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News Nuggets, 09.12.03
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Compiled from staff reports and electronic dispatches

After two emotional weeks, can Miami's Berlin relax?

[Associated Press] - Quarterback Brock Berlin can finally relax a bit as second-ranked Miami hosts East Carolina on Saturday.

It has been an emotional whirlwind for the new signal-caller of the Hurricanes (2-0). Berlin started his Miami career in his hometown of Shreveport, La., against Louisiana Tech and won 48-9. He followed that by helping the Hurricanes rally from a 23-point deficit against his former team in Saturday's 38-33 win over Florida.

``It's been a roller-coaster ride,'' Berlin said. ``I've tried to be as calm as I could these last two weeks. I'm glad it's over with.''

There was already a lot of hype when the junior transferred from Florida in2001. That's bef ore he threw for 340 yards in a memorable performance against the Gators and joined a list of great quarterbacks at Miami.

``The quarterback position here is always going to be somewhat under the microscope, but in reality, that's what I want,'' Miami coach Larry Coker said Sunday. ``You have to decide whether you can handle that. If you can't handle that, you're probably not the quarterback at the University of Miami. I think Brock is that type of player.''

Berlin may be missing one of his regular targets on Saturday as receiver Devin Hester sprained his ankle against Florida and could miss the game. Hester, who returned the opening kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown against the Gators, was wearing a soft cast Monday.

One area that Coker will evaluate is how Berlin flourished when the team went to a no-huddle offense, a similar scheme to what the quarterback used in high school.

``It's definitely something we've got to talk about as a staff to see if it's something we may want to use,'' Coker said. ``We've talked about it before, about intermittently having that as part of our process. Defensively, it doesn't allow you as much time to really settle in.''

No matter what they go with, the Hurricanes shouldn't have too much trouble with East Carolina (0-2).

``They have a lot of weapons, all across the board,'' Pirates coach John Thompson said. ``Not just offensively, but on both sides of the ball.''

East Carolina is coming off a 48-7 drubbing by West Virginia. The Pirates lost three fumbles, committed five turnovers and didn't reach the end zone until Vonta Leach's 1-yard touchdown run with 10:35 left. It was the first touchdown of the season for East Carolina, which had lost 40-3 at Cincinnati
last Monday.

Miami will have to watch out for Pirates receiver Terrance Copper, who has 23 catches for 246 yards in two games.

The Hurricanes hold an 8-2 lead in the all-time series with East Carolina, but lost the last two meetings. East Carolina won 27-23 in 1999 and beat Miami 31-6 in the Orange Bowl in 1996.

Those victories are something that hasn't been lost on Thompson.

``It tells our players that if you get better and get ready to play, that we can go down there and win the game.''.

Frogs coach to strum and croon for fans

Texas Christian football coach Gary Patterson will show off his musical talents at Central Market-Fort Worth on Friday, September 12, in a two-hour citywide pep rally and TCU alumni party. The event begins at 7 p.m. on the outdoor patio area of Central Market, located at 4651 West Freeway (Interstate 30 at Hulen Street) in the Chapel Hill Shopping Center.

Patterson will be joined by SuperFrog and the TCU Showgirls for a night of Horned Frog spirit. The Showgirls will kick off the festivities at 7:20 p.m. Coach Patterson will then take the stage at 7:30 p.m. to sing a few songs and play guitar along with Central Market's house band. The TCU coach will also flip a few burgers and share his favorite tailgating tips.

Coach Patterson, the 2002 Conference USA Coach of the Year, has his Horned Frog football team ranked among the nation's elite again this season. With a 2-0 record, the Frogs are currently ranked 22nd in the Associated Press poll and 23rd in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches' Poll. TCU does not play this weekend, but returns to action on Saturday, September 20, when they host Southeastern Conference rival Vanderbilt in a 6 p.m. kickoff at TCU's Amon G. Carter Stadium.

Fundraiser in the works for former Louisville hoops star

LOUISVILLE - Wondering how you can help Marques Maybin? This is your chance. On Sunday, September 28, Wellinghurst's Steak House will sponsor a fundraising event to help raise money for the rehabilitation of former University of Louisville basketball star Marques Maybin, who was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident in Tennessee last month.

The fundraiser will be held at the restaurant, located at 401 E. Main St. in Louisville Slugger Field, from 6 to 9 PM. The $50-per-person admission includes heavy hors d'oeuvres and wine, beer and soft beverages. Liquor will be available at cash bars. A silent auction will feature sports memorabilia and other items.

Maybin, who starred for the Cardinals from 1997-2001, was about to embark on a professional career when the accident occurred. He has no medical insurance. "This was a crushing personal tragedy to a wonderful young man who gave so much joy to this community," said Wellinghurst's co-owner Neil Wellinghurst. "We were looking for some way to help, and we hope that the many others who feel the same way will take this opportunity to participate in Marcus's rehabilitation."

For more information or reservations call Wellinghurst's Steak House at 502-515-0172. Those who wish to contribute but cannot attend the Wellinghurst event can make a contribution to the Marques Maybin Medical Fund, c/o Republic Bank, 661 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy., 40222.

News Nuggets are compiled periodically from staff, ECU, Conference USA and its member schools, and from Associated Press and other reports. Copyright 2003 Bonesville.net and other publishers. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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