FAREWELL TOUR: The Hurricanes are about to embark on their final season in the Big East before moving, along with Virginia Tech, to the Atlantic Coast Conference in 2004. No tears have been shed. Apparently, the Temple-Miami rivalry wasn't one of the top matchups in the NCAA. Who knew? The only one who has been less than ebullient over the move is coach Larry Coker, who is smart enough to realize it will take a lot more to capture a national title going through the ACC. Plenty of tickets remain for Miami's home games with West Virginia, Temple, Rutgers and Syracuse. As tight end Kellen Winslow remarked recently while fidgeting with a Big East champions ring, "This doesn't mean anything."
NEW LOOKS: Miami's defensive line has been one of the nation's best during the past few years. But its top five players from last season are in the NFL. "It's just like the secondary was last year," said junior John Square, who likely will start at defensive end. "Whoever is considered as the weakest link, we take that personal and work twice as hard." Tackle Vince Wilfork could have opted for the NFL but returned to headline the group that has more talent than experience, defensive coordinator Randy Shannon said. Santonio Thomas, a junior, was heading for a breakout season before a torn pectoral muscle sidelined him. He will start opposite Wilfork. Square is the most experienced defensive end, but at 6 feet 5, 215 pounds, size is a concern. Thomas Carroll can play both sides of the line, which gives him a leg up for the other starting position. Others, such as Orien Harris, Alton Wright and Javon Nanton, have been impressive enough so far that they could start if injuries or performance become an issue. "They should be able to play," Shannon said. "That's what we recruited them here for."
OF NOTE: Sophomore Mark Gent takes over at placekicker for Todd Sievers, and true freshman Brian Monroe takes over at punter for Freddie Capshaw. Former Countryside standout Jon Peattie was expected to contend for both positions but has been slowed by a sore groin. And Gent hasn't been accurate during scrimmages. The Hurricanes begin 2003 with 22 consecutive home victories, the longest streak in the country. Miami also has won 24 consecutive Big East games, a conference record, and hasn't lost a league game since 1999 (Virginia Tech).
