Associated Press
MIAMI ó Some players on Miami’s first national championship team will hold a 25th anniversary celebration this weekend, including defensive back Ken Calhoun, whose final-second deflection of a Nebraska pass sealed that title.
The Hurricanes might want to see if Calhoun has any eligibility remaining.
Wake Forest quarterback Riley Skinner has the mobility that typically gives Miami (4-3, 1-2 ACC) fits. And when the Demon Deacons (4-2, 2-1) visit today, Skinner will be staring at a Hurricanes’ secondary that’s banged-up and oft-beleaguered. So in the eyes of coach Randy Shannon, Miami’s defensive backfield could be facing its top challenge so far this year.
“It’s the biggest test for us in the secondary,” Shannon said.
That’s high praise for Wake Forest’s quarterback, if Miami is calling this game its “biggest test.” Remember, the Hurricanes faced Florida star Tim Tebow last month.
And a month ago, the Demon Deacons were putting up Tebow-like numbers.
Wake Forest scored 71 points in its first two games, averaging 4.7 yards per play and converting on 39 percent of its third-down opportunities. In the four games since, Wake Forest has scored a total of 61 points, is averaging nearly a full yard less per play and has fallen to a 33-percent success rate on third downs.
The bottom fell out last weekend when Wake Forest was shut out for the first time in 10 years, 26-0 at Maryland.
“I think our players are embarrassed,” Wake Forest coach Jim Grobe said. “I know our coaches are embarrassed.”