MIAMI, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- The top-ranked Miami Hurricanes, after a gritty first-half effort by Division I-A novice Troy State, scored 31 unanswered points Saturday while cruising to its 13th straight victory, 38-7.
The Trojans (1-3) were even with Miami after a quarter and down just 17-7 at halftime before falling apart. They had a similar showing September 1 at Nebraska, scoring first and trailing 28-14 after two quarters en route to a 41-14 setback.
Miami (4-0) finally got going in the final minute of the first half, when Ken Dorsey threw his second touchdown pass of the day. The Hurricanes added three TDs in the third period to put away the game.
Dorsey had 299 passing yards for Miami, which tuned up for its annual battle with Florida State next week.
Defending national champion Oklahoma has won 17 in a row.
Next week's battle between Florida rivals has lost some of its luster after the Seminoles lost to North Carolina two weeks ago, but still may go a long way in deciding a national champion. Miami's only other challenges this season appear to be from Washington and Virginia Tech.
The Hurricanes and Seminoles have changed roles recently. After a mediocre run, Miami finished second in the country last season. Florida State is the only team in the nation to end each of the past 14 seasons in the top five.
Troy State is in Division I-A for the first season--one that includes games against Nebraska, Miami, Mississippi State and Maryland.
The Trojans, who will receive a reported $1.4 million for the four games, are used to success, having claimed I-AA playoff bids in eight of their nine seasons in the division and winning Division II national titles in 1984 and 1987.
Troy State moved the ball effectively in the first half, tying the game at 7-7 on the final play before intermission when Brock Nutter threw a two-yard scoring pass to LeBarron Black.
With 45 seconds to go in the half, the Hurricanes took advantage of some miscommunication in the Trojans' defensive backfield as Dorsey found wide-open Kevin Beard in the front left corner of the end zone from 22 yards for a 17-7 lead.
On the second play of the third quarter, McDougle pressured Nutter into an interception and safety Edward Reed returned it 22 yards for a touchdown and a 24-7 advantage.
Jarrett Payton and Willis McGahee added short TD runs in the third to cap the scoring.
