Ouch, my 'Canes will limp into Tallahassee and beyond

[Awsi Dooger]

CaneSport.com is reporting that Miami RB Frank Gore is out for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, suffered last night vs. West Virginia. Damn shame, after Gore missed all of '02 while rehabbing from a similar injury to his right knee, opening the door for Willis McGahee.

So that's 3 serious knee injuries to Miami RBs since spring '02.

Miami figures to have almost no running game without Gore, unless Jason Geathers steps up after being moved back to RB from WR.

Starting safety Maurice Sikes is also reportedly out for the year, another torn anterior cruciate ligament. Sikes was considered the worst athlete in the Miami secondary and many 'Canes fans were hoping a youngster would oust him, but no one had stepped up.

No sympathy necessary or expected. If Miami stumbles at FSU, Va Tech and/or elsewhere, as a 'Canes fan I'm just hoping Larry Coker makes a bold step toward the future of the program and replaces Bitty Brock Berlin and all his limitations at QB with frosh phenom Kyle Wright. That's what Butch Davis did late in '99, dumping Kenny Kelly in favor of freshman Ken Dorsey.

[VermontDem2004]

1. I thought West Virginia was going to win that game

When will the magic pixy dust rub off of Ohio State and Miami, I seen them win so many close games it is beyond belief.

[GumboYaYa]

2. That touchdown run after catch by Wilson

was an amazing play. I bet Miami's safety gets abused in the film room this week for getting knocked down and leaped for the touchdown.

Winslow is a man among boys. His 4th down catch was nothing short of phenomenal. I just wish he would learn to keep his mouth shut.

As for the rest of your season, you will experience the curse of Evangel. Being an LSU fan I experienced this in the form of Josh Booty. You see, every highly-touted Evangel player turns out to have had his best days in high school. You hit the nail on the head when you say they need to pull Berlin. Those Evangel guys put up gaudy numbers in high school playing with receivers that are faster and bigger than their opponent's corners and safeties (and I mean by a long shot). They get to college and can't simply loft the ball and rely on their receivers to pull down receptions.

Good luck next week againts FSU. IMO Va. Tech and FSU are playing some of the best ball in the country right now. I'm glad they are not on LSU's schedule.

[Awsi Dooger]

4. I cringed in horror when Brock Berlin transferred to UM

I taped the 2000 Fla/Maryland Orange Bowl that Berlin started when Rex Grossman was suspended for the first 1 1/2 quarters. All I saw in Berlin was a little QB who had blinders on, throwing mindless line drives over the middle or weak lobs into coverage. Agonizingly, zilch has changed.

I realize Brock was an Evangel phenom. When the 'Canes opened at La Tech the Miami reporters were stunned at how legendary he was in every coffee shop, etc. Thanks for pointing out the physical realities of high school ball in Shreveport and nearby.

Worst of all, as an LSU fan wait until you see Marc Guillon at Alabama the next few years. He left Miami after one season, when Brock Berlin was anointed. Guillon is from Dorsey's high school, and much taller, more mobile, more accurate and with a greater variety of throws than Berlin ever had. Guillon transferred in August, stuck behind Berlin and the inevitability of Kyle Wright.

Oh, and that abused safety was the guy who replaced Maurice Sikes. I doubt FSU will avoid him.

[Scottie72]

3. Go Noles! beat the 'Canes!!!

It is shapping up to be one hell of a game come next weekend. I just wish I was still a FSU student.

Anyone out there know if the traditional camp out "party" line for student tickets is still taking place. Those were always a whole lot of fun!

[Awsi Dooger]

5. The loyal Big East teams are in a fury vs. Miami and Va Tech

The sports media has not made nearly enough of this. Miami understood, insisting on joining the ACC next season so there would be only one bullseye lame duck year in the Big East.

Last night's effort by West Virginia will be typical of what Va Tech and especially Miami, the ringleader, experience the rest of the season. Basketball also. Complete frenzy by scorned teams, fire and fisticuffs.

It won't happen from Boston College and Syracuse, who also attempted to bolt but were rejected by the ACC, but the rest of the Big East base will save their best and most energetic efforts for those two foes. Saturday it's Rutgers' turn vs. Va Tech. Until the talent gap takes over, Rutgers may be much more competitive than expected.

I live in Las Vegas and am always eager to take advantage ($) of the rare conference traitor situations, including last night at +26 1/2. It usually succeeds about 67% of the time.