Miami Hosts No. 18 Tennessee
Nov. 3, 2003
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(#6 AP/#7 ESPN/USA TODAY) MIAMI HURRICANESVS. (#18 AP/#17 ESPN/USA TODAY) TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
When: Saturday, November 8, 2003, at 12 p.m. EDT.
Where: Orange Bowl (Natural Grass; 72,319) in Miami, Fla.
TV: ABC will televise the game live with Brent Musberger (play-by-play) and Gary Danielson (analysis) describing the action. Jack Arute will report from the sidelines.
Fox Sports Net Florida (Tape Delay, Sunday, Nov. 9, 5 p.m. ET) replays all Hurricanes football games with Frank Forte (play-by-play) and David Heffernan (analysis) describing the action
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: Westwood One Network will broadcast the game nationally with John Tautges (play-by-play) and former UM quarterback and head coach Fran Curci (analysis) describing the action.
Websites: Miami (www.hurricanesports.com), Tennessee (www.utsports.com).
MIAMI-TENNESSEE SERIES HIGHLIGHTS
The visit by the Volunteers marks the third football game all-time between Miami and Tennessee, the first in Miami. Miami won last year’s game at Knoxville, 26-3, with the Volunteers winning the first meeting, 35-7, in the 1986 Sugar Bowl.Miami has a 63-80-3 all-time record against schools currently in the Southeastern Conference. Earlier this season, Miami traveled defeated Florida, 38-33, on September 6 at the Orange Bowl. Before 2000, Miami had not met up with an SEC team since its 34-13 loss to Alabama in the 1993 Sugar Bowl.Other than the meetings with Florida and Tennesse, UM’s last regular season affair against a current SEC team was a 31-3 season-opening victory at Arkansas in 1991 (back when the Hogs were members of the Southwest Conference). Miami commonly faced the SEC in the past, having met at least one member each season from 1944-1989. UM’s first SEC meeting was a 14-0 loss to Mississippi in 1936. The Hurricanes have played games against each current member of the 12-school conference.Since the formation of the BIG EAST football conference in 1991, the league has gone 13-13 vs. the SEC. The BIG EAST has faced every school in the SEC except Mississippi State. BIG EAST schools are a combined 142-182-16 all-time against the SEC.Tennessee has seven players on its roster from the state of Florida, including four from the South Florida region. Miami does not currently have any players from Tennessee. The last UM letterman from the state of Tennessee was All-BIG EAST tight end Chris C. Jones (1994-97), who hailed from Somerville/Fayet-Ware High School.A combined five players from the Miami and Tennessee rosters attended high school together. One of the high schools is located in Broward County (St. Thomas Aquinas), while the other two are out of state.
SERIES RESULTS:
Jan. 1, 1986
1986 Sugar Bowl, New Orleans, La.
Tennessee 35, Miami 7
New Orleans, La.
Nov. 9, 2002
Miami 26, Tennessee 3
Knoxville
SERIES RECORD:
Tied, 1-1
Record at the Orange Bowl: First Meeting
Record at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville: Miami leads, 1-0
Record at neutral sites: Tennessee leads 1-0
MIAMI DEFENSE MAKES ITS STAND
The Hurricanes defense has strengthened as the season has progressed and currently ranks among the NCAA’s national top three categories and in the top 20 in a fourth. According to NCAA statistics released Sunday, November 2, Miami ranks third in passing yards defense (148.13 ypg), sixth in total defense (275.63 ypg) and eighth in pass efficiency defense (98.47 rating). Additionally, Miami ranks 17th nationally in scoring defense (17.25 ppg). The Hurricanes lead the BIG EAST Conference three defensive categories (pass efficiency defense, total defense and passing yards defense) while ranking no lower than third in any defensive category. Miami is second in the league in scoring defense and third in rushing defense (114.13 ypg, 38th nationally).
NO PASSING FANCY AGAINST THE MIAMI DEFENSE
The Hurricanes defense limited Virginia Tech to 219 total yards (the Hokies’ second-lowest total offense production this season) in Saturday’s loss at Blacksburg, including only 44 passing yards. Over Miami’s last two games, the defense has allowed only 65 yards passing while Temple and Virginia Tech combined to complete only seven of 22 passes with one interception and one touchdown. Other than a 46-yard scoring pass by Tech, Miami did not allow a passing play for positive yardage to the Hokies.
NOTES FROM MIAMI’S LOSS AT VIRGINIA TECH
Miami outgained Virginia Tech by a 377 to 219 margin. The Hurricanes passed for 261 yards to Tech’s 44 and rushed for 116 yards to Tech’s 175. Tech outgained UM in return yards 213 to 166. Despite the lopsided score, Miami’s defense actually had a solid night. The Hurricanes allowed only 14 of Tech’s points and limited the Hokies to 223 yards through three quarters (compared to Miami’s 264 total yards) and had not allowed positive passing yardage before allowing a 46-yard scoring pass from Marcus Vick to Ernest Wilford in the third period’s final seconds. Virginia Tech scored 21 of its 31 points off turnovers (two touchdowns directly off turnover returns and another TD following a turnover). Miami gave up two touchdowns on returns of turnovers, the first time that has happened since a 38-20 loss to Washington on Sept. 24, 1994, at the Orange Bowl (the game that snapped Miami’s national-record home win streak at 58 games). The scoring margin of Saturday’s loss was the largest losing margin for Miami since a 33-point loss at Virginia Tech on November 13, 1999. That game also was Miami’s last BIG EAST Conference loss prior to Saturday night. Tech blocked a 38-yard Jon Peattie field goal attempt in the first quarter, the first time a Miami field goal has been blocked since Syracuse’s Steven Gregory blocked a Todd Sievers 49-yard attempt on Nov. 30, 2002, in a 49-7 Miami win at the Carrier Dome. Tech opened the scoring on a 28-yard fumble return by DeAngelo Hall with 12:55 left in the second quarter, marking the first fumble return for a score by a Miami opponent since Florida State’s Michael Boulware took a fumble 73 yards for a score in a 49-27 Miami win at FSU on Oct. 13, 2001. Tech moved to a 17-0 lead in the third period on a 51-yard interception return by Aaron Green, the first interception return for a score by a Miami opponent since Tech’s DeAngelo Hall took one 96 yards on Dec. 7, 2002. The Hurricanes were held scoreless in the first half of the game, entering the locker room facing a 10-0 deficit. It marked the first scoreless half by a Miami team since Nov. 13, 1999, in a 43-10 loss at Virginia Tech when UM did not score in the second half. The Hurricanes were scoreless at halftime for the first time since a 47-0 loss at Florida State on October 4, 1997. Tech’s passing touchdown in the third quarter was only the fifth by an opponent this season and the first allowed by Miami since a 17-yard pass by Florida State’s Chris Rix to Chris Davis on the final play of the game on Oct. 11 in Tallahassee. Miami and Virginia Tech met for the 21st time since 1953. With Saturday’s verdict, the Hurricanes hold a 15-6 series lead. The record includes a 6-6 mark in BIG EAST play since in 1992. Both teams will play in the future as members of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Miami’s three-game win streak in the series ended Saturday’s. Before this game, Miami had won the three previous meetings by a combined score of 123-90 (41-30 average), 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 4-4 series deadlock at Lane Stadium/Worsham Field 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).
MIAMI’S REGULAR SEASON WINNING STREAK ENDS AT 39
Miami’s long regular season win streak ended Saturday. This most recent run of success, a 39-game regular season win streak, produced a tie with Washington for the second-longest regular season win streak in the history of college football. The Hurricanes reeled off 39 straight wins dating from Sept. 9, 2000 (a 34-29 loss at Washington) through Saturday’s. The Huskies won 39 straight regular season games from Nov. 14, 1908, to Oct. 24, 1914. The nation’s longest streak belongs to the Oklahoma Sooners, who won 45 straight regular season games from Oct. 10, 1953, to Nov. 16, 1957. Miami owns three of the 10 longest regular season win streak in the history of college football. UM won 36 regular season contests from Sept. 14, 1985, to Oct. 15, 1988, which is the sixth longest streak. The Hurricanes also won 31 straight from Oct. 27, 1990, to Oct. 2, 1993, for the 10th longest streak.
BIG EAST-RECORD WIN STREAK ENDS AT 27
Prior to the loss at Tech, Miami had won 27 consecutive BIG EAST games since a 55-0 defeat of Rutgers on Nov. 20, 1999. That is the longest win streak in BIG EAST Conference history, ranking ahead of Virginia Tech’s 14-game string from 1998-2000. UM has won 30 of its last 32 BIG EAST games including losses to Virginia Tech in 1999 and 2003 and has recorded conference win streaks of 12 games (1991-93), 10 games (1995-96) and seven games (1994). Miami ended the streaks of Virginia Tech and Syracuse listed below while Tech ended Miami’s 27 and 10-game win streaks. Miami’s 12-game streak ended with a 1993 loss at West Virginia.
MIAMI’S WIN STREAK IN ROAD GAMES ENDS AT 18
Prior to Saturday’s loss, Miami had 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 18-game road win streak was the longest byUM since the Hurricanes won a school-record 20 straight road contests from Sept. 15, 1984, through Oct. 15, 1988.
ROAD WARRIORS
Despite the loss at Virginia Tech, Miami has constructed the nation’s best record in road games (not including neutral sites) since the start of the 1983 season. 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 87-20-0 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). Nebraska owns the second-best road record over that span (70-23-1). Ironically, the Huskers also lost a road game Saturday.
MIAMI LOOKS TO EXTEND 26-GAME ORANGE BOWL WIN STREAK
Saturday’s matchup with Tennessee provides Miami the opportunity to extend its active home winning streak to 26 games. The Hurricanes stretched their Orange Bowl win streak to 26 games with a 52-14win over Temple on October 18. This current streak dates back to a 28-20 win over West Virginia on Oct. 30, 1999. Some facts about the second-longest Miami home win streak in its history (longest was an NCAA-record 58-game streak from 1985-94):
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 BIG EAST opponents, 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.
COKER’S COACHING CAREER OFF TO WINNING START
University of Miami head football coach Larry Coker is 31-2 as a head coach after Saturday’s loss at Virginia Tech, the second-winningest start (third-best by percentage) through 33 games in college football history. His 31-1 record through 32 games tied Walter Camp of Yale as the best by a head football coach in the history of the sport through that span of games, edging out Oklahoma’s Barry Switzer. 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.
MIAMI’S RECORD ACCORDING TO AP RANK
UM is 216-42-2 all-time in games while holding an AP national ranking. Since 1983, Miami is 151-22 as a top 10 team and 123-14 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 75-100-1 vs. AP-ranked teams since its first game against a ranked opponent against No. 18 Alabama in 1941, is 36-54 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.
MIAMI VS. RANKED & UNRANKED OPPONENTS SINCE 1990
Since 1990, Miami has registered a 36-24 mark against Associated Press ranked teams and a 97-7 record against unranked opponents.
HURRICANES AT NIGHT
Saturday night’s loss at Virginia Tech was a rarity in many ways for the Hurricanes, who have been particularly effective in night games. In the modern era of University of Miami football, the Hurricanes have enjoyed success in night games accumulating a 82-18 record at night since 1980. Since 1990, Miami is 45-13 at night. Under head coach Larry Coker, the Hurricanes are 16-2 at night.
MIAMI ACHIEVED 7-0 START FOR THE NINTH TIME
Prior to the loss at Virginia Tech, Miami was off to a 7-0 start 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.
MIAMI LEADS THE NATION IN SCORES 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.
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 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.
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 FIRSTWhen 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.
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.
OFFENSE IS PRODUCING ON THIRD DOWNS
Miami has converted 46 percent (51 of 112) of its third-down plays through the first eight games of the 2003 season. Miami has been effective on third and long (six yards or more) this season, converting on 22-of-59 (37.3 percent) attempts for 423 yards and a touchdown, which equates to 7.2 yards per attempt on third and long. The Hurricanes have also been efficient on third and short (two yards or less), converting 14 of 20 (70.0 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 71.4 percent of his passes on third down, racking up 461 yards, 32 first downs and two touchdowns. Crudup is 7 for 10 on the season for 100 yards, five first downs and one touchdown.
MIAMI ALMOST AUTOMATIC IN THE RED ZONE
Miami is averaging 32.5 points per game in 2003, and the Hurricanes’ production in the red zone is a big reason why. UM has produced points on 30-of-39 trips inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. The Hurricanes have scored 156 points in their 39 appearances in the red zone, with 17 touchdowns and 13 field goals. 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 seven 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.
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.
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.
COKER IS COACH OF YEAR CANDIDATE
University of Miami head football coach Larry Coker is among 10 coaches listed on the watch list for the 2003 George Munger Award honoring college football’s top coach, the Maxwell Football Club of Philadelphia announced. Coker has led Miami to a 7-0 start this season and ranked second nationally in both major polls. In two-and-a-half seasons as head coach, Coker has a 31-1 record, a mark that ranks as the finest start of any head coach in college football history. Coker’s Hurricanes have been ranked among the nation’s top three throughout his tenure and he has maintained the Miami program’s high level of success through an almost complete overhaul of talent since taking over the job prior to the 2001 season.
8 HURRICANES LISTED AMONG ESPN THE MAGAZINE’S TOP 100
Eight Miami football players were recently listed among ESPN.com’s Top 100 College Football Players, which was picked by ESPN The Magazine’s Bruce Feldman. Junior free safety Sean Taylor tops the list. He is tied for second on the team with 43 tackles, including 28 solo stops, 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack, six interceptions and 12 pass breakups. Junior tight end Kellen Winslow is fourth on the list with 36 receptions for 391 yards and a touchdown. Defensive tackles Vince Wilfork is ranked 19th, while linebackers D.J. Williams (24) and Jonathan Vilma (30) round out the top 30. Cornerback Antrel Rolle is listed as the 65th best player, while defensive tackle Orien Harris came in at 88th and offensive tackle Eric Winston was ranked at No. 96.
TAYLOR, VILMA & WILFORK NAMED TO BEDNARIK WATCH LIST
Sean Taylor, Jonathan Vilma and Vince Wilfork are among 14 candidates for the Bednarik Award honoring college football’s top defensive player. Taylor (Miami, Fla./Gulliver Prep) was recently rated college football’s top player by ESPN The Magazine in a mid-season ranking, as he has become more than just a burgeoning star in the secondary. He also has solidified his standing as college football’s finest defensive back through the first half of the 2003 season and is nothing less than a candidate for college football’s highest honors. Vilma (Coral Gables, Fla./Coral Gables HS) is in his third full season as a starter, but he has become more than the leader of the Miami Hurricanes defense – he’s now the team’s unquestioned leader. Vilma has been an impressive player since the beginning of his UM career. He leads the team lead with 58 total tackles, 37 solos, along with 4.5 tackles for losses, one quarterback sack, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and a pass broken up. Wilfork (Boynton Beach, Fla./Santaluces HS) is widely heralded as one of college football’s top defensive players and is a dominating player in the mold of former Miami greats Warren Sapp, Cortez Kennedy and Russell Maryland. A gifted natural athlete, Wilfork has recorded 30 tackles (14 solo), 5.5 tackles for a loss (19 yards), five sacks (23 yards), 12 quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and recovered one fumble and is tied for the team lead in sacks.
VILMA AWARDED POST-GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP
Middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma was named one of 15 winners of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame post-graduate fellowship. Vilma is also a finalist for the Draddy Award or the “Academic Heisman.” To be eligible, the nominee must be a senior or graduate student in his final year of eligibility, have a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, have shown superior academic application and performance, have outstanding football ability as a first team player, and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. Vilma, along with the 14 other scholar-athletes will be recognized at The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame’s 46th Annual Awards Dinner on December 9, at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. Also being honored at the dinner will be the 2003 College Football Hall of Fame class, which will share the dais with these scholar-athletes. Each scholar-athlete receives an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship, and that evening, one will receive the Draddy Trophy as the top scholar-athlete in the nation, increasing the scholarship to $25,000. Former Hurricane Joaquin Gonzalez won the Draddy Trophy in 2001.
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.
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 61.3 percent of his passes for 1,768 yards through the Hurricanes first eight games … he has completed 157-of-256 passes with nine touchdowns and 12 interceptions … the Shreveport, La., native is averaging 221.0 yards per game through the air with a 121.57 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 (221.0) … 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 21 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 167.8 yards per game on the ground and 4.6 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 44 catches this season for 439 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 103 and second in receiving yards by a tight end with 1,199 … 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 31 receptions for the year … Moore has 417 yards receiving on the season for 52.1 yards per game … he is averaging 13.5 yards per catch … hauled in a career-high seven catches for 101 yards at Virginia Tech.
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 17 catches for 236 yards for a 33.7 per game average … Parrish is averaging 14.9 yards on punt returns which leads the BIG EAST … 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 eoght UM games at defensive tackle this season … has 7.5 tackles for a loss for 27 yards … is tied for the team lead in sacks with five for minus-23 yards … has recorded 39 total tackles, including 16 solo stops … has 12 quarterback hurries … made 9 tackles against Virginia Tech.
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 5.5 for 31 yards … tied for eighth on the team with 29 total tackles, including 13 solo stops and 16 assists … third on the team with 12 quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles.
Jonathan Vilma, MLB – Senior leader of the Hurricanes’ defense, Jonathan Vilma has started 30 career games at UM … leads the team lead in tackles with 68 total stops from his middle linebacker position … has recorded 43 solo tackles and 25 assists … has 5.5 tackles for loss (-15 yards), including one sack … has two quarterback hurries, two fumble recoveries, two passes broken up and one forced fumble.
D.J. Williams, WLB – The Hurricanes’ weakside linebacker, Williams has more career starts than any other Miami player with 32 … the hard-hitting senior is having his best and most consistent season of his career for the Hurricanes … third on the team in tackles with 47 … has 23 solo stops and 24 assists … scored a touchdown on a 78-yard fumble return at Louisiana Tech … 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 … second on the team in tackles with 50, including 34 solo stops and 16 assisted tackles … has 4.5 tackles for loss for minus-12 yards … leads the team and is third in the country in interceptions per game with 0.75 (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 – Will sit out the Tennessee game with a suspension … has proven to be a shut-down corner on the left side of the secondary … sixth in tackles on the team with 31 stops … has recorded 26 solo tackles and five 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 18 career starts for the Hurricanes … Sikes is ninth on the team in tackles with 26 … he has 18 solo stops and 8 assists through eight 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-18 field goals (77.8 percent) with a long of 43 yards … is a perfect 26 of 26 on PATs … 1 for 1 inside 20 yards … he is 7 for 8 in the 20-29 yard range, 5 for 7 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 1.75, which is tied for 10th nationally … also leads the BIG EAST in field goal accuracy at 77.8 percent … leads all league kickers with a 8.5 points per game average and is third overall in points per game … his 8.5 points per game ranks 28th nationally.
Brian Monroe, P – Monroe, a true freshman, is handling the punting duties for the Hurricanes … is averaging 37.1 yards per punt with a long of 56 yards … on his 30 punts this season, Monroe has pinned the opponent inside the 20-yard line six times and forced seven fair catches.
