game – 33.4 UM margin of victory) in 16 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 22 points in a 22-20 win over West Virginia on Oct. 2, 2003.Scoring has been high during the streak with the Hurricanes surpassing 30 points 21 times, 40 points 15 times, 50 points 10 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 26-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 26-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 18 home games since defeating Pittsburgh, 35-7, on Nov. 11, 2000, the Hurricanes have outscored home opponents 804 to 230 (44.7-12.8 per game – 31.9 UM margin of victory).Including the home loss to Penn State in 1999, Miami has won 30 of 31 home contests since a 26-14 loss to Florida State on Oct. 10, 1998.
THE HURRICANES AND ESPN’S COLLEGE GAMEDAY
The Oct. 11 game at Florida State marked the 13th time ESPN’s College GameDay has been on site at a Miami football game. The Hurricanes are 10-3 in those games dating back to GameDay’s first on-site visit to a Miami football game on Oct. 8, 1994, a 34-20 win over No. 3 Florida State. It was the fifth time that GameDay has visited the Miami/Florida State game, third among all covered matchups on GameDay, with the Hurricanes holding a 4-1 advantage in those games. Only the Florida/Florida State game and the Tennessee/Florida rivalry have been covered more, six times each. Miami’s 13th on-site appearance at the game ties the Hurricanes for fourth (with Nebraska & Tennessee). The University of Florida leads with 19 appearances, while Florida State is second with 18 and Michigan is third with 16. The following is a complete history of ESPN GameDay’s appearances at Miami games.
MIAMI OFF TO A 7-0 START FOR THE NINTH TIME
With a 52-14 win over Temple, Miami improved to 7-0 on the season, marking just the ninth time in UM football history the Hurricanes have gotten off to such a fast start. For the first time in school history, Miami has done it three consecutive seasons. UM achieved 7-0 starts in back-to-back seasons for the first time 1986 and 1987 and then again in 1991 and 1992. Miami has won four national championships when starting the season 7-0. Miami’s first 7-0 start was by its freshman team in 1926, finishing 8-0. The Hurricanes are 4-3 in bowl games after starting the season with a 7-0 record.
HURRICANES AT NIGHT
In the modern era of University of Miami football, the Hurricanes have enjoyed success in night games accumulating a 82-17 (.828) record at night since 1980. Since 1990, Miami is 45-12 (.789) at night. Under head coach Larry Coker, the Hurricanes are 16-1 (.941) at night.
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 more than half of the 2003 season, Miami has already almost equaled 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 seven games this season. This season Miami 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.
5 GRADUATES ON THE FIELD – 8 TO GRADUATE IN DECEMBER
Twenty-one members of the 2003 Hurricanes have either graduated or are on track to receive diplomas by the end of the 2004 spring semester. Thirteen members of the team will have earned their degrees by the end of the fall semester while five have already achieved their bachelor’s degrees and are playing this fall.
Five UM football players who already have graduated are playing for UM this season: defensive end Larry Anderson (criminology), flanker Kevin Beard (liberal arts), offensive guard Joe McGrath (business management), center Joel Rodriguez (newspaper journalism), and safety Mo Sikes (criminology/African-american studies). All five received their bachelor’s degrees in May, 2003.
Eight more student-athletes are on track to graduate in December – offensive guard Vernon Carey (liberal arts), kicker Mark Gent (marketing), long snapper Chris Harvey (history), safety Tim Kelly (liberal arts), offensive guard (Chris Myers (history), running back Jarrett Payton (liberal arts), and offensive guard Jim Sikora (civil engineering).
Nine others are on track to graduate in May, 2004: receiver Jason Geathers (liberal arts), fullback Talib Humphrey (history), offensive tackle Carlos Joseph (liberal arts), cornerback Alfonso Marshall (criminology), linebacker Darrell McClover (business management), defensive tackle Santonio Thomas (criminology), linebacker Jonathan Vilma (finance), linebacker Carl Walker (liberal arts), and linebacker D.J. Williams (liberal arts).
This continues Miami’s 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 exceed a 70 percent graduation rate among its football student-athletes in eight of the past 11 years.
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.
Thirteen of 18 Miami football student-athletes who entered UM in 1996 have graduated, a rate of 72.2 percent – exceeding the national average of 2001 (59 percent). Since the AFCA began its national survey of graduation rates for football playing institutions, Miami has graduated 71.29 percent of its football student-athletes – far above the national average. Additionally, Matt Walters (New York Jets) and Jonathan Vilma were named to the 2002 Verizon Academic All-America First Team.
MIAMI LEADS THE NATION IN TD’S BY RETURN SINCE 1999
The Hurricanes have scored a total of eight touchdowns this season via returns, eclipsing their total from last season. Two via a fumble return, two on a punt return, three via interception returns 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.
A TRADITION OF NON-OFFENSIVE SCORING
Miami has scored nine 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 six of their seven games this season, scoring 56 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 168-14 when scoring first. Against Florida State, Miami followed its habit of jumping to an early lead when Jon Peattie booted a 27-yard field goal at the 5:16 mark of the first quarter. Miami has followed suit in five of seven games this season.
Miami’s quick starts in 2003:
at Louisiana Tech: UM led, 7-0, at 12:25 of the first period.vs. Florida: UM led, 7-0, at 14:47 of the first period.vs. East Carolina: UM led, 7-0, at 11:23 of the first period.at Boston College: UM led, 7-0, at 13:33 of the first period.at Florida State: UM led, 3-0, at 5:16 of the first period.
THE HURRICANES WHEN SCORING 30 OR 31 POINTS
Miami has won 115 consecutive games when scoring 30 or more points since a 31-30 loss at Notre Dame in 1988.
Miami has won 136 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 147 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 167 of 169 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 SPREADS THE WEALTH
Miami quarterback Brock Berlin has used the weapons at his disposal effectively through the first seven games of the season, connecting with 13 different receivers. Berlin has found tight end Kellen Winslow 36 times this season, while connecting with wide receiver Ryan Moore 24 times and Kevin Beard 18 times. Tailback Jarrett Payton has 14 reception while Roscoe Parrish has caught 13 passes. Against West Virginia, Berlin’s school-record 37 completions went to nine different receivers and were distributed to four receivers, one running back, two fullbacks and two tight ends. On the season, Berlin has completed passes to seven different wide receivers, two running backs, two fullbacks and two tight ends.
OFFENSE IS PRODUCING ON THIRD DOWNS
Miami has converted 46 percent (43 of 93) of its third-down plays through the first seven 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 21-of-54 (38.8 percent) attempts for 403 yards and a touchdown, which equates to 7.5 yards per attempt on third and long. The Hurricanes have also been efficient on third and short (two yards or less), converting 10 of 14 (71.4 percent) on the season.
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.
MIAMI ALMOST AUTOMATIC IN THE RED ZONE
Miami is averaging 36.1 points per game in 2003, and the Hurricanes’ production in the red zone is a big reason why. UM has produced points on 29-of-35 trips inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. The Hurricanes have scored 149 points in their 35 appearances in the red zone, with 16 touchdowns and 13 field goals. Miami failed to score inside the redzone once at Louisiana Tech, at Boston College, against West Virginia and Temple. Miami scored on four of six trips inside the redzone at Florida State. The Hurricanes have rushed for 10 touchdowns inside the red zone and passed for six more.
HURRICANES CONTINUE BIG PLAY TRADITION
Miami’s offense is one that has proven over the years that it can strike quickly. Seven games into the 2003 season the Hurricanes have recorded 79 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 54 big plays, while tailback Frank Gore is second with 19 big plays.
BALANCES 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.
MIAMI COACHING LOCATIONS
Head coach Larry Coker leads a contingent of six UM coaches on the field during Saturday’s Miami/Virginia Tech 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.
Hurricanes To Watch On Offense…
Brock Berlin, QB – Berlin, in his first year as the starting quarterback, is completing 61.0 percent of his passes for 1,604 yards through the Hurricanes first seven games … he has completed 141-of-231 passes with nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions … the Shreveport, La., native is averaging 229.1 yards per game through the air with a 123.57 quarterback efficiency rating … he has spread the ball around to 13 different receivers this season, including seven wide receivers, two running backs, two fullbacks and two tight ends … Berlin ranks third in the BIG EAST in yards per game (229.1) … set a school game record with 37 pass completions and 54 pass attempts against West Virginia for a career-high 352 yards … turned in a great performance 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 … led Miami to its fourth straight win over Florida State with 181 yards and one touchdown.
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 20 games in his Miami career, blocking for NFL running backs Clinton Portis and Willis McGahee … now Carey is clearing the way for a stable of Miami running backs, including Jarrett Payton, Jason Geathers and Tyrone Moss … UM is averaging 175.1 yards per game on the ground and 4.9 yards per carry.
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 36 catches this season for 391 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 third all time at UM in career receptions by a tight end with 95 and second in receiving yards by a tight end with 1,151 … Winslow turned a great performance aganist West Virginia with 10 catches for 104 yards … was even better at Florida State with seven catches for 106 yards.
Kevin Beard, WR – A fifth-year senior, Beard is the veteran of the wide receiving corps … he is third on the team in receptions with 18 and third on the team with 247 receiving yards … he has scored one touchdown and is averaging 35.3 yards per game … 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 has a 13.7 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 24 receptions for the year … Moore has 316 yards receiving on the season for 45.1 yards per game … he is averaging 13.2 yards per catch … hauled in a career-high seven catches for 81 yards against West Virginia.
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 13 catches for 198 yards for a 33.0 per game average … Parrish is averaging 16.1 yards on punt returns which is second in the BIG EAST lead and ninth nationally … Parrish missed the Temple game due to injuries suffered on a hit by Florida State cornerback Stanford Samuels.
Hurricanes To Watch On Defense…
Vince Wilfork, DT – A dominating presence inside, Wilfork has started all seven UM games at defensive tackle this season … has 5.5 tackles for a loss for 19 yards … is tied for the team lead in sacks with five for minus-23 yards … has recorded 30 total tackles, including 14 solo stops … leads the team with 15 quarterback hurries.
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 is tied for the team lead with five quarterback sacks for minus-27 yards … third on the team in tackles for loss with 5.0 for 27 yards … tied for sixth on the team with 25 total tackles, including 11 solo stops and 14 assists … second on the team with 12 quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles.
Jonathan Vilma, MLB – Senior leader of the Hurricanes’ defense, Jonathan Vilma has started 29 career games at UM … leads the team lead in tackles with 58 total stops from his middle linebacker position … has recorded 37 solo tackles and 21 assists … has 4.5 tackles for loss (-12 yards), including one sack … has two quarterback hurries, two fumble recoveries, one pass breakup and one forced fumble.
D.J. Williams, WLB – The Hurricanes’ weakside linebacker, Williams has more career starts than any other Miami player with 31 … the hard-hitting senior is having his best and most consistent season of his career for the Hurricanes … second on the team in tackles with 43 … has 22 solo stops and 21 assists … scored a touchdown on a 78-yard fumble return at Louisiana Tech … Williams has 3.5 tackles for loss (-13 yards), including one sack for a loss of six yards … he has three pass breakups and two quarterback hurries.
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 is tied for second on the team in tackles with 43, including 28 solo stops and 15 assisted tackles … has 4.5 tackles for loss for minus-12 yards … leads the team and country in interceptions per game with 1.00 (six total picks) … returned an interception 67 yards for a touchdown in UM’s 33-14 win at Boston College … then returned another interception for 50 yards and a touchdown against Florida State … has broken up a team-high 12 passes this season … was a one-man wrecking crew against FSU, recording eight tackles, two interceptions, 1.5 TFLs and an amazing eight pass breakups.
Antrel Rolle, CB – Rolle has proven to be a shut-down corner on the left side of the secondary … sixth in tackles on the team with 27 stops … has recorded 23 solo tackles and four assists … has one interception, which he returned 30 yards for a touchdown against Louisiana Tech … has also recorded one sack for minus-10 yards this season … has also forced one fumble and two pass breakups.
Mo Sikes, SS – A senior leader in the Miami secondary, Sikes has 17 career starts for the Hurricanes … Sikes is eighth on the team in tackles with 25 … he has 17 solo stops and 8 assists through seven 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 Special 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 14-of-17 field goals (82.4 percent) with a long of 43 yards … is a perfect 25 of 25 on PATs … 1 for 1 inside 20 yards … he is 7 for 8 in the 20-29 yard range, 5 for 6 from 30-to-39 yards and 1 for 2 for beyond 40 yards made a school-record five field goals to lead UM to a 22-20 win over West Virginia … made the game-winning field goal against UWV, a 23-yard attempt with 11 secods remaining … leads the BIG EAST in field goals per game at 2.00, which is tied for eighth nationally … also leads the BIG EAST in field goal accuracy at 82.4 percent … leads all league kickers with a 9.4 points per game average and is third overall in points per game … his 9.4 points per game ranks 12th nationally.
Brian Monroe, P – Monroe, a true freshman, is handling the punting duties for the Hurricanes … is averaging 38.5 yards per punt with a long of 56 yards … on his 24 punts this season, Monroe has pinned the opponent inside the 20-yard line five times and forced seven 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.
