UM
Quarterbacks: Ken Dorsey may not post the flashiest numbers, but he has an extra year of leadership and a National Championship that Grossman doesn’t.

Running Backs: Willis McGahee and Jason Geathers showed how scary their speed is against FAMU. The Florida game will give the duo a much bigger test.

Wide Receivers: In addition to returning starters Andre Johnson and Kevin Beard, Dorsey has tight end Kellen Winslow and multi-purpose threat Roscoe Parrish to choose from.

Offensive Line: Brett Romberg and Sherko Haji-Rasouli are proven stars. The jury is out on the other three positions, but Carey, Myers, and Joseph performed well against FAMU.

Defensive Line: The return of Jerome McDougle this week only enhances the best D-Line in the country.

Linebackers: The jury is still out on Howard Clark, but D.J. Williams and Jonathan Vilma are shaping up to become two of the nation’s best linebackers.

Secondary: The new core of defensive backs helped shut down Casey Printers, but they will see a much bigger test this week against Grossman.

Special Teams: The emergence of Roscoe Parrish adds to the nation’s most dangerous special teams unit. In addition, punter Freddie Capshaw returns from a foot injury.

UF
Quarterbacks: Second in the Heisman voting last season, Rex Grossman threw for 337 yards in the opener against UAB, showing the nation he is still the centerpiece of the Gator offense.

Running Backs: With Ron Zook looking to run the ball more, Earnest Graham could come through with his first 1,000 yard season.

Wide Receivers: As witnessed by his 246 yards receiving against UAB, Taylor Jacobs could be one of the nation’s best receivers. Unfortunately, for Florida, he is their only proven receiver.

Offensive Line: Like Miami, the Gator offensive line has a lot of skill. They also only have 25 starts between them entering this season.

Defensive Line: Tackle Ian Scott is an All-American candidate. The rest of the unit is mediocre at best.

Linebackers: Matt Nattiel looks to have a breakout senior season. As a whole, the linebackers have improved in helping stop the run, but they aren’t among the nation’s elite yet.

Secondary: Dorsey will get his yards, but things will be tougher against this experienced Gator unit. Look out for free safety Todd Johnson.

Special Teams: Sophomore Matt Leach moves into the kicker’s role, replacing Groza Award semifinalist Jeff Chandler.

On Tuesday, head coach Larry Coker began his press conference by stating: “Now we can talk about this game.”

The game Coker referred to in that statement would be top ranked Miami’s battle with No. 6 Florida. And after a 15-year hiatus, the Hurricanes and Gators finally renew their regular season rivalry tomorrow evening in front of a sold out crowd at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Miami and Florida clashed in the 2000 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, a game that saw the Hurricanes come out on top 37-20. However, Miami’s players know that up in Gainesville, 80,000 noisy Gator fans provide an additional challenge to the defending national champions.

“It’s a hostile environment, that’s for sure,” said offensive lineman Sherko Haji-Rasouli. “But if you come in with the right mindset, and the right preparation, then you can always turn the hostile environment into something positive.”

The Hurricanes began their season on a high note last Saturday, trouncing Florida A&M 63-17. The win boosted Miami’s winning streak to 23, currently the second longest in school history. Coker, however, isn’t concerned with helping set records.

“We would obviously like to keep any streak going,” Coker said. “The only winning streak from a player/coach standpoint that we want is to have is a 1-0 record on Saturday.”

On offense, the Hurricanes look to the arm of senior Ken Dorsey against a talented, but questionable Gator secondary. Dorsey, who threw for 118 yards and three touchdowns in limited playing time against FAMU, finished third in last year’s Heisman Trophy voting, and the national media has blown up Dorsey’s matchup with Florida quarterback Rex Grossman, last year’s runner-up. The team, though, doesn’t consider itself caught up in the hype.

“It’s a long season and there is a lot of football left to play,” Coker said. “Kenny Dorsey doesn’t have anything to prove. We know what he means to this program.”

Grossman, meanwhile, posted impressive numbers in the Gators’ season opener against Alabama-Birmingham. The junior quarterback threw for 337 yards and a pair of touchdowns, helping lead Florida to a 51-3 blowout.

Senior Taylor Jacobs was on the receiving end of both Grossman touchdown strikes. With the departure of Jabar Gaffney and Reche Caldwell, Jacobs looks to become one of the nation’s most prolific receivers. His 246 yards against UAB further implies the challenge Miami’s secondary has on their plate.

“This is a tremendous test for the secondary, and I would be concerned even if we still had Ed, Phillip, and the rest of those guys,” Coker said. “If we don’t get pressure on Grossman, I don’t care who is back there, it will be a long day.”

As Coker mentioned, Miami’s front seven will have to get pressure on Grossman in order to help avoid a serious air attack. Last week, the Hurricanes recorded seven sacks on Casey Printers and the FAMU offense. In addition, senior Jerome McDougle, one of the nation’s most talented defensive ends, returns from a muscle strain.

However, putting pressure on Grossman isn’t the defense’s sole concern. The Hurricanes must contain underrated Florida running back Earnest Graham, who piled up 182 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the season opener. Graham amassed at least 600 yards in each of his first three seasons, and with new head coach Ron Zook’s philosophy of a better rushing attack, the senior back looks to become even more of a threat this year.

“He[Earnest] is a real sleeper running back who doesn’t get a lot of hype so we are not taking their passing game for granted,” said linebacker Jonathan Vilma. “We know we have to stop the run, first and foremost.”

Miami is beginning to produce a new rushing attack of their own. Sophomore Willis McGahee turned his first carry of 2002 into a 19-yard touchdown run. His backup, recently converted running back Jason Geathers, rushed for 199 yards in extensive action against the Rattlers.

With both teams sporting an equal balance of run and pass, tomorrow’s contest could turn out to be a battle of special teams. The Hurricanes special teams force is at full power this week, with the return of punter Freddie Capshaw from a cracked bone in his right foot. Capshaw says there is no question to who has the advantage in this category.

They[special teams] are better than they have been, but it’s still not Big East caliber,” Capshaw said. “Florida comes after you, but not as much as teams like Syracuse and West Virginia.”

As if Miami didn’t need further motivation for defeating Florida, odds makers have made the Hurricanes two-and a half point underdogs for Saturday’s matchup. Many observers across the nation have made a big deal about the line, but Larry Coker’s squad isn’t concerned one bit.

“We are No.1 in the country but we still have to prove that every week by winning. That’s why winning is our main objective.”

Tomorrow’s game is the first in a long line of tough challenges for Miami. The ‘Canes have dates against Florida State, Tennessee, and Virginia Tech still to come. If the team still wants to have a chance to participate in the Fiesta Bowl when those games roll around, then the ‘Canes must take care of business up in Gainesville. There is no question what the goal of Miami’s players is right now.

“Stopping Florida,” Vilma said. It doesn’t matter how we get the W, just as long as we get it.”

Jeremy Marks-Peltz can be reached at jmp310@hotmail.com

1. Miami
2. Oklahoma
3. Texas
4. Tennessee
5. Florida
6. FSU
7. Ohio State
8. Virginia Tech
9. Nebraska
10. Washington State
11. Michigan
12. Washington
13. Oregon
14. Georgia
15. Michigan State
16. Colorado
17. Marshall
18. Texas A&M
19. Colorado State
20. Notre Dame
21. South Carolina
22. Wisconsin
23. USC
24. LSU
25. NC State

The time has come to renew an old intra-state rivalry with the beloved Florida Gators. Hurricane fans can taste victory. We can’t wait to see a baffled Rex Grossman stare through the wrong side of his helmet when William Joseph, Jonathan Vilma, and company give him the biggest beating he has witnessed in his three-year Gator career.
Yet, a Hurricane victory at the Gator’s expense will be missing the usual flare that all Gator opponents have come so accustomed to…that is, seeing the face of an angry and mossteve spurriert importantly, defeated Steve Spurrier.
The ‘Canes and Gators last met two seasons ago, in the 2001 Sugar Bowl. Miami stormed past Florida 37-20 in route to finishing the season ranked No. 2 in the nation. The win evened the historic Miami – Florida series at 25 apiece. However, the victory was the only game played between the perennial powers in the entire Steve Spurrier era at the University of Florida. And this, being a bowl game, was not scheduled.
The game was close early, as the ‘Canes only led 13-10 on a Jeremy Shockey touchdown reception and a Todd Sievers field goal. The second half was a different story. Florida struck first with a 36-yard Earnest Graham touchdown run, but would only add a field goal for the remainder of the game. Miami answered with a David Williams 19-yard touchdown reception, two more Sievers field goals, and a Najeh Davenport touchdown run to take home the victory.
I remember the disappointment in Spurrier’s face and tone of his voice at the press conference after the Sugar Bowl. Rumors circulated that he was going to leave the Gators for the NFL. He ripped his players, talking through the side of his mouth, but decided to come back. But why would he leave when he didn’t have to face Miami the next season? Spurrier was sure his 2001 team (ranked No. 1 in the preseason), led by Grossman, and standout receivers Jabar Gafney and Reche Caldwell would run away with an undefeated season and a National Championship. Yet, once again a Spurrier team choked – losing to a lackluster team in Auburn, and then losing a nail biter to SEC foe Tennessee.
Everyone was certain Spurrier would stick around for another chance at a title in 2002 with the Heisman hopeful Grossman returning and a boatload of more talent. Yet, Spurrier bolted to the NFL, taking the head-coaching job with the Washington Redskins.
Spurrier’s antagonistic feelings for Miami became clearly apparent when he decided to announce his Florida resignation and new job with the Redskins on January 4, 2001. Yes, the day after Miami won the National Championship. Spurrier could not cope with Miami’s success, so he did the next best thing…he stole the headlines from Miami’s undefeated season the following day.
It is a tad too convenient that Spurrier did not stay one more year. Did the fact that Miami was on the 2002 schedule have anything to do with it? I am not one to speculate, but if you look at Spurrier’s legacy, a victory at the expense of Miami is not and will not be a part of it. Well he could beat Miami, but that would mean he would have to fail in the NFL and be hired by a college who already has the ‘Canes on the schedule because we all know he would not dare to schedule us.
Spurrier was hired by his alma mater in 1990. The last two games between Miami and Florida prior to his hiring were both Hurricane victories. The ‘Canes beat UF 23-15 in 1986, and defeated the Gators 31-4 in 1987. Miami went on to win the 1987 National Championship.
Steve Spurrier understood if he wanted to win a National Championship that his team must not schedule the University of Miami. He got his title in 1996, but a Hurricane defeat was not included.
Spurrier finally buckled down after gaining confidence from his National Championship and signed a two-year deal to play Miami in a home-and-home series. However, Spurrier conveniently resigned before the 2002 season.
Spurrier knew that his Gators would have trouble defeating the ‘Canes, and he was not willing to take the chance of staying one more season if it meant not winning the National Championship.
Hurricane fans have waited 15 years to play a regular season contest against the Gators, and Steve Spurrier is no longer here to take the blame when they lose.
Regardless, tomorrow’s victory will still be sweet, and of course the hatred is still strong for the Gators. Yet, it is unfair that ‘Canes fans will not get to experience handing Steve Spurrier a loss on national television at his home field.
Brian Poliakoff can be reached at b.poliakoff@umiami.edu

Tomorrow’s game against the Florida Gators is a huge one. But not only because Miami, with a victory, can maintain their No. 1 ranking in both the ESPN/USA Today Coach’s poll and the AP poll; and Florida can make a nice leap from their current position at No. 6 in both polls, but because of what else is at stake.

For those of you who grew up somewhere outside of the state of Florida, I can’t help but think that you do not have a full appreciation for how important this game is. Not only for the players themselves, but the fans as well.

This is more than an intra-state rivalry between two top 10 teams – it is a recruiting battle, and a war of pride-for everyone involved.

Take into account the fact that there are 18 Hurricanes and 22 Gators that went to high school together in 13 different schools around the state. Add in that Miami’s Aikeem Jolla and Florida’s Sylvester McGrew went to high school together in Louisiana and you’ve got a rather volatile mix of guys who were teammates and now enemies.

Trust me when I tell you that just because Florida defensive end Steven Harris went to high school with Jonathan Vilma, that the guys will not be holding hands walking out to the field like they did when they were Coral Gables Cavaliers just a couple of years ago.

As noted, this is a huge game for the players on both of these teams for so many reasons. But let me explain the mindset of a University of Miami student who went to high school in the state of Florida. We went to UM along with maybe two or three of our friends from high school. Almost everyone else we were friends with: Gators.

So for a moment, forget the fact that the winner of this game is going to have a huge advantage in the rankings of college football and understand that we, the minority, do not, under any circumstances, want to drop a game to the hated Gators. I’m a junior this year, and so far the Hurricanes football team is 2-0 against Florida State and 1-0 against Florida. Everyone my age has had complete and total bragging rights over everyone else we went to high school with; heck, Dorsey and company have only lost one game since we came to UM-not to mention that they are the defending National Champions.

This same attitude applies to the players, too. I’m sure that Vilma and every other guy on this team who is from Florida is fully aware of the ‘Canes perfect record against in-state opponents since 2000.

Sure these guys will be playing for position in the polls, an appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated, and for recruiting dominance in the talent-rich state of Florida; but they’re also playing for an incredibly deep sense of pride.

And those of us who went to high school in the Sunshine State will watch and cheer, rooting on the Hurricanes to continue their dominance of their opponents-not only because we like the ‘Canes to be No. 1, but because we just cannot stomach a loss to those Gator kids.

Jesse Agler is a graduate of Spanish River High School in Boca Raton, same as UM running back Jason Geathers.

You can reach Jesse at j.agler@umiami.edu

The women’s volleyball team is entering their first season in the Big East conference. The team surprised many people last season as an independent, which has earned them respect and confidence from their opponents.

“Our confidence will be high knowing that we did well last season, but we won’t be a surprise in the conference because the other teams saw how well we did last season,” said head coach Nicole Lantagne Welch.

The team is off to a great start. Miami came into the season ranked sixth in the Big East, but after winning the Wichita State Tournament, which included wins over New Mexico, Georgia, Stephen F. Austin, and Wichita State, the Canes have been propelled to the No. 1 seed in the Big East conference.

“We started the season ranked sixth in the Big East, and now we are No. 1 because we have the most wins, but that is great, and we will work hard to keep that No.1 ranking,” said sophomore Jamie Grass.

This year’s team is led by returning senior Marcela Gamarra, who will be called upon to guide the team with her experience

“We all look up to Marcela because she is more mature and has more knowledge than anyone else,” said Grass.

Marcela’s knowledge has helped her lead this team, but her talents on the court are admired by her teammates as well.

“Marcela is our only senior and she brings a lot to the court – experience, athleticism, power, and talent, so we do look to her for leadership,” said teammate Mallorey James.

Along with Gamarra, James, and Grass, Valeria Tipiana will try to help lead the Hurricanes into the Big East tournament.

Tipiana earned Big East player of the week honors for her performance in the Wichita State Tournament.

“Everyone is really excited, especially with the great 4-0 start we had and winning the Wichita State tournament. We are looking forward to conference play, to going up against teams like Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, and Villanova,” said James.

The team has several goals for the season. The ‘Canes want to be one of the top four teams in the Big East so that they can get a chance to play in the post-season tournament.

“Our first goal is to make the conference tournament, then of course once we get there, we want to win it, and get that automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament,” said Lantagne-Welch.

Even though the team may have season goals, they know that they cannot afford to get ahead of themselves.

“We are going to take it one day at a time and one game at a time,” said James.

A young team does not always deal well with adversity, but this team has a lot of confidence, which they will try to keep with them throughout the season.

The Hurricanes’ main strengths this season include great leadership, very gifted athletes, but even more so, a great attitude and a lot of confidence.

“We are a very dedicated team, we are all here to get the job done. We will win some and lose some, but even if we lose, we will come back the next game and try harder,” said James.

Miami’s ability to play well, even when facing adversity, could be the ultimate factor in whether or not they win the Big East championship this season.

Darren Grossman can be reached at d.grossman@umiami.edu

The Hurricanes women’s soccer team (2-0) opened their season in commanding fashion this past weekend, by beating cross-state rivals, Stetson and University of South Florida, 7-0, 5-1, respectively.

It marked the beginning of a new era in women’s soccer under new head coach Tricia Taliaferro, who replaced Jim Blakenship. Taliaferro came over from the University of Illinois where she guided the nascent women’s soccer team to two consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, a second place finish in the Big Ten Tournament, and a No.15 ranking in the country. Taliaferro’s Illini team was known for their aggressive, attack style offense.

“Tricia has come into this program and completely turned things around. I think that we have been having a lot more fun than we have been in the past years,” said sophomore forward Britney Butcher.

The Hurricanes completely overpowered the University of South Florida Bulls from the outset on Sunday. The Hurricanes always seemed one step ahead of their opponents, making crisp passes across the midfield and down the sidelines, constantly pushing the ball into Bulls’ territory, a semblance to Taliaferro’s aforementioned attack style coaching philosophy.

It did not take long for the Hurricanes to strike. Butcher, scored on an assist from Gitana Gotay in the seventh minute and then connected on another shot a minute later to record her second goal of the game. Butcher finished the game with her second straight hat trick in as many games, by scoring her third goal in the 65th minute.

“We’ve gelled together so well and we’re playing like a team,” said Butcher.

During Friday’s Stetson game, Butcher also opened the scoring by notching the first two of the Hurricanes seven goal offensive barrage.

Vonda Matthews played excellent defense in the middle, part of an impregnable Hurricane defense that allowed only one shot in the first half. Forwards Anik Huffman and Gotay provided speed and a good passing game that kept the Bulls’ defense on its toes much of the match. The Hurricanes had eight shots in the first half and finished the game with 17.

“I am very pleased with our opening weekend. A lot of things that we had worked on in the preseason we were able to execute and especially getting the amount of shots we did was good. Britney Butcher was a pleasant surprise, obviously, getting her six goals in the weekend,” said Taliaferro.

The Hurricanes went into the halftime with a 2-0 lead.

The second half was no different from the first. Lindsey Yach, scored the first of her two goals on a centering pass from Huffman. The play was created by the defensive hustle of Vonda Matthews, who made a clean steal on the ball from a South Florida forward, which caught the Bulls’ defense off-guard. Huffman also contributed to Yach’s second goal, by stealing the ball in front of the Bulls’ net and then passing it to Yach for an easy empty netter.

“Throughout the week, I thought we got better and it’s a good start to our season,” said coach Taliaferro.

The Hurricanes will look to perpetuate their offensive prowess at the FSU Invitational in Tallahassee where they will play against Louisiana State University and Missouri.

Sandeep Konka can be reached at s.konka@umiami.edu

The 2002 Homecoming Hoopfest will be an event not to miss at the UM Wellness

Center on Sunday September 29th. This fun and exciting three-on-three basketball tournament and three point shootout will be open to all University of Miami students, faculty, and wellness center members who want to play some great three-on-three competition and to test their three-point skills. Divisions range from beginners to advanced, faculty/staff, wellness center members, and law/medical school. $1000 will be up for grabs to the top team, but great prizes will be awarded to every division so everyone can win!

This event will be filled with free food from Domino’s Pizza, Longhorn Steakhouse, and Subway, and free smoothies from Smoothie King, Nantucket Nectars, and Life O2. Test your skills at the Marines obstacle course or pull up challenge. There will be plenty of giveaways and raffle prizes from Sony cd’s to Nike Town apparel and a live dj spinning throughout the day.

Students, faculty, and wellness center members who would like to participate can register online at www.bestofcampus.com, or call 1-800-639-7214, or stop by the wellness center intramural office on the 2nd floor. The cost to participate is $60 for a four-person team, and $10 for the three-point shootout. The first 30 teams will receive a free event t-shirt and a bunch of free stuff.

Register Today !

Philip I. Kassof

Director of Marketing and Development

Best of Campus, Inc

1250 East Hallandale Beach Boulevard

Suite 603

Hallandale Beach, Fl 33009

The Labor Day Softball Tournament was played last Sunday and the champions are Sigma Chi! Sigma Chi breezed through the Greek bracket and met Pi Kappa Alpha in the Greek finals. Pike playing with only 9 players put up a valiant effort but came up short from winning the points.

The 86’ers came out of the independent bracket for the championship game. They met some really good teams on their way but just as Sigma Chi had done, they were just too good to be kept from the championship. The 86’ers were crowned the Independent champion by beating a very good Pearson team that combined with another good ACS team to form one quality team.

In the championship, Sigma Chi jumped out to an early lead and never looked back as they won 17-11 over the 86’ers. Chris McDermott and Bob Switzer were the co-MVPs as they lead their team to the first championship for Sigma Chi in a few years! Overall, the power and teamwork of Sigma Chi prevailed and were crowned the first champion of the 2002-2003 Intramural season.

Intramural Reminders

Flag Football / Floor Hockey / Tennis Singles: Entry Deadline – Friday, Sept. 6 by 5pm.

Flag Football Officials: All students are welcome to earn $6 per hour as an intramural official. An emergency training is Monday, September 9 @ 5pm at the Wellness Center.