But as far as Miami QB Ken Dorsey and coach Butch Davis were concerned, these Hurricanes had been there many times before.

"It seemed easy to me," said Dorsey, who directed the game-winning drive in Miami's 27-24 victory over top-ranked Florida State at the Orange Bowl on Saturday. "Every Friday, Coach Davis puts 45 seconds on the clock and makes us go 80 yards. So going 68 yards, with two timeouts, in 1:32, was no big deal."

Sophomore QB Ken Dorsey showed no nerves during his game-winning drive in the final minutes. (AP)

Davis pointed to previous Saturdays, not Fridays, following his first victory against the rival Seminoles after five consecutive losses.

"We've had three two-minute drills this season that succeeded in scoring touchdowns," said Davis, alluding to scores against Washington, West Virginia and Rutgers. "Every time you do something like that, it develops confidence."

Seconds after Florida State's Matt Munyon missed a 49-yard field goal try on the game's final play, the phrase "Wide Right III" was going around the Orange Bowl like a wave. In many minds, it was obvious to connect this ending with those from the FSU-Miami games of 1991 and '92.

But without Miami's version of "The Drive," the Seminoles would still be No. 1 and planning a return trip to South Florida in early January. The Hurricanes would be left to wonder what else must be done to return to their former status as perennial national title contenders.

"Kenny's a young dude who has a sense of urgency, like he has been in the league a long a time and needs to get it done," senior receiver Santana Moss said. "The guys around him all day tell him the pressure's not on him -- the pressure's on the team as a whole."

While critics have talked about his youth and inexperience since replacing Kenny Kelly five times last year, Dorsey has compiled a 7-1 record as a starter and helped lead Miami back to a place among the elite teams.

Now, the 4-1 'Canes are in the national title picture and aiming for a Nov. 4 home date against third-ranked Virginia Tech.

Dorsey's totals Saturday were 27-of-42 for 328 yards, two TDs and no INTs. As former Hurricanes QBs Bernie Kosar and Jim Kelly looked on from the sideline, Dorsey displayed the poise of a seasoned veteran after Florida State had grabbed a 24-20 lead on Chris Weinke's 29-yard scoring strike to Atrews Bell with 1:37 remaining.

Of course, one expects that of Weinke, nine years older than his Hurricanes counterpart. Or is he?

"Ken stepped up like he's a fifth-year senior," Miami senior receiver Reggie Wayne said. "He said he'd do what he had to do, and he told us to concentrate and catch the ball."

Dorsey hit 6-of-7 passes, including a 19-yard pass play to Moss that moved the ball to the FSU 8. After a delay of game penalty moved back the ball 5 yards, Dorsey hit tight end Jeremy Shockey with a 13-yard scoring pass with 46 seconds left.

"I hope people keep saying I'm too young and too inexperienced," Dorsey said. "I love proving them wrong. I love it."