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FB refuses to mope about misfortune

LOS ANGELES -- Najeh Davenport always envisioned ending his college career on the west coast, with his Hurricanes playing for the national championship.

He just didn't envision it this way.

When the 'Canes take on Nebraska on Thursday night in the Rose Bowl looking to capture the program's fifth national championship and first in a decade, Davenport will be on the sideline on crutches, the result of a broken bone in his left foot sustained in practice before Miami left Coral Gables.

"It's part of life," Davenport said. "Everybody has trials and tribulations. This is not my first and it probably won't be my last."

Still, the timing couldn't be worse for Davenport, voted UM's unsung hero by teammates after moving from tailback to near obscurity as a blocking back for Clinton Portis, Willis McGahee and Frank Gore. He also found a niche in the passing game with 14 receptions for 190 yards and two touchdowns, while gaining 54 yards and three TDs in limited rushing opportunities.

Though Davenport has pro potential, a chance at the next level isn't a given, and being hurt just when the spotlight shines brightest won't help.

But Davenport, a team captain, opted to be with his team instead of sitting home sulking over what could have been.

With Davenport out, McGahee shifts to blocking back alongside Jarrett Payton, who had been listed No. 2 behind Davenport on the depth chart.

CAMPBELL ON MEND: Starting strongside linebacker Chris Campbell, who spent two nights in the hospital with an infection in his right knee, hasn't returned to practice. He is questionable for the Rose Bowl.

The infection was detected when he went to the hospital to have fluid drained from the knee, which he had surgery on after the Virginia Tech game Dec. 1.

HERE'S THE BEEF: One of the side activities for players last week was the Lawry's Beef Bowl in Beverly Hills, billed as the oldest bowl game tradition in the country.

Miami players took part Friday night, with the Cornhuskers chowing down Saturday night.

Many players downed enough prime rib to clear a pasture, but UM freshman offensive tackle Carlos Joseph took top honors when he devoured five servings of prime rib.

FINALLY: The beautiful Southern California weather took a nasty turn Saturday with rain over most of the area and temperatures below 60 degrees.

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