More than a game

Miami again made news this week in a negative, and, this time, in a tragic way when defensive end Bryan Pata was shot and presumed murdered on Tuesday night outside his apartment complex, a few miles from the UM campus.

What is next for the embattled Hurricanes?

They are already dealing with the aftermath of their on-the field brawl against Florida International last month.

Add that to the reputation creeping back that the Hurricanes program is out of control once again after some years of good behavior. Today the program is in an extreme crisis management mode.

Who knows how this will affect the team's performance for the rest of the season as it is in the unfamiliar role as spoiler.

What the 'Canes do and how they react affects Boston College, which is very much in the hunt in the ACC conference race. It also affects Maryland, another ACC contender, who the 'Canes face on Saturday.

In the aftermath of the brawl against FIU, Miami withstood the criticism of lack of control and penalties, which were not harsh enough with a "Circle the Wagons'' mentality it has used before. US or The U, as the Canes like to call themselves, against everyone else.

This is different. This is a matter that is more than a game. It's life and -- death -- and no one knows how the Canes will react against Maryland.

Not that Miami has not dealt with family tragedy before. A decade ago a Miami player was murdered in his on campus apartment. Two players have died in traffic accidents and this summer, another UM player was shot and wounded in what was described as a robbery attempt.

No one is suggesting these tragedies happened because it is Miami. But because it is Miami, more people are paying attention.

Embattled coach Larry Coker, whose job security has been an issue, has had to deal with a major brawl that he didn't start and didn't condone, a less than expected success rate on field, and now the death of one of his players.

Coker says the players will go on with their game on Saturday against Maryland and use this as a lesson in the harsh reality of life at times.

All of that is why Saturday will be more than a game, as will the rest of a season, which the Canes will always remember and probably like to forget.

In the games, which for now, are still games we see.

Louisville at Rutgers: We saw Louisville take apart West Virginia's defense last week. We think the task will be harder this week against a team that is also undefeated, has a better defense and is playing at home. Rutgers 24, Louisville 16

Duke at Boston College: Eagles get a break facing a winless ACC team before they go into the playoff part of their schedule, win against Maryland and they advance for a game against Miami. Win that game and they could be in the ACC championship game. Boston College 42, Duke 16

Ohio State at Northwestern: Buckeyes had their "yawn" game last week against Illinois. They will be focused against the Wildcats as they close in on Michigan next week. Ohio State 41, Northwestern 13

Oregon at USC: Homecoming game for Trojans in the start of a tough month of games against teams who can all beat the Trojans -- but won't. USC 28, Oregon 13

Boise State at San Jose State: BCS berth disappears with an unbeaten season as San Jose State pulls off major Silicon Valley upset sending Boise State to the MPC Computer Bowl game once again. San Jose State 25, Boise State 13