James Jackson's two TDs lead the 'Canes to victory and keep their title hopes alive.(AP)

"We got the win, no matter how ugly it was," Dorsey said. "Those were probably the worst 42 points in history. I don't think anybody was happy with this. I think everybody in the stadium would agree that this was the poorest performance of my career."

Still, Miami -- a 41½-point favorite -- was able to overcome the miscues.

"Not every one of your performances are going to be absolutely beautiful. We're glad to get this game over with," Hurricanes coach Butch Davis said before abruptly ending his postgame news conference after just a few questions.

The 'Canes scored on three of their first four possessions to take a 21-3 lead, but Louisiana Tech outscored -- and outplayed -- Miami the rest of the way. It just wasn't enough for an upset.

"It was a little tougher than I expected," defensive tackle Damione Lewis said. "I knew they would come in and play us tough, but I didn't think it would be like this."

Miami made it look easy early. Jackson had two 1-yard scoring runs and Moss scored on a 43-yard end around. Jackson had 26 carries and finished 2 yards shy of his career high.

Moss added a 69-yard punt return for a score in the second quarter. The speedy senior split two blocks, broke a tackle and sprinted down the right sideline for his third punt return touchdown this season. It also was the fifth of his career, breaking the Big East record shared by Moss and Syracuse's Quinton Spotwood.

Moss touched the ball seven times, finishing with 43 yards rushing, 37 yards receiving and 78 yards on two punt returns.

Clinton Portis, who missed the last three games with broken toes, carried 14 times for 86 yards -- all in the second half.

Tech cut the lead to 11 points three times in the second half, but Miami twice answered with touchdowns.

The Hurricanes marched 71 yards in less than two minutes to put the lead back to 18 points with 3:43 to play in the third. Dorsey, 4-of-4 passing on the drive, threw a perfect 16-yard fade to Wayne in the corner of the end zone for a 35-17 lead.

It was the only time Dorsey looked sharp all night. He finished 16-of-31 for 185 yards.

"The fans won't like it," Dorsey said. "They're not going to be happy for an entire week. I feel for them. But if I don't learn from this, then there's no point for me being out here."

Luke McCown threw three touchdowns and ran for another for Louisiana Tech. He finished 42-of-72 for 418 yards, breaking the NCAA freshman record for attempts in a game. The previous record of 71 was set by Northwestern's Sandy Schwab in 1982.

McCown also threw three interceptions, but the Bulldogs had three receivers with 10 catches.

"He has a lot of poise," Bulldogs coach Jack Bicknell said. "He made some mistakes, but to do what he is doing as a true freshman is really something. It's unbelievable what he is doing and who he is doing it against."