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CNNSI.com GROUP
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Out of their hands All Miami can do now is wait, cheer for FSU
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Receiver Santana Moss tossed his Miami helmet high into the air, then sprinted to midfield to join several of his teammates in celebration. They jumped up and down on the Sugar Bowl logo, chanting about being state and national champions. Then cornerback Markese Fitzgerald made an even more emphatic statement. "There's no recount needed," he screamed, "Miami is No. 1!" Not quite yet. But the second-ranked Hurricanes did all they could to prove their point Tuesday night, beating No. 7 Florida 37-20. Even though Miami (11-1) will have to wait for the outcome of Wednesday night's Orange Bowl between top-ranked Oklahoma and No. 3 Florida State, the Hurricanes believe that -- if the Seminoles win -- they should earn a share of the national title. Miami still could claim the top spot in The Associated Press media poll. The Orange Bowl winner, though, will automatically be crowned the champion of the coaches' poll by virtue of the Bowl Championship Series. "We deserve it, but it's up to the people now," running back Clinton Portis said. "We want to be No. 1, and if the AP writers want to give us the championship, we would love that." Linebacker Dan Morgan doesn't even need the wait for the writers' poll. He said the 17-point victory should be more than enough to sway any unconvinced voters. "We're the best team in the nation," he said. "We proved that all year by beating Florida State, Virginia Tech and now Florida. If they don't give it to us, it would be a real shame. But it won't make us any less of a team." Said receiver Reggie Wayne: "We've done as much as we possibly could. It's a great feeling. I don't think I could ever feel like this again. It's like a dream come true." The Hurricanes rolled up 454 total yards, including 97 yards rushing from Portis, 89 yards receiving from Moss and 270 yards passing from Ken Dorsey. They outplayed Florida from the start, moving the ball at will and scoring on three of their first four possessions. They put the game away with three late touchdowns - two by Najeh Davenport. Miami also got three field goals from Todd Sievers. After the game, the Hurricanes signed autographs, high-fived fans and celebrated as they left the field -- anticipating the school's fifth national championship. Miami also won titles in 1983, '87, '89 and '91. "In my heart we're No. 1 no matter what happens," said receiver Reggie King, who recorded the entire sideline festivities on video. But for all the postgame festivities and locker room jubilation, all the 'Canes can do now is wait. "I have no doubt Florida State will win," safety Al Blades said. "And when they do that, we'll be No. 1."
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