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Miami gives Coker a going-away victory over Nevada

Jan 1, 2007 - 6:17 AM BOISE, Idaho (Ticker) -- The Miami Hurricanes made sure outgoing coach Larry Coker would depart with happy memories.

Kirby Freeman threw two touchdowns as the Hurricanes posted a 21-20 victory over Nevada in the MPC Computers Bowl.

Freeman completed 11-of-19 passes for 272 yards, one interception and one rushing score for Miami, which relieved Coker of his coaching position on November 24 but allowed him to guide the Hurricanes against the Wolf Pack.

Randy Shannon, the team's defensive coordinator, was name Coker's replacement on December 8. The Hurricanes finished their season with a 7-6 record.

"Larry Coker and Randy Shannon are both gentlemen," Miami athletic director Paul Dee said. "This wouldn't have worked for us unless we were dealing with two fine people."

Freeman rushed for a one-yard score in the first quarter to give Miami a 7-0 lead, then threw a 52-yard TD pass to Ryan Moore with 2:14 left in the second period to help the Hurricanes to a 14-11 advantage at halftime.

Sam Shields caught a pass from Freeman in the third quarter and scooted 78 yards to give Miami a 21-14 lead with 6:12 in the period. Shields caught four passes for 101 yards while Moore had two catches for 96 as Coker finished with 60 wins in 75 games as Miami coach.

"I still love these players," Coker said. "And I'm very happy for the win."

Jeff Rowe went 19-of-30 for 203 yards, one touchdown and one interception for Nevada (8-5), which lost its last two games of the season.

"We had our chances," Nevada coach Chris Ault said. "That's what is tough. We had our opportunities, and just didn't make the right play at the right time."

Rowe led the Wolf Pack to two fourth-quarter field goals to cut the Hurricanes' lead to 21-20, but his lone interception was picked off by freshman cornerback Chavez Grant at the Miami 36 with 27 seconds remaining to seal the victory.

"That last pass Jeff just threw a tenth of a second late," Ault said. "But it was a great game."