Defense Dominant In Hurricanes' Scrimmage At The Orange Bowl
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Aug. 18, 2001
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) – A stifling defense was the story of the day as the Miami Hurricanes participated in a closed scrimmage Saturday morning at the Orange Bowl. The scrimmage, which ran approximately 80 plays, was highlighted by an excellent performance by Miami’s defensive unit, which prevented the UM offense from establishing continuity throughout the practice game.
“Our defense was outstanding today,” UM head coach Larry Coker said. “They were really making some plays and flying to the ball. I’m very pleased with the progress they are making. Their speed and aggressiveness caused problems for our offense. That said, our offense struggled. While I was disappointed in our offensive performance, I must say that I would be much more concerned about our team had the offense marched up and down the field all day.”
One factor in the offense’s struggles was the absence of starting center Brett Romberg and his backup, Scott Puckett. Romberg sat out the scrimmage while trying to recover from flu while Puckett did not participate because of an injury to his right knee suffered Friday. Romberg could return as soon as Sunday. Puckett is awaiting the results of a MRI and should know his prognosis as soon as Saturday evening.
Defensively, end Jamaal Green remains sidelined with a knee problem but Jerome McDougle returned to full action. Also, end John Square returned to action after missing Friday while his wife gave birth to a son, John Square, Jr., at South Miami Hospital on Friday morning. Cornerback Mike Rumph, who was slowed by a quadriceps injury earlier this week, also returned to action.
The Hurricanes have Saturday afternoon off before completing the weekend of practices with a single workout Sunday afternoon at the Greentree Practice Fields beginning at 3:30 p.m.
Miami begins the 2001 season on Saturday, September 1, at Penn State in a nationally televised contest (ABC Sports). Kickoff is set for 8 p.m.
For ticket information for Hurricanes football, contact the UM Ticket Office at 1-800-GO-CANES or purchase them on the web at www.hurricanesports.com.
