CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) – Miami quarterback Brock Berlin regained his starting job Thursday after being benched for a game.

Coach Larry Coker said Berlin will start Saturday against Rutgers, but backup Derrick Crudup should see action.

“We made the decision based on whoever is going to give us the best opportunity to win the game,” Coker said. “Both players deserve to play.

“I think efficiency was a key, and we need to be efficient Saturday. Both players need to realize that.”

Berlin started the first nine games for the 13th-ranked Hurricanes, throwing 14 interceptions, fumbling three times and losing consecutive games to Virginia Tech and Tennessee.

Coker then made Crudup the starter last week against Syracuse. Crudup completed 5 of 13 passes for 80 yards and a touchdown. He also gained 29 yards on 14 carries.

But Crudup also threw an interception and fumbled once – committing the same mistakes that led Coker to bench Berlin.

“We know Derrick will get in sometime in the first half, no matter what,” quarterbacks coach Dan Werner said. “We haven’t talked about how many plays, but once he comes in, we’ll make our decision to how things are going.”

Berlin returns to the lineup with the Big East title on the line. If Miami beats Rutgers and Pittsburgh, the Hurricanes will win the conference championship and play in a Bowl Championship Series game.

Coker said he would re-evaluate Berlin’s status as the starter after Saturday’s game.

AP-ES-11-20-03 1937EST