By Compiled from Times wires
Published August 27, 2003
CORAL GABLES - Miami coach Larry Coker will wait until the day before the No. 3-ranked Hurricanes' opener at Louisiana Tech on Thursday to name a starting kicker.
The competition to replace departed kicker Todd Sievers has staggered because of injuries and inconsistency.
Sophomore Mark Gent, who backed up Sievers last season, spent the spring as the first-team kicker, and was expected to hold the position through the fall. However, Gent has been inconsistent, repeatedly misfiring on attempts inside of 40 yards and opening the door for freshman Jon Peattie out of Countryside High.
Peattie has missed most of camp with a groin injury.
"We feel that we'll be consistent inside 43 yards," Coker said.
Freshman Brian Monroe, who has solidified the starting spot at punter, might also be used for kickoffs.
Coker announced that sophomore receiver Akieem Jolla is suspended for the opener after violating team policy. Jolla has been demoted to the scout team, weeks after he was projected to back up Jason Geathers at split end. Coker also said linebacker Rocky McIntosh, receiver Jason Geathers and guard Joe McGrath would not make the trip due to injuries.
UCF NAMES CAPTAINS: Golden Knights coach Mike Kruczek named captains for the season. The offensive captain is senior quarterback Ryan Schneider, and the defensive captain is senior defensive lineman Larry Brown. UCF opens its season Sunday at No. 9 Virginia Tech.
SHERRILL HOT OVER VESTS: Mississippi State coach Jackie Sherrill is miffed that Nike provided Oregon with experimental vests the Ducks might use Saturday to help stay cool when they travel to play the Bulldogs in what figures to be warm and humid conditions.
Sherrill said Mississippi State, which also has a contract with Nike, wasn't offered the equipment until he asked about it.
"When you have two teams under contract to the same vendor, you question why they're allowing one to use it and not another," he said. "(Nike) didn't offer it until Friday afternoon - and not until I asked the question."
The product, developed by Oregon-based Nike, is worn under the shoulder pads and weighs slightly more than a T-shirt. When connected to a sideline compressor, the device blows dehumidified air on the players.
Phil Knight, CEO and co-founder of Nike, is an Oregon alum and major supporter of the school's athletic program.
Saturday's forecast calls for a high of 91 and a low of 68.
ESPN might have made this issue moot. The game was scheduled for the afternoon but to accommodate ESPN2 the time was pushed back to 8 p.m. CDT.
ILLINOIS: Starting fullback Carey Davis will miss the opener against Missouri on Saturday after having minor knee surgery.
OHIO ST.: Embattled running back Maurice Clarett will not be in uniform for the opener Saturday against No. 17 Washington. "The only people who will dress for the game are the ones who will be eligible to play," coach Jim Tressel said. Clarett was suspended Friday at the same time he was permitted to rejoin practices. He had not been working out with the Buckeyes while his eligibility was being investigated by the NCAA and the school. He practiced Monday on the the scout team, mimicking Washington tailback Rich Alexis.
PENN ST.: Defensive back Anwar Phillips was acquitted of sexual assault charges involving another student. In December, he was expelled for two semesters. In March, he was charged with sexual assault and aggravated indecent assault, both felonies. The case generated criticism of coach Joe Paterno, who allowed Phillips to play in the Capital One Bowl on Jan. 1, nearly three weeks after Phillips was expelled. Paterno still has not said whether Phillips will return to the team.
SOUTH CAROLINA: Receiver Matthew Thomas has been suspended one game for skipping summer school classes and will miss the opener Saturday against Louisiana-Lafayette, coach Lou Holtz said.
TROPHY SPONSOR: The award presented to the BCS champ has its third sponsor in as many years. The award is now the ADT National Championship Trophy. ADT makes electronic security systems.
WACKER DIES: Jim Wacker, a former coach at TCU and Minnesota who won consecutive national titles in NAIA and Division II, died Tuesday in San Marcos, Texas. He was 66. Mr. Wacker, who had a career record of 160-130-3, died after a battle with cancer, Texas State sports information director Tony Brubaker said.
Basketball
MISSOURI: Coach Quin Snyder broke his silence and said he welcomes the investigation of his program. On Monday, university president Elson Floyd appointed a top engineering professor to lead a "continuation, extension and amplification" of an investigation started in July by the athletic department, after the ex-girlfriend of former point guard Ricky Clemons said he received improper academic help. Floyd also directed the panel to look at "the entire men's basketball program."
