CORAL GABLES - Miami saved its best performance for last and because of it the Hurricanes are heading to their fourth straight BCS game.
Despite freezing weather and a strong Pittsburgh offense, the 'Canes (10-2, 6-1) dominated the Panthers (8-4, 5-2) in all phases Saturday en route to a 28-14 victory in UM's Big East swan song. Miami, which has won four straight conference titles, likely will play Ohio State Jan.1 in the Orange Bowl, a rematch of last season's national title game.
Coach Larry Coker downplayed the possible rematch aspect Sunday, saying both teams had lost significant members from last season and essentially were different teams.
"If it's Ohio State, it really, really doesn't matter to our football team," Coker said. "We just want to play. Whoever it is, it is. It really doesn't matter. ... I'm just glad to be there in the BCS bowl game. Whoever plays is going to be really good, that's why those games are hard to get to."
And Miami got there in impressive fashion, shutting down Pitt's offense and making record-setting receiver Larry Fitzgerald a nonfactor.
The 'Canes had nine sacks - three by linebacker D.J. Williams - and piled up 475 yards of offense. Tailbacks Jarrett Payton and Tyrone Moss went over 100 yards as Miami gained 280 on the ground. Quarterback Brock Berlin had one of his most efficient games, completing 12-of-17 for 195 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
"It's what we hoped for," Coker said. "To get nine sacks, you can't get nine sacks on a bag out on the practice field. That's pretty hard. ... And the rushing offense, Tyrone Moss is really starting to elevate his game. Both (running backs) complemented each other pretty well."
The 'Canes appeared to play with their old swagger, and the result was an eighth conference title since 1991.
"It made us pretty mad that in our hometown all we heard about was Larry Fitzgerald, not Miami's secondary," cornerback Antrel Rolle said. "We pretty much shut them down all night."
The win made all the doom and gloom of a month ago, when UM lost to Virginia Tech and Tennessee in consecutive weeks, seem like ages ago.
"In reality, you name me a team that wins a national championship every year," Coker said. "(Find that coach) and I'd resign today."
STOOPS LEAVING: Miami's coaching staff, which has been intact for three seasons, suffered the first of what could be multiple losses when defensive backs coach Mark Stoops told players he was leaving to join brother Mike's staff as defensive coordinator at Arizona.
"I think our players are very happy for Coach Stoops," Coker said. "He gave a lot to this program, really contributed a great deal. We'll miss him but I'm happy for him."
Stoops will leave immediately, and Coker said it's "unlikely" the position would be filled until after the bowl game. He said defensive coordinator Randy Shannon can handle the extra responsibilities.
