Posted on: Friday, August 29, 2003

No. 3 Miami cruises in opener

Associated Press

SHREVEPORT, La. — 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 beat Louisiana Tech, 48-9, last night.

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

The trio has a long way to go to keep Hurricanes 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 host rival Florida on Sept. 6.

Making his Miami debut in his hometown, Berlin, who transferred from Florida, was 14 for 28 for 203 yards with two touchdowns and an interception Gore, who missed all last season after knee surgery, showed good burst and power on 21 carries and caught two passes for 33 yards.

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.

Luke McCown was 16 for 26 for 195 yards with two interceptions for the Bulldogs of the Western Athletic Conference.