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Paterno's quest is the first obstacle

By BOB HARIG

© St. Petersburg Times,
published August 10, 2001

CORAL GABLES -- The Hurricanes open the season Sept. 1 at Penn State. In a newly renovated Beaver Stadium that seats more than 106,000. In a nationally televised night game.

Oh, yeah. And PSU coach Joe Paterno will be going for his 323rd career victory, trying to match the all-time Division I-A record set by Paul "Bear" Bryant.

UM's Larry Coker will be trying for victory No. 1 as a college coach.

"That's a little bit mind-boggling," said Coker, whose team begins two-a-day practices today. "For that to be the opening game against Joe Paterno. ... It would be a little more intimidating had I not been at Ohio State (as an assistant) and played them twice.

"I don't know Coach Paterno and I doubt he'd know me if he walked through that door. It is an irony. He's going for his (323rd) and I'm going for my first. I just want to let him get it the next week and let us get our first."

HIGH PRAISE: The Hurricanes are ranked second in the preseason ESPN/USA Today poll behind Florida but got the top spot in the ESPN magazine rankings. Quarterback Ken Dorsey is featured on the cover of regional editions.

"It's a great honor for me, but it's also a great honor for the team," said Dorsey, who had 2,737 yards and 25 touchdowns last season. "It means we're back to the level we're expected to be at."

OPEN AT RECEIVER: The Hurricanes lost their top three receivers from last season -- Santana Moss, Reggie Wayne and Andre King -- which means competition is open. Freshman Kellen Winslow figures to get a shot. Winslow is the son of NFL Hall of Fame tight end Kellen Winslow, who played for the San Diego Chargers.

The younger Winslow, 6 feet 5, 210 pounds, played receiver and tight end and caught 45 passes for 800 yards and nine touchdowns during his senior year at San Diego Scripps Ranch High.

COMING BACK: Jonathan Vilma has some big shoes to fill, and it won't be easy coming off a major injury. Vilma is expected to play middle linebacker, where Dan Morgan won the Butkus Award last season.

Vilma missed most of spring practice because of a knee injury while riding a personal watercraft. A torn meniscus in his left knee required surgery. Five weeks ago, he needed further surgery because of swelling in the knee.

"Physically, I feel about 99 percent right now," Vilma said. "I'm going to check it out (today) and see how it feels. I'm going to go full speed. If it starts to bother me a little, I'll take it easy. But if not, I'll just keep going."

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