Richt aims to eliminate sloppy play

CORAL GABLES — With just one game left in the regular season, the No. 3Miami Hurricanes know it’s the time of year they should be playing their best football.

Thatwasn’talways the case inSaturday’s44-28winover Virginiawhenthey twicehadtorally from14-point deficits.

Miami eventuallywon, but if theHurricanes are to earn their first ACC title and a spot in the College Football Playoff, Hurricanes coachMark Richt knowshis team has to clean up some of the sloppiness.

Miami (10-0, 7-0) is set to close out the regular season Friday at Pittsburgh, where the Panthers (4-7, 2-5) will be looking to snap their two-game skid and play the role of spoiler.

After Pitt, the Hurricanes will move to the ACC title game, where they’ll face defending national champion Clemson. All of that iswhy Richt is challenging his team in the final stretch of the season.

“Every little detail matters,” Richt said Monday during his radio appearance on WQAM-560. “That’s where we have to tighten up the screws on offense, defense and special teams. We made enough mistakes in all three phases [vs. Virginia] to get beat. ... We found a way to win, butwe better tighten up the screws orwe’re going to be in trouble.”

Hurricanes safety Jaquan Johnson was named the ACCDefensiveBack of theWeek and defensive end Trent Harris was named ACC Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week.

It’s the thirdweek ina rowJohnson has earned a spoton theACChonor roll.

Next game: No. ABC Miami

ChristyCabreraChirinos at Pittsburgh, Friday, noon,