He's no longer the freshman who answered all questions by saying he doesn't get caught up in all the "hype." He speaks with the media after losses, something he rarely did during his inexperienced days.

After Saturday's career day against Virginia, it appears Cooper is on his way to overcoming another obstacle. Always considered a situational back, is it time to eliminate that label with Cooper?

A junior, he's proven he can handle lots of carries and become a better runner between the tackles. All are signs that he's an every down back.

"This year, I wanted to work on everything," Cooper said after running for a career-high 152 yards against the Cavaliers. "My pass-blockng, my running in between the tackles, my speed."

Cooper, who now leads the team with 478 yards, has shown he can run with power. He ran through a couple tackles against Virginia, and has done it most of the season. 

"My freshman year, they called me a dancer," Cooper said with a smile.

He's no longer MC Hammer out there.

In fact, injuries were the thing that kept Cooper out of the team rushing lead this long. He's been banged up since the Oklahoma game when he suffered a hip pointer. Cooper also revealed he's also dealt with other nagging injuries.

"Every since I got hurt in the Oklahoma game, every day I'd come back a little healthier," Cooper said. "And then I'd get hurt somewhere else. It's been real frustrating, but I kept praying and tried to stay positive."

The good news for UM is Cooper says he's the healthiest he's been all season. That means these final three games begins his push to win the team rushing title for a third straight year.


A few thoughts:

-Coach Randy Shannon named Cooper, Thearon Collier and Jared Campbell the players of the game.

-UM's game against North Carolina will kickoff at 3:30 p.m. Before the game begins, UM will know its ACC fate because Georgia Tech plays Duke at noon. If Ga. Tech wins, they are the Coastal Division champs. If it loses, UM controls its destiny.

-If anything, Saturday proved the Hurricanes played some tough opponents the past three weeks. UCF played Texas tight for a half, Clemson was impressive against FSU and Wake Forest should've upset Georgia Tech. So, I guess, all wasn't lost when UM played so many close games during that stretch?

-Safety Randy Phillips only played two or three snaps, according to Shannon. Phillips is still dealing with shoulder pain.

Offense -- A

The only reason this wasn't a perfect score was because of two drives that failed when UM had a chance to put things away. Other than that, the `Canes were impressive. The running game exploded behind Graig Cooper and Damien Berry, who has scored a TD in five straight games. Even Lee Chambers got into the act. That's how dominant UM was. Hard to find anything wrong with what the `Canes did offensively.

Defense -- A-plus

Forget what you read about the `Canes shortened practices meaning a lighter load. One UM offensive player told me the defense was especially nasty this week in practice. They were much more aggressive, hitting after the whistle and knocked the offense around. Like I said, the defense was happy to get a win at Wake Forest but were secretly mad about that performance. It showed in the way it played against the Cavaliers. This may have been their best defensive effort of the season.

Special teams -- C-plus

Matt Bosher was excellent on kickoffs and made a 42-yard field goal, but had two punts blocked. One was returned for a score, allowing Virginia to close to within 24-17 just before halftime. Bosher said they were just mental mistakes on blocking assignments. The only thing that prevented this from being a failing grade is the 60-yard punt return for a TD by Thearon Collier. Where does that rank in UM history? It was that impressive.

Coaching -- A

Ok, last week I was extra critical of the coaching staff and heard it from the fans and some UM officials. I won't say who, but one UM staffer got up in my grill for about 10 minutes. I stand by my remarks because what happened at Wake was mostly on the coaches. But I like to think of myself as an umpire because I call `em as I see `em. This week, the coaching was nearly flawless, especially in the second half. All the proper adjustments were made. Coach Randy Shannon even made that excellent timeout call just before halftime to force Virginia to punt with the wind. Gold star for the UM coaches. See, I'm not always negative.

He just felt now was the time to make it public. On Saturday afternoon, Payne called the UM coaches and told them he was a commitment for the 2010 season. He is rated the nation's No. 26 cornerback by Rivals.com.

"I just felt like now was the time to do it," he said. "I just felt Miami was the place for me."

The 6-foot, 165-pound Payne obviously has talent, playing for one of the nation's top high school teams. But the best thing about his commitment is his ability to potentially attract some of his teammates, including lineman Brandon Linder and Jermaine Barton.

"I don't know if it will sway them, but I sure hope it does," Payne said.

Payne chose UM over several schools, including Ohio State, Florida State, West Virginia and Tennessee. He will not enroll early because Aquinas doesn't allow it.

The defense was dominating.

The offense made plays when needed.

So did special teams, even though it had two blocked punts.

A win like this is exactly what the Hurricanes needed. It should restore confidence and save them a week of hearing criticism. The fans and media have been mildly harsh on UM, but it should be all feel-good stuff heading into next week's game at North Carolina.

What most impressed me Saturday was the defense. It was called out after a shaky effort against Wake Forest, allowing 555 yards. The Hurricanes shut down Virginia throughout. Fourteen of the Cavaliers points came as a result of the blocked punts. Other than that, they were unable to do anything.

Coming a close runner-up was receiver Thearon Collier. As Jacory Harris put it, Collier is a guy who doesn't get a lot of touches. He's learned to just make the most of his opportunities, which he has the last two weeks. He's made a couple big plays.

Finally, the running game could become scary before this season ends. Graig Cooper says he's finally healthy. Damien Berry is coming into his own. Javarris James will eventually be healthy. That's not a bad three-headed monster, and will make things easier on Harris and the passing game.

Check back tomorrow for the report card.

Maybe more fans will arrive at Land Shark Stadium. This is, after all, Homecoming.

As usual, I'll check in throughout and provide analysis/updates.

My prediction: UM 24, Virginia 20

Before the game, there will be a special Veterans Day flyover just before kickoff.

Also, the 1984 Hurricanes women's golf team, which won the NCAA title, will be honored at halftime.

FIRST QUARTER

-Solid opening series for `Canes. Virginia fails to throw a pass.

-TE Tervaris Johnson continues to have an impact on the offense.

-The `Canes were moving until a 14-yard sack.

-UM appeared on the way to a TD, but two consecutive negative plays force it to settle for a 42-yard field goal by Matt Bosher.

-`Canes look pretty fired up on defense. Cavaliers not able to do much. A second straight three-and-out.

-Canes try to get tricky and pay for it. Another bad INT by Jacory Harris on a flea-flicker.

-Can't say enough about the defense so far. Not that Virginia is Georgia Tech, but UM has yet to allow a first down on three drives.

-Now, a blocked punt for UM. Virginia takes over at the 45. 

-Virginia gains a first down.

-The Cavaliers score the first touchdown of the game, a 34-yard run by Rashawn Jackson. They take advantage of blocked punt. 

-The Cavs have all the momentum and they squib kick? Wow

-UM always seems to respond after a mistake. Only took two plays to tie the score on a 35-yard pass from Jacory Harris to Leonard Hankerson. 

-60-yard punt return for a TD by Thearon Collier, his second of the season. Canes lead 17-10. 

SECOND QUARTER

-It's obvious Jacory Harris knows to throw the ball pretty high to Jimmy Graham. His 5-yard TD puts UM ahead 24-10. 

-Big stop by the `Canes. Proves they didn't get too comfortable with a 14-point lead. 

-UM had a chance to put some separation between the teams, but come up short on 4th down.

-Another blocked punt for Virginia, this one results in a touchdown. Virginia pulls right back in it. 

HALFTIME THOUGHTS

`Canes had two chances to break this one open, but the offense came up short each time. The biggest play was a holding call on guard Orlando Franklin that negated a 15-yard catch by Leonard Hankerson that would've given UM the ball at the 21. Instead the Hurricanes failed on 4th down.

On the second drive, the Hurricanes went three-and-out and Matt Bosher's punt was blocked and returned for a TD. UM is ahead by 7, but probably should lead by at least two scores, or more.

UM trailed 10-3 at one point, but the turning point was a short kick by Virginia. The Hurricanes quickly scored and gained control.Still, the fact UM has allowed the Cavs to hang around is a concern.

THIRD QUARTER

-Impressive drive to start second half. `Canes go 80 yards, capped with a 2-yard run by Damien Berry. 

-Is this the drive the `Canes can finally deliver the KO?

-A second TD by Damien Berry should all but put this one away. `Canes are finally showing they can finish off an opponent.

FOURTH QUARTER 

-A 70-yard run puts Graig Cooper over the 100-yard mark for the first time this season.

SHANDEL RICHARDSON

Why Miami will win:

--The Hurricanes are the healthiest they've been at running back in a while. The trio of Javarris James, Graig Cooper and Damien Berry should overwhelm a Virginia defense that has struggled against the run.

--Jacory Harris has probably watched the Virginia-Duke game film from last week about one hundred times. It has to bring a smile to his face because the Cavaliers had all sorts of problems with the Blue Devils. There's no reason why the Hurricanes, with more talented receivers, can't have similar success.

--Can you say 48-0? Yeah, the Hurricanes got revenge last year and some of the `Canes weren't even on the roster, but that 2007 game is still on the mind of the team. They have a built-in motivation for this one.

Why Miami will lose:

-Injuries, injuries, injuries. The defense is really banged up, especially at linebacker. The Cavaliers could exploit the weakness, and we could have Wake Forest all over again. Don't think the `Canes will win after being pushed around the field for a second consecutive week. Just not going to happen.

--With the exception of the Duke game, the Cavs are pretty good at defending the pass. Actually, they're one of the nation's best. If they bring their A-game and Jacory Harris brings his INT-game, the Hurricanes are looking at an L-game. Simple as that.

--The Hurricanes don't know what to expect at quarterback. Starter Jameel Sewell is doubtful for Saturday, but backup Marc Verica has experience. So they will have to prepare for both, which is never an easy task. Verica could surprise the UM defense.

JAY JENKINS

Why Virginia will lose:

-- The Cavaliers are searching for an identity on offense, something seldom heard heading into the ninth  game of the season. Much of that can be blamed on a failed preseason experiment to add the spread offense and porous play from the offensive line.

-- Speed kills. Miami has more of it than Virginia at all the right spots. That will put added pressure on the special teams units, leave few open holes for receivers to operate in and leave the defense searching for answers in the secondary.

-- The Hurricanes have a talented quarterback. That has spelled doom for Virginia thus far this season and that trend should continue as long as Jacory Harris keeps his composure and checks off to secondary reads that are likely open.

Why Virginia will win:

-- The Cavaliers have nothing to lose. It is a near certainty that their coach will be forced out at season’s end, a bowl game seems unlikely and the home fans that jeer the team with regularity at home will be just there: at home. UVa is 2-0 on the road in the ACC.

-- Virginia has played well in portions of every game this year on defense. Virginia coach Al Groh has a knack for developing schemes to slow opposing offenses, but being on the field a majority of the game has left the defenders tired in the fourth quarter. Opponents have outscored the Cavaliers 69-41 in the fourth and fixing that could lead to an upset.

-- Despite entering healthier than in week’s past, losing additional players could limit Miami’s ability on offense or defense. Sound desperate? That may be what it takes for Virginia, a 13-point underdog, to beat the nation’s 16th-ranked team. On paper, the programs are headed in opposite directions.

It pertained mostly to any player who has dealt with several injuries the last couple seasons. Among them were defensive end Eric Moncur and linebacker Colin McCarthy. While Moncur is likely to miss Saturday's game against Virginia, McCarthy is feeling the best he has in recent memory.

Added rest time has him injury-free and the reason why he's been on tear lately. McCarthy leads the team with 60 tackles and also has an interception and a forced fumble.

"It's just getting the opportunity," said McCarthy, a junior. "I just try to make plays, help the team out as much as I can. The more opportunities I get, I'm going to try to take advantage of it."

McCarthy has experienced minor ankle, shoulder and knee problems this season, but none have caused him to miss much playing time. It's been beneficial for the Hurricanes. McCarthy has recorded three double-digit tackle games, including the last two against Wake Forest and Clemson. He had a season-high 13 against Virginia Tech.

"Actually, I feel pretty healthy now," McCarthy said. "... I had little nicks here and there. It's football ... Come Saturday, you just got to go out there and play."

A few thoughts:

-Shannon said covering the tight end will be the key against Virginia. After an 0-3 start, the Cavs have gone back to what they do best and that's utilize the TEs. How's this for a stat: Virginia TEs have caught 473 passes for 5,190 yards and 40 TDs since 2001, the most in the ACC.

Expect the Cavs to roll out quarterback Jameel Sewell and have the option of running or throwing to the tight ends.

"That's going to be something that we're going to have make sure that we're sound in," Shannon said. "When you get the quarterback on the edge and it's a run-pass situation, and guys not recognizing it, it can be really dangerous for you."

Probable
RB Javarris James – Lower Extremity
DB Randy Phillips – Upper Extremity

Doubtful
DL Eric Moncur – Lower Extremity

Out
DB Ray-Ray Armstrong – Lower Extremity
FB Patrick Hill – Lower Extremity
DB JoJo Nicolas – Upper Extremity
LB Sean Spence – Lower Extremity

Surgery and Out for the Season
DL Dyron Dye – Lower Extremity
DL  Marcus Forston – Lower Extremity
LB Jordan Futch – Lower Extremity
TE Richard Gordon – Upper Extremity
LB Shayon Green – Lower Extremity
DE Gavin Hardin – Upper Extremity
DB Ryan Hill – Upper Extremity
DE Adewale Ojomo – Jaw

Ryan Hill. Marcus Forston. Sean Spence. Pat HIll, JoJo Nicolas. Eric Moncur. Ray Ray Armstrong.

Those are some of the players who have missed games with injuries. Most have been out multiple weeks or will miss the remainder of the season.

"What you don't look at is that we're a different team than we were in the first four games," Shannon said earlier this week. "That's the thing people don't realize."

UM has been hit hard by the injury bug, and at key positions. With Jordan Futch gone for the year and Spence set to miss his second straight game, the Hurricanes are so thin at linebacker. Shannon expects to only play three LBs _ Colin McCarthy, Darryl Sharpton, Ramon Buchanan _ this week against Virginia.

Hill could help a struggling secondary, and let's not even talk about the injuries at defensive line. It's been a constant problem all year.

"Those guys would help us," Shannon said. "We're not the same team, but I'm proud of this football team. They're not quitting."

UM sophomore Jacory Harris and Duke senior Thaddeus Lewis were co-winners of the honor. For Harris, it's his third time receiving distinction this season. He threw for 330 yards and three touchdowns, rallying the Hurricanes from a 17-point deficit to a 28-27 victory at Wake Forest.

Harris led an 82-yard drive in the closing minutes, capped with a 13-yard TD pass to Travis Benjamin. He is the first UM quarterback to surpass 2,000 yards in a season since Kyle Wright in 2005.

Here are Harris' season stats: 144 of 232 for 2,104 yard with 16 TDs and 11 INTS