[Lefty Noob]

Just when you thought this season couldn't get any worse for the Hurricanes, Miami loses 17-10 to Virginia Tech, and this week, they play the Terps in Maryland. The Terrapins upset Clemson, 13-12, with a stunning last second field goal on Saturday. They are 7-2 overall and undefeated in five games at home in 2006. Miami, meanwhile, is 1-2 on the road and could fall to .500 with a loss here. Will they win or lose?

[Lefty Noob]

Miami coach Larry Coker announced today that the team has decided to go ahead and play against Maryland this weekend, despite the the tragic murder of DT Bryan Pata on Tuesday.

Miami shocked after teammate dies, plans to play in his honor - NCAAF - Yahoo! Sports
By TIM REYNOLDS, AP Sports Writer
November 9, 2006

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) -- If any of his grieving players asked, Miami coach Larry Coker would have quickly excused them from the Hurricanes' first practice since the killing of defensive lineman Bryan Pata.

Everyone showed up, though.

And with that, the Hurricanes' long healing process began.

Less than 24 hours after Pata, one of the Hurricanes' most-respected players, was killed outside his apartment, his team was back on the football field Wednesday afternoon to prepare for Saturday's game at No. 23 Maryland. The Hurricanes have decided to play the game, saying they'll do so in Pata's honor.

"They felt like Bryan would want to practice. They felt like Bryan would want to play," Coker said after practice. "That's a decision that we respected, and I think it's the right decision."

Do you guys agree? Is the team doing the right thing by playing on Saturday?

In additional news, QB Kyle Wright will miss the game, and his backup, Kirby Freeman, will make his first career start. What kind of impact will this have on outcome of the game?

[VaTechNut]

It's truly terrible what happened to B.Pata, but as the rest of the team has stated....he would have wanted them to play.

As far as the QB situation, oh well thats all part of the game. Miami has no shot at the ACC Championship this year, their best hope is to get out of this season with at least a winning record (at least .500), and look forward to next year.

[Lefty Noob]

Hey, VaTechNut, and welcome to GoTeamsGo!

I agree with you about Pata and the team's decision to carry on. And apparently, so does Pata's family, because as I've heard numerous times, if they didn't you would definitely hear about the outrage. How do you think the Canes mental state will be on Saturday? Will they be eager to go out and win one in his memory, and still shellshocked from the murder itself?

[VaTechNut]

Sadly enough I don't think the Canes can beat the Terps, even without the burden of Pata's death weighing on their hearts and minds.

I think they should dedicate the UVA game to B. Pata, thats one they should win with ease.