Lippy Louisville LB thankfully provides hook for big week

Call it whatever you will ...

Super Saturday.

Shakeout Saturday.

The 230th day of the Year of the Dog.

Nate Harris has wound up on top with Louisville. (Getty Images)

Whatever, Saturday's 10 life-changing matchups have a poster boy. Louisville linebacker Nate Harris is bringing an edge to this huge week, which otherwise will be diffused by a mound of coachspeak.

Some background: Four years ago, Harris was a five-star hometown recruit headed for Miami. The next Ray Lewis, perhaps. But Harris was convicted for his role in an armed robbery, did six months in a boot camp, eventually transferred to Dodge City (Kan.) Community College, and then to Louisville.

Harris remade his image, his game and himself. The one-time bad boy was second on the team in tackles last year. His goal was to lead the Big East in that category this year as a senior. The father of two lost his "grills" (16 gold tooth caps) in effort to project a more positive image. There is talk of an NFL career.

Now it's time for payback, which is a wonderful thing when you're a sportswriter looking for dirt this week.

"Everybody knows they're not the same Miami team like they used to be," Harris said. "They still have their swagger but it's not the same Miami team. They're just not. ... Compared to the game I used to see, they used to dominate everybody. It's just not the same."

No. 17 Miami comes into the game at a tenuous time. They are 1-1 having lost at home to Florida State and dominated outmanned I-AA Florida A&M. A trip to Louisville could be a turning point. The program has lost three of its past five, unheard of for this modern dynasty. Larry Coker's job security has been a subject of discussion.

The Cardinals want a defining victory themselves on Saturday at Papa John's Stadium that would elevate them to elite status. After a crushing loss at Miami two years ago, Louisville comes into this game at the height of its powers -- the nation's best offense (651 yards per game) run by Heisman-worthy quarterback Brian Brohm.

Meanwhile, Miami is clawing to hold on to its glorious past.

Oddly enough, Harris is just the player Miami could have used recently as it struggled to find consistency at middle linebacker. They jettisoned Harris -- at the time bad citizen but good player -- but doggedly fought for Willie Williams, who had been arrested 11 times.

Williams has since transferred, pretty much a bust on the field but a good citizen off it.

"What really gets at me is they had the same situation with another player," Harris said. "They gave him a chance but they didn't give me a chance. That's what's really burning me up. ...

"Once I got in trouble, they didn't call my mom, my family members or my (high school) coach. When I got my situation, I feel like they left me alone, took my scholarship."

So it is, as they say, on. Harris keeps in regular contact with Miami regulars, tailback Charlie Jones and receiver Darnell Jenkins. Rebuttals, no doubt, are coming.

It probably won't get better than that this week with coaches poor-mouthing their chances and players having their free wills brainwashed away.

Nate, love you buddy. Keep it coming. You're what big game weeks need.

The early-week breakdown of the Tremendous Ten:

Arizona State at Colorado: Dirk Koetter used to employ Dan Hawkins. Colorado is trying to win a game. Arizona State is trying to win the Pac-10. Texas Tech at TCU: The nation's longest winning streak on the line against the nation's No. 2 pass offense.

Oklahoma at Oregon: OU struggled to beat two non-conference dregs (Alabama-Birmingham and Washington). This is a giant step up.

LSU at Auburn: Is LSU's defense really this good?

Clemson at FSU: If Clemson hadn't coughed one up at BC, it would be a legitimate ACC contender. FSU is shooting for 20 yards rushing this week.

Florida at Tennessee: Which Tennessee is going to show up? The defense will show up minus starting corner Inquoris Johnson.

Iowa State at Iowa: Pesky Cyclones have won three out of the past four in Iowa City.

Miami at Louisville: The Big East wasn't big time enough for 'Canes; now it might be punked by one its powers.

Michigan at Notre Dame: Why do we get the feeling that beating Vanderbilt and Central Michigan doesn't tell us a whole lot about Michigan?

Nebraska at USC: The old Nebraska is back, for now. Huskers have run for 200-plus in consecutive games.