Harris, Miami look to stay hot, host Virginia

Jacory Harris isn't out for revenge this week against Virginia. In fact, what the Cavaliers did to him in 2010 might have set the tone for his stellar play so far in 2011. The Miami quarterback was knocked out of the Hurricanes' game against the Cavaliers a year ago, and that one huge hit started the downward spiral that doomed the team in 2010. Beginning with a loss that day, Miami dropped four of its last six games, and when Harris returned to the field later that season he struggled mightily. This year, he's finally clicking. With 12 touchdown passes and only four interceptions, Harris is on a roll, and he'll look to lead the Hurricanes to their first three-game winning streak since October 2009 when Miami (4-3, 2-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) hosts Virginia (4-3, 1-2) in another key Coastal Division game Thursday night. ''It's a big game because it's an ACC game,'' Harris said. ''It's not big because of what happened last year. Last year is last year. Things happen. I got hit. Got knocked out. But it was a great thing. It helped me, I guess, find the next level and start really recognizing a lot of things in life. So it really helped me in the long run.'' Virginia is noticing the difference. Harris threw 32 interceptions as a sophomore and a junior. He went more than 17 quarters without one before the fourth quarter last week in Miami's win over Georgia Tech, when a pass intended for John Calhoun hit the receiver, bounced skyward and into the hands of Yellow Jackets linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu - a mistake no fault of Harris' own. ''He'll just continue to get better, I believe,'' Virginia coach Mike London said about Harris. ''He's already got the height and the arm strength and the skills, and you can point it out. His touchdown to interception ratio has dramatically increased because he can read the roads and he can put the ball and place the ball where it needs to be placed. That's a benefit to Miami as his development continues.'' London has some ongoing quarterback issues of his own. The Cavaliers have used two quarterbacks all season, with Michael Rocco starting and freshman David Watford entering games at times typically predetermined by London and offensive coordinator Bill Lazor. Starting now, that plan is apparently being scrapped. Rocco will have an expanded role, with Watford's being more situational, less scripted. ''A lot of the game of football is getting into a flow and knowing what the game speed is like,'' Rocco said Tuesday, according to Virginia's football website. ''It's going to be easier being out on the field and being with the guys more often.'' Miami is 15-2 in Thursday night games, and the Hurricanes will spend part of the evening honoring several past national champions, including the 2001 team that captured the school's fifth football title. There's some irony there, in that the last time Miami scheduled a celebration around a game with Virginia, things did not work out well for the Hurricanes. Four years ago, Virginia was the opponent for the final Hurricanes game in the now-dismantled Orange Bowl - a 48-0 loss for Miami. No time to think about that now, of course. A third Coastal loss for either team would almost surely be too much to overcome, so this game is almost a must-win for both sides' ACC chances. ''Playing well on national TV against a very, very good opponent is something that every program looks for,'' London said. And the game will come after a short week of preparation, with both teams only getting four days to recover from last week and get ready for this one. Miami will play without starting right tackle Jon Feliciano, who was injured in a touchdown celebration just before halftime of the Georgia Tech win. Malcolm Bunche will start in his place. ''This will be a good test for us,'' Miami coach Al Golden said. ''Virginia's done a nice job against us in the last couple years. We're both coming off a short week, so it'll be a challenge mentally.'' Harris said he's ready to accept that challenge. ''I know what people have been saying about me the last couple years,'' Harris said. ''I might not show it all the time, but I remember. I'm just trying to do my part and help this team.''