In its nearly season-long search for an offense, Miami (9-2) finally might be at the right place when it plays Pitt (8-3) tomorrow night at Heinz Field. The Panthers are not only 80th in Division I-A against the run, they've allowed 307 yards to West Virginia and 269 to Virginia Tech. in recent games.

The key for the Hurricanes will be running backs Jarrett Payton and Tyrone Moss, neither of whom has the resume of West Virginia's Quincy Wilson or Virginia Tech's Kevin Jones.

Pitt's superb passing combination of Rod Rutherford and Larry Fitzgerald will be up against the most talented secondaryit has faced this season. Miami, 27-24.

Other games

Temple (1-10) at West Virginia (7-4): The Owls are making a late season run to respectability after playing Miami tough and making Pitt sweat in the fourth quarter. But they're still 1-10 with a win over only Middle Tennessee. West Virginia, 31-14.

Florida State (9-2) at Florida (8-3): By running more than passing, Coach Ron Zook has put his stamp on the once pass-happy Gators, who overwhelmed South Carolina in their previous game with 243 rushing yards. They've won five s games in a row with two top five teams -- LSU and Georgia -- included in that list. The Seminoles, who have clinched a BCS bid, lost to Clemson and had to go to overtime to beat North Carolina State in their past two games. Florida, 27-24.

Georgia (9-2) at Georgia Tech (6-5): After winning four games in a row at midseason, with North Carolina State and Maryland included in those victories, the Yellow Jackets have slumped, losing recently to Duke and Virginia. A win will put the Bulldogs in the SEC title game. Georgia, 31-17.

Iowa State (2-9) at Missouri (7-4): With a win here and in a bowl game, the Tigers can have the third nine-win season in their history. Iowa State is in danger of going winless in the conference for the first time since 1964. Missouri quarterback Brad Smith needs 286 passing yards to become the first Division I-A player to pass from 2,000 yards and run for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons. Missouri, 38-13.

Tennessee (9-2) at Kentucky (4-7): Since losing their first two games of October, the Vols have won five in a row, and that includes a victory against Miami. Their first-team defense has allowed only one touchdown in the past four games. Wildcats quarterback Rich Lorenzen will have to do better than last year when he was 9 for 23 for 59 yards against the Vols. Tennessee, 31-16.

Arkansas (8-3) at LSU (10-1): The Razorbacks bring the No. 5 rushing offense in Division I-A (240 yards a game) to Baton Rouge to face the No. 1 rushing defense (58 yards a game). The Tigers need a win to advance to the SEC title game and keep their slight hopes of reaching the national championship game alive. LSU, 20-14.

Nebraska (8-3) at Colorado (5-6): The Buffaloes are playing for a bowl bid; the Cornhuskers are playing amidst the well-founded rumors that their coach will be fired. The Buffaloes will make it easy for Nebraska AD Steve Pederson to send Coach Frank Solich into an early retirement. Colorado, 24-21.

Maryland (8-3) at Wake Forest (5-6): After an 0-2 start, the Terrapins have won eight of their past nine ames. The Demon Deacons have lost five of their past seven after a promising start. Wake's Chris Barclay needs 51 yards to become the school's ninth 1,000-yard rusher. Maryland, 34-20.

Notre Dame (4-6) at Stanford (4-6): The Irish have lost their past three games at Stanford Stadium, and the losses came when Notre Dame Coach Tyrone Willingham was in charge of the Cardinal. Stanford is ninth in passing offense and rushing offense in the Pac-10 and 10th in total offense. Notre Dame, 24-10.

Virginia (6-5) at Virginia Tech (8-3): After opening 6-0 -- and playing no one -- the Hokies have lost three of their past five games with the most recent defeat being at home to Boston College. Coach Frank Beamer has indicated he'll abandon his practice of rotating quarterbacks and stick with Bryan Randall. The Cavaliers have lost four of their past six. Virginia Tech, 24-21.

Texas (9-2) at Texas A&M (4-7): If Coach Dennis Franchione knew it would be like this, he might not have left Alabama. His Aggies have allowed 117 points in the past two games and now must go against a Texas team that has scored more than 50 points four times this season. Texas, 54-13.

The weekly report card

Last week: 9-3 / .750

Season: 91-41 / 689