Victory Is a Breeze for Miami

A decent debut for Miami’s new big three was enough for the Hurricanes to win their opener going away.

Antrel Rolle returned an interception and a punt for touchdowns and Frank Gore ran for 118 yards as No. 3 Miami defeated Louisiana Tech, 48-9, Thursday night.

The game marked the starting debut for Gore, quarterback Brock Berlin and receiver Ryan Moore.

The trio has a long way to go to keep Hurricane fans from missing Ken Dorsey, Willis McGahee and Andre Johnson.

“I wouldn’t say it was great,” Berlin said. “I’m glad to get it out of the way and now just ready to get on with next week.”

The Hurricanes play host to rival Florida on Sept. 6.

Making his Miami debut in his hometown, Berlin was 14 of 28 for 203 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.

Gore, who missed all last season after major knee surgery, showed good burst and power in 21 carries and caught two passes for 33 yards.

Gore said he feels even better than before the injury.

“I feel like I got a lot stronger to take on linebackers,” Gore said. “As the game goes I get better and better. Next week it’s going to be different so I’ve got to pick it up even more.”

As for Moore, who is expected to fill Johnson’s spot as the big-play receiver, the redshirt freshman caught four passes for 67 yards and a touchdown. He also had two drops.

Although Miami was never in danger, Louisiana Tech was driving and trailing, 14-3, when the Hurricanes’ D.J. Williams picked up a fumbled handoff by Ralph Davis and sprinted 78 yards untouched for a touchdown.

“That was definitely a momentum turner,” Louisiana Tech Coach Jack Bicknell said. “We had a chance to make it interesting. You can’t do that against a team like that.”

Louisiana Tech’s Luke McCown was 16 of 26 for 195 yards with two interceptions.