Miami Wins in 3rd OT

Tyrone Moss might have saved Miami’s season with a performance that left no question about his ability to be the Hurricanes’ next star running back.

Moss rushed for 139 yards and three touchdowns, including a 25-yard run in the third overtime to lift No. 13 Miami to a 36-30 victory over No. 20 Clemson. The Hurricanes avoided an 0-2 start, which would have been their first in 27 years.

“I know I can be the man,” said Moss, who rushed for 102 yards against Florida State in his first start. “I can get the job done. There was no doubt in my mind.”

Apparently, Coach Larry Coker had no doubts either. The Miami attack featured more of Moss down the stretch than sophomore Kyle Wright’s passes.

After Moss bounced out around the right side to score in overtime, freshman safety Kenny Phillips intercepted Charlie Whitehurst’s pass when the Tigers (2-1, 1-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) got their chance.

Phillips’ play ended the game and gave the Hurricanes (1-1, 1-1) a reason to forget their miserable 10-7 loss at Florida State nearly two weeks ago.

It was Clemson’s first overtime defeat after coming in 5-0, including a 24-17 Orange Bowl victory over Miami last season.

Miami seemed as if it would have its revenge after Moss’ one-yard touchdown run made it 20-10 with 14:20 left in the game. But the Tigers, who had already rallied in the fourth quarter to beat Texas A&M; and Maryland this season, did it again to force overtime.

“There’s no quit in them,” Clemson Coach Tommy Bowden said. “I told them I was disappointed they lost, but extremely proud of the effort.”