MIAMI Better late than never for backup Crudup

Syracuse comes to the Orange Bowl today for a Big East meeting.
MIAMI (AP) -- Derrick Crudup has a chance to save Miami's season.
After losing back-to-back games for the first time in more than four years and dropping out of the national championship picture, the 14th-ranked Hurricanes will turn to the longtime backup quarterback today against Syracuse.
"Better late than never," Crudup said.
Crudup had been Miami's backup for 34 consecutive games, watching Ken Dorsey thrive and Brock Berlin struggle.
And with Berlin throwing 14 interceptions and fumbling three times in nine games, coach Larry Coker named Crudup the starter this week. Crudup, who led the offense to its only touchdown in losses to Virginia Tech and Tennessee, will keep the job if he plays well.
Respect lost
"We're not used to losing," he said. "We're not used to teams not respecting us on the football field. We have to get that back."
Syracuse (5-3, 2-2 Big East) might be a good remedy for Miami's offensive woes. The Orangemen have allowed nearly 400 yards and 27 points a game this season, and have been outscored 179-20 in the last four meetings with the Hurricanes (7-2, 3-1).
But don't expect them to be intimidated in the Orange Bowl -- not by this Miami team.
The Hurricanes certainly haven't looked like the team that played in the national championship game the last two years.
And Berlin hasn't been the only problem.
The wide receivers have been ineffective. Kevin Beard, a senior and the team's most experienced receiver, caught seven passes for 162 yards against Florida in September. He has 12 receptions for 85 yards in the seven games since.
The offensive line has been equally ineffective. Although the line has allowed just eight sacks, it has been pushed around -- especially on running plays. Throw out games against overmatched Louisiana Tech, East Carolina and Temple, and the Hurricanes have averaged a paltry 115.5 yards on the ground.
It could get worse against Syracuse, which despite its defensive problems has allowed an average of just 112 yards rushing in its last three games.
"People always think that when you walk in there, you're automatically down 30-0," Syracuse quarterback R.J. Anderson said. "That's not the case. We can't get overwhelmed by what people say or what people think."
Penalties a problem
The Hurricanes' difficulties were exposed against Virginia Tech and Tennessee, and Coker made several changes -- mostly because of recurring penalties. Miami was flagged a combined 26 times for 238 yards in the two losses.
Besides Berlin, Coker benched tight end Kellen Winslow and center Joel Rodriguez for excessive penalties. He also plans to get freshman tailback Tyrone Moss more action, especially inside the 20-yard line -- where Miami has scored just 17 touchdowns in 42 trips.
Winslow and Rodriguez won't start today but will play.