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MIAMI (Ticker) -- Timing can be everything in life. If events at Miami had unfolded sooner, Greg Schiano could be coaching a national title contender instead of preparing to serve as a sacrificial lamb. Schiano likely will find out just how different two jobs can be on Saturday when he takes Rutgers to the Orange Bowl to face second-ranked Miami in the Big East Conference opener for both teams. Miami has won all eight meetings with Rutgers, including a 64-6 rout last season, and has averaged 55.8 points in the last four contests. A New Jersey native, Schiano left his job as defensive coordinator at Miami to try to build a respectable program at Rutgers. Following his departure, Butch Davis shocked Miami officials by leaving to become coach of the Cleveland Browns, leaving the Hurricane program to career assistant Larry Coker. Schiano said he talked at length with Davis before leaving for Miami, and left with the assumption that Davis had every intention of staying with the Hurricanes. If the job was not his, Schiano seemed happy the post went to Coker. "Larry's a good guy," Schiano said. "He's an easy guy to like." Coker earned his first victory in a 33-7 win over Penn State last week in which the Hurricanes played the part of a title contender. Ken Dorsey, a preseason Heisman Trophy candidate, completed 20-of-27 passes for 344 yards and three scores without an interception. Tight end Jeremy Shockey was a primary target with six catches for 64 yards. The Hurricanes also showed a powerful running game with Clinton Portis carrying 17 times for 164 yards. Miami, however, will be without top receiver Daryl Jones, who sprained a knee ligament but should be ready for next week's game against Washington. Rutgers opened the season with a 31-15 win over Buffalo. Dennis Thomas rushed for 177 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries and true freshman Ryan Cubit tossed a pair of touchdown passes.
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