A week that began so sweetly for the Miami Hurricanes immediately turned sour when Miami announced Wednesday that sophomore star receiver Jeff Thomas was dismissed from the program.
Thomas, who had clashed with coaches, was so gifted that any time he touched the ball there was potential for a touchdown — as when he ran back a punt 51 yards last week in Miami’s 38-14 win at Virginia Tech.
But now, as the Hurricanes (6-5, 3-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) prepare to kick off their regular-season home finale at 3:30 p.m. Saturday (ESPN) against No. 24 Coastal Division champion Pittsburgh (7-4, 6-1), the question becomes: Can the Canes muster their resolve with a victory that would propel them to a better bowl while allowing the seniors to savor the last home game of their careers?