Looking Ahead, No. 2 Miami Leaves West Virginia Behind, 27-3

MIAMI — Miami seemed to be saving its best for Florida State, but it was enough against West Virginia.

The Hurricanes, warming up for the No. 1 Seminoles next week, methodically wore down the Mountaineers, 27-3, Saturday.

“We were thinking about (Florida State),” Miami defensive end Rusty Medearis said. “It’s so hard to come out and play a team when you’ve got a monster coming up.”

The longest gain by the usually explosive Hurricanes (8-0), tied with Washington for No. 2, was 22 yards.

Miami Coach Dennis Erickson, typically afflicted with an upset stomach or cold sores before a big game, said he’s primed.

“I can’t imagine what the hype’s going to be,” he said. “I’m going to be wired. I don’t think I’ll get any fever blisters . . . although I feel one coming on.

“My stomach was in my throat until the fourth quarter. I’m happy to come out of it alive.”

West Virginia (6-4) managed to hold Miami to a scoreless tie for 24 minutes and was in contention until midway through the third quarter, when Miami’s Stephen McGuire scored on a four-yard run after an interception for a 20-3 lead.