Miami dismisses starting DE, LB

Muhammad, Grace off team after probe

Miami threw two defensive starters off its team Saturday for NCAA violations, after a months-long probe into whether players had access to luxury rental cars.

Defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad and linebacker Jermaine Grace were “permanently dismissed” from the team, though the school is offering to continue providing financial aid until they graduate from Miami. It was not immediately clear if either player is planning to remain at the university, which remains on probation over the actions of a former rogue booster.

Another linebacker, Juwon Young, left Miami several weeks ago and was part of the same rental-car probe. He now is on Marshall’s roster.

The fallout from the investigation will have a major impact on the Hurricanes, who open their season Sept. 3 against Florida A&M — as it cost Miami its three leading tacklers from a year ago.

Duke

Quarterback Thomas Sirk will miss the season after tearing the Achilles tendon he first tore in February.

Coach David Cutcliffe said that the redshirt senior will have surgery to repair the partial tear in his left Achilles tendon.

Florida State

Strength and conditioning coach Vic Viloria was charged with driving under the influence and property damage.

According to the by Tallahassee Police report, Viloria was arrested Saturday morning after police found him asleep at the wheel at an off ramp near downtown. Officers tried to wake Viloria before be drove away. He traveled up an embankment and hit an electronic crosswalk sign.

Friday’s game

Davis Webb threw four touchdown passes and ran for another score in a sensational debut for California, leading the Bears to a 51-31 victory against Hawaii in the season opener —a game played in Sydney, Australia.