Rose Bowl Bid At Stake As No. 1 Miami Travels To No. 14 Virginia Tech For Season Finale
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Nov. 26, 2001
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Coral Gables, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) — The top-ranked Miami Hurricanes (10-0, 6-0 BIG EAST) travel top conference-rival Virginia Tech (8-2, 6-2 BIG EAST) to close out the regular season at Lane Stadium/Worsham Field on Saturday at 1 p.m., live on ABC. At stake is an out-right BIG EAST Championship ahead of Syracuse and a chance to play for the National Championship in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 3, 2002.
Miami is coming off a 65-7 non-conference victory over No. 12 Washington at the Orange Bowl last weekend. A week prior, UM defeated No. 14 Syracuse 59-0 at the Orange Bowl. The combined 124-7 score was an NCAA record against ranked opponents in back-to-back games. The 65 points
The victory over the Huskies avenged a 34-29 loss in Seattle last season, Miami’s last loss 21 games ago. The Hurricanes are currently riding a NCAA-best 20-game win streak entering the Virginia Tech game, along with a BIG EAST record 16-game win streak dating back to a 1999 loss to the Hokies in Blacksburg. On the road, Miami has won nine straight games dating back that 1999 Virginia Tech loss.
Offensively against Washington, Ken Dorsey threw for three touchdowns and now has 22 for the season and 57 for his career. Clinton Portis rushed for 105 yards and scored three touchdowns. The 100-yard effort was his sixth of the season and moved him into second-place all-time with 13.
The defense netted a season-high seven turnovers, along with six interceptions to push its season total to 40. Defensive end Jerome McDougle intercepted UW’s Cody Pickett late in the second quarter and returned it 14 yards for the score, marking the seventh consecutive game and 10th on the season that Miami has scored non-offensively. At the Orange Bowl this season, the defense allowed just 17 points in six overall games.
Virginia Tech had last weekend off and last defeated Virginia, 31-17, in Charlottesville on Nov. 17. The Hokies are led offensively by quarterback Grant Noel, who has completed nearly 60 percent of his passes with 16 touchdowns to seven interceptions. Kevin Jones is the leading rusher with 797 yards and five touchdowns on the season, while Keith Burnell has nine touchdowns rushing. Receiver Andre Davis leads his team with 623 yards in the air and seven touchdowns and is a finalist for the Mosi Tatupu Special Teams award for his threat on returns. Leading tackler Ben Taylor (109) was recently named a second-team All-American by Football News and has 18 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks on the year.
Overall, the Virginia Tech defense has netted 32 turnovers.
HEAD COACH LARRY COKER – Is 10 games into his first season as a collegiate head coach with the No. 1-ranked Miami Hurricanes and has an overall record of 10-0, including a 6-0 mark in BIG EAST Conference play. The 10-0 overall record includes going 6-0 at the Orange Bowl and a 4-0 mark on the road.
Prior to becoming Miami’s 19th head football coach, Coker served under Butch Davis as the Hurricanes’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach since Davis’ first season at UM in 1995. Coker’s hiring marked the first time in 25 years that the University of Miami elevated a current assistant to its head coach. While the offensive coordinator from 1995-2000, UM went 51-20 overall and 33-9 in conference play. At the Orange Bowl, UM was 27-9 with Coker and 19-11 on the road. Additionally, the Hurricanes won all four Bowl games since 1995.
Prior to his arrival in 1995, Coker spent the previous two seasons at Ohio State (1993-94) coaching the defensive backfield. The Buckeyes participated in two bowl games during his tenure and were Big Ten Co-Champions in 1993. From 1990-92, Coker was offensive coordinator at Oklahoma, assisting the Sooners to two bowl game victories.
Before heading to Norman, Coker spent seven seasons as offensive coordinator at Oklahoma State in Stillwater. In his seven seasons with the Cowboys, he coached 1988 Heisman Trophy winner Barry Sanders while the team went on to win four bowl games. Coker first made the jump to division I with Tulsa from 1979-82, as the offensive backfield coach. Tulsa went on to win three Missouri Valley Conference championships during his four seasons.
THE FIRST ROOKIE COACH TO GO 10-0 AT MIAMI – Entering the Virginia Tech game, Larry Coker is 10-0 as head coach of the Miami Hurricanes in his first season at the helm. Coker is the first UM coach to remain undefeated after 10 games in his inaugural season. He actually set the mark with his ninth win against Syracuse on Nov. 17. Coker recently past Howard Buck (1926-28), who was 8-0 with UM’s first team in 1926. Dennis Erickson, in his first season at Miami, guided the Hurricanes to a 6-0 record in 1989 before dropping a 24-10 loss at Florida State in game No. 7. However, Erickson’s 1989 club would finish 11-1 on the season and win UM’s third National Championship, 33-25, over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.
COKER SHOOTS FOR OOSTERBAAN’S MARK – Former University of Michigan head coach Bennie G. Oosterbaan is still the only coach ever to win a National Championship in hist first season. Oosterbaan, who was named National Coach of the Year that year, guided the Wolverines to an undefeated 9-0 mark and were ranked No. 1 by the Associated Press.
COKER’S PERFECT COACHING DEBUT – Larry Coker became the 13th head football coach at Miami to win his debut in the Hurricanes’ 33-7 triumph over Penn State in State College on Sept. 1. Additionally, he was just the third to win his debut game when it was an away game. Overall, UM’s 19 head football coaches are 13-6 (.684) in debut games.
At the Orange Bowl, Coker became the 14th UM head football coach to win his home debut with the Hurricanes’ 61-0 shutout over Rutgers on Sept. 8. Overall, UM’s 19 head football coaches are 14-5 (.737) in their debut at home. No other head coach at UM had such a decisive debut home win.Click on “Miami Awards” at www.hurricanesports.com
Coral Gables, Fla. (hurricanesports.com) — The University of Miami Athletic Department unveiled Miami Awards on its official website at www.hurricanesports.com. The site’s latest new feature is designed to bring the media and fans closer to several of the Hurricanes’ football standouts throughout the entire 2001 campaign.
Miami Awards will allow the opportunity for the user to check up on the featured Hurricanes’ updated stats, bio, Q&A’s, stories and other detailed information along the way. Current players featured on Miami Awards include junior quarterback Ken Dorsey, running backs senior Najeh Davenport and junior Clinton Portis, senior offensive tackles Joaquin Gonzalez and Bryant McKinnie and senior defensive back Edward Reed. The main awards page leads to a more comprehensive site on each player mentioned above.
Miami is a member of Student Advantage’s FANSonly Network, the largest and most-trafficked network on the Web devoted exclusively to college sports.
THE VIRGINIA TECH SERIES – This weekend’s Miami at Virginia Tech game marks the 19th all-time meeting between the two programs since the 1953 season. The Hurricanes hold the series advantage 13-5, including last season’s 41-21 victory at the Orange Bowl. Within the 13-5 record is an 8-3 mark at the Orange Bowl, 3-3 at Lane Stadium/Worsham Field and 0-2 in bowls. Prior to last year’s Miami win, the Hokies had won all five of their series wins from 1995-99.
MIAMI/VIRGINIA TECH CONNECTIONS – The Virginia Tech roster has 12 players from the state of Florida, while the Hurricanes have two Virginians in defensive backs Michael Langley (Machipongo/Northhampton) and Jair Clarke (Newport News/Hampton Roads).
UM’s Kevin Beard and VT’s Cols Colas both played at Plantation HS in nearby Broward County. UM’s Andrew Williams and VT’s Garnell Wilds each attended Tampa’s Hillsborough HS.
COINCIDENCE IN 2000-01 MEETINGS – Last season, Virginia Tech entered the Miami game at the Orange Bowl riding a 19-game regular season win streak. The Hurricanes have a 20-game overall win streak heading into this weekend. Additionally, the Hokies had their then-league-record 14 straight wins ended by the Hurricanes last season. Miami enters the Virginia Tech game with a record 16 consecutive BIG EAST wins.
MORE ON THE VIRGINIA TECH SERIES – The Hurricanes have played Virginia Tech six times at Lane Stadium/Worsham Field with an even split at 3-3. The Hokies have won the last three meetings with UM in Blacksburg dating back to the 1995 season. In these six games played at Virginia Tech, the Hokies hold a slim margin in scoring, 20.2-18.8 (1.4 points) per game.
In their last trip to Blacksburg, Miami lost to Virginia Tech 43-10. The 33-point margin of victory over the Hurricanes is the most in the series for the Hokies. Other than that lone 1999 game, the Hokies largest margin of victory in the five other wins is 14 points (21-7 in 1996). UM’s largest margin of victory over Virginia Tech is 26 points, scored in a 26-0 shutout at the Orange Bowl in the two schools’ first game in 1953. On the road at Tech, UM scored a 20-point victory (43-23) in 1992.
HIGH RANKINGS HIGHLIGHTED 2000 GAME- Last year’s contest marked the first time in BIG EAST Conference history that a pair of league teams ranked in the Associated Press top five played. At the Orange Bowl, it marked just the sixth time that Miami and its opponent were both ranked in the AP top five.
MIAMI ON ABC – The Hurricanes are making their 62nd appearance on ABC since 1961 and hold a 40-21 (.656) record on that network. All-time, Miami is 112-49 (.696) on network television and 92-36 (.719) in nationally-televised games.
MIAMI LOOKS GOOD IN DECEMBER SINCE 1978 – The Hurricanes are currently riding a nine-game win streak in games played in the month of December since a 22-21 win over Florida in 1978. UM’s last December loss came to Notre Dame (48-10) on Dec. 3, 1977. Overall, Miami is 29-30-2 in December games since 1926.
MIAMI GRABS A SHARE OF BIG EAST CHAMPIONSHIP – Miami enters the Virginia Tech game with a chance to win the BIG EAST Conference outright. The Orangemen, who lost to Miami 59-0, are in second place with one loss. The share of the title marks UM’s second straight and BIG EAST best sixth overall.
THE CONSENSUS NO. 1 – The Hurricanes have been the consensus No. 1 in both major polls nine times this season out of a possible 14 polls. On three separate occassions this season, the Hurricanes were able to regain the consensus status after slipping to No. 2 in one of the polls the week before. Recently, Associated Press No. 1 Miami regained the top spot in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches’ Poll after spending a week at No. 2 with its 59-0 shutout over Syracuse. The big victory pushed UM past an idle Nebraska.
The second time Miami regained the consensus No. 1 ranking in both polls was following the 49-27 victory at Florida State on Oct. 13. Coaches’ No. 1 Miami regained the AP with the momentus win at Doak Campbell Stadium, coupled with Florida’s loss at Auburn.
The first time UM was named consensus in both polls this season was following the Hurricanes 61-0 shutout over Rutgers at the Orange Bowl on Sept. 8. AP No. 1 Miami had defeated Penn State on the road in the season-opener and coupled with the Rutgers shutout were able to take the Coaches’ poll as well.
The consensus No. 1 ranking first received on Sept. 9 ended a string of 3,200 days (458 weeks) since Miami was last the nation’s consensus No. 1. Prior to 2001, the last time both polls had Miami at No. 1 was on Dec. 6, 1992.
THE POLLS HAVE MIAMI NO. 1 – Miami has now been ranked No. 1 by the Associated Press for the last seven weeks and 11 of 14 pollings this season. Miami began the season ranked No. 2 by the AP and remained at that position till the Sept. 2 poll. UM dropped to No. 2 on Oct. 7 after a 38-7 win over Troy State, coupled with a Florida win at LSU.
The USA Today/ESPN Coaches’ Poll has ranked Miami No. 1 10 out of 14 pollings this season. UM dropped to No. 2 on Nov. 11 after an 18-7 win at Boston College, coupled with a Nebraska win over Kansas State.
WHILE HOLDING THE ASSOCIATED PRESS NO. 1 RANKING – The Hurricanes have played in 34 games all-time while holding the AP’s No. 1 ranking and have forged a 29-5 record in those contests. Prior to the Alabama loss (34-13) in the 1993 Sugar Bowl, UM had won 11 straight games when it held the top spot in the polls dating back to the 1991 season.
In the regular season, UM has been ranked No. 1 by the AP in 31 games and has recorded a 28-3 mark. UM last lost a regular season game while holding the No. 1 ranking in the 1990 season opener at BYU, 28-21 on Sept. 8.
THE NATION’S LONGEST WIN STREAK, 20 GAMES, RESIDES AT MIAMI – Miami enters the Virginia Tech game with the nation’s longest win streak, having won 20 games in a row dating back to a 47-10 victory at West Virginia on Sept. 23, 2000. UM’s streak equals the one that 2000 National Champion Oklahoma compiled from 2000-01.
Miami is 25-1 in its last 26 games played, including bowls. The lone defeat came at Washington, 34-29, last season in week two. Additionally, UM has won 28 of 30 games dating back to its 31-28 victory at Boston College in 1999.
RECORD BIG EAST WIN STREAK AT 16 GAMES – The 59-0 win over Syracuse marked UM’s 16th BIG EAST consecutive conference victory since a 55-0 defeat of Rutgers on Nov. 20, 1999. UM has also won 19 of its last 20 BIG EAST games, including a 1999 loss to Virginia Tech. The league record was established in UM’s 15th win at Boston College (18-7) on Nov. 10. Virginia Tech (1998-2000) previously held the record with 14.
ROAD WIN STREAK AT NINE GAMES – Miami has won nine straight games (including Sugar Bowl) and eight regular season games away from the Orange Bowl, dating back to a 47-10 win at West Virginia on Sept. 23, 2000. The current regular season road win streak is the longest at UM since winning 14-straight from 1990-93. Including the bowls, UM last won 14-straight from 1990-92.ORANGE BOWL WIN STREAK AT 16 GAMES – Miami has won 16 straight games at the Orange Bowl since a 28-20 win over West Virginia on Oct. 30, 1999. The current home win streak, which is currently second-best in the NCAA, is UM’s longest since its NCAA-record 58-game win streak from 1985-94.
DEFENSE NOT ALLOWING POINTS – The defense has allowed its opponents to score 79 points this season. At the Orange Bowl, the defense allowed just 17 points in six games for a 2.8-per game average. Troy State and Washington each scored a touchdown, while West Virginia hit a field goal. Rutgers, Temple and Syracuse were each shut out.
On the road, the defense is allowing 15.5 points per game. Washington marked the sixth game this season that UM has shut out its opponent in the first half.
DEFENSE DOMINATES IN WIN OVER WASHINGTON – The Hurricanes nearly recorded their fourth shutout of the season, but defeated Washington 65-7. The points were the most given up by the Huskies since a 72-3 loss to California in 1921 and tied for the second-largest defeat since a 58-0 loss to Oregon in 1973. The defense posted a season-high six interceptions, one behind the school record. Additionally, the defense added four sacks, six fumbles forced, one fumble recovered and two turnovers on downs.
DEFENSE GETS HIGH RANKINGS NATIONALLY – Most notably, the Hurricane defense leads the nation in scoring defense, allowing 7.9 points per game. The No. 2 team in scoring defense, Texas, is allowing 11.4 points per game. Virginia Tech is tied for third (12.1).
Overall, the total defense places sixth nationally (273.2 ypg), balanced by the NCAA’s No. 2 pass defense (143.9 ypg) and No. 37 rush defense (129.3 ypg).
Miami leads the nation in turnover margin at +2.30 per game. Miami has lost the ball 17 times, but has recovered it 40 times. The 40 turnovers also lead the nation. The 17 fumbles recovered by Miami are tied for the national lead. The 23 passes intercepted rank second, one behind Maryland (24).
The Hurricanes also have the nation’s top-ranked pass efficiency defense with a 78.95 rating. The No. 2 team, Virginia Tech, is at a 83.59 rating.
Individually, three Hurricanes rank among the nation’s tops in interceptions: Edward Reed, #2, .70 INT/pg, Phillip Buchanon, #32, .40, James Lewis, #67, .30.
DEFENSE RECORDS THREE SHUTOUTS – The three shutouts recorded this season are the most in a single year since the 1956 season when Andy Gustafson’s team also had three. The most in a single year is six, set during the inaugural 1926 season.
SHUTOUT OVER SYRACUSE SECOND LARGEST AMONGST RANKED TEAMS – The 59-point shutout of No. 14 Syracuse by No. 1 Miami tied for the second largest shutout in a game featuring two Associated Press-ranked teams. No. 4 Virginia Tech’s 62-0 win over the 16th-ranked Orangemen in 1999 was the largest between two ranked teams. No. 5 Florida State defeated No. 15 South Carolina 59-0 in 1988.
SHUTOUT OVER SYRACUSE RANKS HIGH IN UM RECORD BOOKS – The 59-0 margin of victory over Syracuse was the second largest for Miami since joining the BIG EAST in 1991. The figure ranks behind the 61-0 win over Rutgers earlier this season.
BIG EAST ARE SHUTOUT SPECIALISTS – The BIG EAST has boasted some solid defenses this season, with three schools having recorded multiple shutouts in 2001. In fact, the Conference has three of the six schools in the nation who have recorded more than one shutout.
HURRICANE SCORING AHEAD OF RECORD PACE – Miami has scored 264 points in six BIG EAST games this season, which is UM’s most since joining the league in 1991. Last season, UM scored 258 points after six games.
Overall, Miami has scored 449 points through 10 games, which leads last season’s school and BIG EAST record 417 points after 10 games played.
Last season, Miami established a new school and BIG EAST record with its 469 regular season points. UM went on to score 506 overall points following its 37-20 Sugar Bowl victory over Florida. The total surpassed the 1986 squad’s previous high of 420 points and Syracuse’ former league-high of 468 points in 1998.
SCORING BY HALF/QUARTER – Over 10 games, UM has outscored its opponents 449-79 (44.9-7.9). The total includes a 219-30 (21.9-3.0) advantage in the first half and 230-49 (23.0-4.9) mark in the second half.
In the first half, UM has outscored its opponents 95-17 in the first quarter and 124-13 in the second. Miami’s top figure is a 149-21 advantage in the third quarter. The fourth quarter has the UM holding an 81-28 lead.
MIAMI POSTS 30-POINT SECOND QUARTER IN WASHINGTON GAME – The Hurricanes put together a 30-point second quarter in the Washington game. The last time a UM team had a 30-point quarter was 35 in the second quarter of the Rutgers game on Oct. 14, 1995.
QUICK STRIKE OFFENSE – This season, the average drive time on UM’s 39 offensive touchdowns is 2:04. Additionally, a total of 31 of UM’s 47 offensive touchdowns were scored in under 2:30 minutes of drive time.
SCORING OFF TURNOVERS – On the season, Miami has recorded 40 turnovers, six of which were to end halves. Of those 34 remaining turnovers, UM has converted 162 points (23 touchdowns, one field goal) on the ensuing drive.
HOLDING OPPONENTS OUT OF THE ENDZONE – The Hurricane defense has held opponents from scoring a touchdown in 135 of 145 (.931) offensive drives this season.
VS. RANKED/UNRANKED OPPONENTS – Since 1990, Miami has registered a 28-22 (.560) mark against Associated Press ranked teams and an 85-6 (.934) record against unranked opponents.
4TH QUARTER DOMINANCE – Over the last 16 seasons, Miami has been almost unbeatable when leading after three-quarters. Since 1985, Miami has won 149 of 151 (.987) regular season games in which it entered the fourth quarter with a lead. The two losses in this span occurred at East Carolina (1999) and West Virginia (1997). Prior to these two losses, UM last lost when leading after three-quarters in 1984 against Maryland, 42-40, after leading 34-21 heading into the fourth quarter.
INSIDE/OUTSIDE THE REDZONE – On the 2001 season, Miami has driven into the redzone 54 times and scored 47 times.
Against Washington, Miami made its way into the Husky redzone eight times and scored seven touchdowns. Washington made it into the UM redzone three times with one touchdown, a loss on downs and an interception.
Outside the redzone, Miami has totaled 10 touchdowns and seven field goals as compared to 37 touchdowns and 10 field goals scored inside the redzone.In the Redzone
IF MIAMI SCORES FIRST – When Miami scores first it is nearly a lock to win. Beginning with the 1983 season, the Hurricanes have gone 152-14 (.917) when scoring first.
THE HURRICANES WHEN SCORING 30 OR 31 POINTS – Miami has won 99 consecutive games when scoring 30 or higher since a 31-30 loss at Notre Dame in 1988.
Miami has won 119 consecutive games when scoring 31 or higher since falling 39-37 to UCLA in the 1985 Fiesta Bowl.
Excluding bowl games, Miami has won 132 consecutive regular season games when scoring 31 or higher since a 34-31 loss to Mississippi State in 1980.
LEADING THE NATION IN NON-OFFENSIVE SCORING – For the second straight season Miami leads the nation in non-offensive scoring with 10 touchdowns and one safety. The 11 scores and one safety have given UM 70 points.
For the seventh consecutive game, Miami scored a non-offensive touchdown against Washington. Against UW, Jerome McDougle returned an interception 14 yards for a score, while Kellen Winslow tackled the UW punter in the endzone for the safety.
The Hurricanes led the nation in 2000 with 13 touchdowns and 89 points coming from defense and special teams.
LEADING THE NATION IN RECORDING THE TURNOVER – Since the 1998 season, when the most of the UM defenders saw their first action, the Hurricanes defense has become stronger in recording the take-away. So far this season, the defense netted 40 turnovers over nine games. UM is on track to record 44 turnovers.
LONE STAR STATE SHINES AT MIAMI – Chris Campbell’s (Mt. Pleasant) start against Syracuse extended a string of 160 consecutive games since 1988 that a resident of Texas has been in the starting line-up. Then-freshman Charles Pharms (Houston) began the streak that started in 1988’s sixth game against Cincinnati.
PENNSYLVANIA HAS ITS OWN STREAK – Martin Bibla’s (Moutaintop) start against Syracuse extended a string of 117 consecutive games since 1992 that a player from Pennsylvania has been in the starting line-up. Center Tirrell Greene (Pittsburgh) began the streak at the start of the 1992 season.
LOUISIANA, NEW JERSEY AND CANADA – Other than Florida, Texas (160) and Pennsylvania (117), Louisiana (66), New Jersey (48) and Canada (47) have current long streaks of having a player from that region start heading into the Washington game.
Edward Reed has continued the Bayou State’s string of 65 games dating back to the days of J. Ina (1993-96, Franklin), Eugene Ridgley (1994-97, Marrero) and Reggie Wayne (1997-00, Marrero). Bryant McKinnie (Woodbury), James Lewis (Piscataway) and Jamaal Green (Camden) have extended the Garden State’s string of 47 consecutive games since Matt Sweeney (1996-99, Lafayette) played at Miami.
Brett Romberg (Toronto) has extended Canada’s streak of having a starter at UM to 46 games dating back to Richard Mercier (1995-99, Montreal)
NFL TALENT ABUNDANT IN 2001 HURRICANE GAMES – The series between Miami and Florida State over last 15 years has been highlighted by numerous players who have gone on to be drafted in the first three rounds by the NFL. Since 1987, no other game played during the 2001 season has supplied as many NFL draftees as the Miami/FSU game (95).
The 95 combined players are broken down into 51 for the Hurricanes and 44 for the Seminoles. Additionally, the 95 players consist of 42 first round, 28 second round and 25 third round. The 42 first round picks (25 UM and 17 FSU) are a national high, as is the two schools’ 28 second-round picks (14 UM and 14 FSU).
The Hurricanes lead the nation since 1987 with 25 first round draft picks. Notre Dame has had the most second-round picks over the last 15 years with 15, while Texas A&M leads with 19 third-rounders since the 1987 season.
ORANGE BOWL WIN STREAK AT 16 GAMES – Miami has won 16 straight games at the Orange Bowl since a 28-20 win over West Virginia on Oct. 30, 1999. The current home win streak, which is currently second-best in the NCAA, is UM’s longest since its NCAA-record 58-game win streak from 1985-94.
DEFENSE NOT ALLOWING POINTS – The defense has allowed its opponents to score 79 points this season. At the Orange Bowl, the defense allowed just 17 points in six games for a 2.8-per game average. Troy State and Washington each scored a touchdown, while West Virginia hit a field goal. Rutgers, Temple and Syracuse were each shut out.
On the road, the defense is allowing 15.5 points per game. Washington marked the sixth game this season that UM has shut out its opponent in the first half.
DEFENSE DOMINATES IN WIN OVER WASHINGTON – The Hurricanes nearly recorded their fourth shutout of the season, but defeated Washington 65-7. The points were the most given up by the Huskies since a 72-3 loss to California in 1921 and tied for the second-largest defeat since a 58-0 loss to Oregon in 1973. The defense posted a season-high six interceptions, one behind the school record. Additionally, the defense added four sacks, six fumbles forced, one fumble recovered and two turnovers on downs.
DEFENSE GETS HIGH RANKINGS NATIONALLY – Most notably, the Hurricane defense leads the nation in scoring defense, allowing 7.9 points per game. The No. 2 team in scoring defense, Texas, is allowing 11.4 points per game. Virginia Tech is tied for third (12.1). Overall, the total defense places sixth nationally (273.2 ypg), balanced by the NCAA’s No. 2 pass defense (143.9 ypg) and No. 37 rush defense (129.3 ypg). Miami leads the nation in turnover margin at +2.30 per game. Miami has lost the ball 17 times, but has recovered it 40 times. The 40 turnovers also lead the nation. The 17 fumbles recovered by Miami are tied for the national lead. The 23 passes intercepted rank second, one behind Maryland (24). The Hurricanes also have the nation’s top-ranked pass efficiency defense with a 78.95 rating. The No. 2 team, Virginia Tech, is at a 83.59 rating. Individually, three Hurricanes rank among the nation’s tops in interceptions: Edward Reed, #2, .70 INT/pg, Phillip Buchanon, #32, .40, James Lewis, #67, .30.
DEFENSE RECORDS THREE SHUTOUTS – The three shutouts recorded this season are the most in a single year since the 1956 season when Andy Gustafson’s team also had three. The most in a single year is six, set during the inaugural 1926 season.
SHUTOUT OVER SYRACUSE SECOND LARGEST AMONGST RANKED TEAMS – The 59-point shutout of No. 14 Syracuse by No. 1 Miami tied for the second largest shutout in a game featuring two Associated Press-ranked teams. No. 4 Virginia Tech’s 62-0 win over the 16th-ranked Orangemen in 1999 was the largest between two ranked teams. No. 5 Florida State defeated No. 15 South Carolina 59-0 in 1988.
SHUTOUT OVER SYRACUSE RANKS HIGH IN UM RECORD BOOKS – The 59-0 margin of victory over Syracuse was the second largest for Miami since joining the BIG EAST in 1991. The figure ranks behind the 61-0 win over Rutgers earlier this season.
BIG EAST ARE SHUTOUT SPECIALISTS – The BIG EAST has boasted some solid defenses this season, with three schools having recorded multiple shutouts in 2001. In fact, the Conference has three of the six schools in the nation who have recorded more than one shutout.
HURRICANE SCORING AHEAD OF RECORD PACE – Miami has scored 264 points in six BIG EAST games this season, which is UM’s most since joining the league in 1991. Last season, UM scored 258 points after six games.
Overall, Miami has scored 449 points through 10 games, which leads last season’s school and BIG EAST record 417 points after 10 games played.
Last season, Miami established a new school and BIG EAST record with its 469 regular season points. UM went on to score 506 overall points following its 37-20 Sugar Bowl victory over Florida. The total surpassed the 1986 squad’s previous high of 420 points and Syracuse’ former league-high of 468 points in 1998.
SCORING BY HALF/QUARTER – Over 10 games, UM has outscored its opponents 449-79 (44.9-7.9). The total includes a 219-30 (21.9-3.0) advantage in the first half and 230-49 (23.0-4.9) mark in the second half. In the first half, UM has outscored its opponents 95-17 in the first quarter and 124-13 in the second. Miami’s top figure is a 149-21 advantage in the third quarter. The fourth quarter has the UM holding an 81-28 lead.
MIAMI POSTS 30-POINT SECOND QUARTER IN WASHINGTON GAME – The Hurricanes put together a 30-point second quarter in the Washington game. The last time a UM team had a 30-point quarter was 35 in the second quarter of the Rutgers game on Oct. 14, 1995.
QUICK STRIKE OFFENSE – This season, the average drive time on UM’s 39 offensive touchdowns is 2:04. Additionally, a total of 31 of UM’s 47 offensive touchdowns were scored in under 2:30 minutes of drive time.
SCORING OFF TURNOVERS – On the season, Miami has recorded 40 turnovers, six of which were to end halves. Of those 34 remaining turnovers, UM has converted 162 points (23 touchdowns, one field goal) on the ensuing drive.
CAPSHAW AND SPECIAL TEAMS NOT ALLOWING PUNT RETURNS – On the season, UM’s punt return coverage has allowed just 37 yards on 11 returns. Punter Freddie Capshaw has recorded 30 punts on the season for a 42.0 average. Among his punts were seven touchbacks, two fair catches, 12 downed inside the 20 and one blocked.
2001 GAME CAPTAINS – Ken Dorsey (QB), Najeh Davenport (FB), Joaquin Gonzalez (OT), Matt Walters (DT) and Edward Reed (FS) will serve as team captains.
REED SETS INTERCEPTION RECORDS – Edward Reed’s interception against Temple, the 19th of his career, tied the UM career mark held by Bennie Blades (1984-87). The 19 career INTs also set a new BIG EAST Conference record, ahead of WVU’s Aaron Beasley (1982-95).
Reed’s 80-yard return off a Matt Walters interception moved his career interception return yards total to 378, passing Bennie Blades (305). His 195 interception return yards on the season set a new single-season record at Miami.
The 90-yard INT return (10-Walters, 80-Reed) at Boston College is the sixth longest in UM history and longest since a 100-yard return by Selwyn Brown at Boston College in 1985.
REED HAS LED MIAMI TO 106 CAREER POINTS – For his career, Edward Reed’s play has led to 106 points for the Hurricanes. The 106 points scored can be broken down into: Punt Block – 2 TDs, 1 FG, Forced Fumble – 4 TDs, Fumble Recovered – 1 TD, INT – 7 TDs, 2 FGs. Additionally, for his career Reed has returned four interceptions for touchdowns. In 2001, Reed has led UM to a career-best 41 points: Fumble Recovered – 1 TD, INT – 4 TDs, Blocked Punt – 1 TD.
DORSEY CAREER TOUCHDOWNS – In his three seasons at Miami, Ken Dorsey has connected with 17 different players for a school-record 57 passing touchdowns. Sophomore receiver Andre Johnson leads all current players with 10 Dorsey touchdowns. All-time, Dorsey’s top touchdown target was Reggie Wayne (12).
DORSEY AS A STARTER – Ken Dorsey has been the Hurricanes starter since the final three games of the 1999 season and has recorded a 24-1 overall record and a 23-1 record in regular season games. In those 24 regular season starts, Dorsey has passed for 300 yards three times, including a career-high 344 in the 2001 season-opener at Penn State. He has also thrown for at least 200 yards 18 times and has had multiple touchdowns in 19 games. His statistics as a starter reads 415-of-687 for 5,872 yards with 57 touchdown passes, one touchdown rush and 15 interceptions.
PORTIS BECOMES FIFTH PLAYER TO REACH 1,000 IN A SINGLE SEASON – Clinton Portis totalled 105 yards rushing against Washington to push his season total to 1,076 on the season. Portis becomes the fifth player (six overall times) at Miami to reach the 1,000-yard single season plateau. The most rushing yards in a single season was Edgerrin James’ 1,416 in 1998. James is the lone UM rusher to eclipse 1,000 yards twice in his career.
PORTIS ONE 100-YARD GAME AWAY FROM SCHOOL RECORD – With his 105 yards rushing against Washington, Clinton Portis rushed for his 13th 100-yard game of his career, seventh of the season and fourth straight. The 13 100-yard games ties him for second at UM all-time, with Ottis Anderson (75-78). Edgerrin James holds the UM record with 14 100-yard games. His seven 100-yard games in 2001 ties with James (1998) for second on the single season list, behind Anderson’s eight in 1978.
PORTIS OVER 2,000 YARDS FOR HIS CAREER – Clinton Portis became the second quickest Hurricane rusher to reach the 2,000-yard career mark with his 117 yards against Temple. The 2,000-yard plateau was reached in his 25th career game, behind Edgerrin James (23rd game). Portis is just the fifth Hurricane all-time to surpass 2,000 yards. Only one alum, Ottis Anderson (1975-78, 3,331) has reached 3,000-yard plateau.
GORE MOVES UP FRESHMAN RUSHING LIST – With his 46 yards rushing against Washington, Frank Gore now has 543 on the season. The true freshman passed Bobby Best (533, 1967) in his effort against the Huskies into fourth-place all-time among freshman rushers. Clinton Portis established a freshman rushing record with 838 in 1999. James Jackson (1997) previously held the record with 595 yards rushing in his first year. In third place, ahead of Gore, is Chuck Foreman (557, 1969).
BUCHANON BECOMES ALL-AROUND PLAYER – Cornerback Phillip Buchanon was recently named a finalist for the Mosi Tatupu Special Teams Award. The junior leads the BIG EAST and places second nationally with 16.69 yards per punt return. Colorado’s Roman Hollowell leads the nation with 18.78 per return. His 434 punt return yards on the season placed fourth all-time at Miami and falls in at No. 8 on the single season BIG EAST list.
Buchanon has scored two touchdowns this season, one off a punt return and one on an interception return.
Defensively, Buchanon received preseason national honors and is currently tied for 32nd nationally with .40 INT’s per game on four picks.
Against Syracuse, Buchanon scored on a 76-yard interception return, recorded a sack for a loss of 17 yards and recovered one fumble.
SHOCKEY MOVING UP THE TIGHT END CHARTS – In his second season with the Hurricanes and first as the starter, tight end Jeremy Shockey has become one of the more prolific players at that position since the 1979 season. Shockey’s nine career touchdowns places him third. He ranks No. 6 in both receptions and receiving yards with 57 for 755.
FROM IOWA TO MIAMI, SIEVERS KICKS WAY INTO THE RECORD BOOKS – Todd Sievers enters the Virginia Tech game sixth all-time among kickers at UM with 190 points scored. He also ranks fifth all-time with his 106 extra-point kicks and seventh with 28 career field goals. His 54 extra-points this season is the top single season performance all-time at UM, replacing his 52 PAT’s from 2000.
On the season, his 17 field goals places fourth in a single season, while his 96 points scored places sixth.
His 105 points is second-most by a BIG EAST kicker in a single season. Virginia Tech’s Shayne Graham (1999 107, 1998 103) sandwiches Sievers 105 points. His 190 career points land him at No. 8 on the BIG EAST career list.
Sievers (Ankeny, IA) lettered in his freshman season in 1998, becoming the first player from the state of Iowa to letter at Miami since fullback Tom Smith (Waterloo, IA, 1971-72). Additionally, Smith and Sievers are the only two players from Iowa ever to letter at Miami. Joe Carlstrom (DT, 1951, Iowa City) played in limited action after serving in the armed forces, but did not letter.
FSU’S HOME STREAK COMES TO AN END – With the Hurricanes 49-27 rout over Florida State at Doak Campbell Stadium, Miami ended the Seminoles national-best 37-game home win streak and 54-game home unbeaten streak. FSU had not lost at home in 10 years, since a 17-16 defeat to Miami in 1991. For the second consecutive season, Miami has been the one to end prominent FSU streaks. In 2000’s 27-24 UM win at the Orange Bowl, Miami ended FSU’s then-national leading 17-game win streak, 26-game regular season win streak and quarterback Chris Weinke’s 25-game win streak as the starter.
against the sunshine state – Miami has won 16 of its last 24 games against teams from the state of Florida since the 1985 season. Most recently, UM defeated Florida State in Tallahassee 49-27 on Oct. 13. Last season, UM defeated FSU (27-24) in the Orange Bowl and Florida (37-20) in the Nokia Sugar Bowl.
UM SURVIVES COLD WEATHER – The Hurricanes have played 41 games all-time in temperature below 55 degrees, holding a 23-18 record in such games. The temperature at kickoff for the Boston College game was 50 degrees, while the Pittsburgh game was 48 degrees and Penn State 46 degrees.
LONE STAR STATE SHINES AT MIAMI – Chris Campbell’s (Mt. Pleasant) start against Syracuse extended a string of 160 consecutive games since 1988 that a resident of Texas has been in the starting line-up. Then-freshman Charles Pharms (Houston) began the streak that started in 1988’s sixth game against Cincinnati.
PENNSYLVANIA HAS ITS OWN STREAK –Martin Bibla’s (Moutaintop) start against Syracuse extended a string of 117 consecutive games since 1992 that a player from Pennsylvania has been in the starting line-up. Center Tirrell Greene (Pittsburgh) began the streak at the start of the 1992 season.
LOUISIANA, NEW JERSEY AND CANADA – Other than Florida, Texas (160) and Pennsylvania (117), Louisiana (66), New Jersey (48) and Canada (47) have current long streaks of having a player from that region start heading into the Washington game.
Edward Reed has continued the Bayou State’s string of 65 games dating back to the days of J. Ina (1993-96, Franklin), Eugene Ridgley (1994-97, Marrero) and Reggie Wayne (1997-00, Marrero). Bryant McKinnie (Woodbury), James Lewis (Piscataway) and Jamaal Green (Camden) have extended the Garden State’s string of 47 consecutive games since Matt Sweeney (1996-99, Lafayette) played at Miami. Brett Romberg (Toronto) has extended Canada’s streak of having a starter at UM to 46 games dating back to Richard Mercier (1995-99, Montreal)
NFL TALENT ABUNDANT IN 2001 HURRICANE GAMES – The series between Miami and Florida State over last 15 years has been highlighted by numerous players who have gone on to be drafted in the first three rounds by the NFL. Since 1987, no other game played during the 2001 season has supplied as many NFL draftees as the Miami/FSU game (95).
The 95 combined players are broken down into 51 for the Hurricanes and 44 for the Seminoles. Additionally, the 95 players consist of 42 first round, 28 second round and 25 third round.
The 42 first round picks (25 UM and 17 FSU) are a national high, as is the two schools’ 28 second-round picks (14 UM and 14 FSU).
The Hurricanes lead the nation since 1987 with 25 first round draft picks. Notre Dame has had the most second-round picks over the last 15 years with 15, while Texas A&M leads with 19 third-rounders since the 1987 season.
HURRICANE ROSTER HAS NFL GENES – Seven Hurricanes on the 2001 roster have relation to players that have been in the NFL.
UM STAYS NO. 1 AT THE NFL DRAFT –During the last 15 years, Miami has produced more NFL first-round draft picks that any other college. Since 1987, the Hurricanes have had 25 first round draft picks, ahead of Ohio State (18), Florida and Florida State (17). Additionally, UM has had the most players selected in the first three rounds combined of the NFL draft (51) since 1987, five more than Florida State (44).
McKINNIE NAMED FOOTBALL NEWS BIG EAST PLAYER OF THE YEAR, 10 MAKE ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM – The University of Miami placed 10 players on the Football News All-BIG EAST Team, the most of any conference school. Additionally, offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie was named FN’s BIG EAST Conference Player of the Year. Miami placed a league-best seven players on FN’s All-BIG EAST offense team, with three making the defense team. The offensive selections were Ken Dorsey (QB), Andre Johnson (WR), Jeremy Shockey (TE), Bryant McKinnie (OL), Martin Bibla (OL), Joaquin Gonzalez (OL) and Todd Sievers (K). The defensive selections were Chris Campbell (LB), Phillip Buchanon (DB) and Edward Reed (DB).
HEAD COACH LARRY COKER AMONG FOOTBALL NEWS COACH OF THE YEAR FINALISTS – Head Coach Larry Coker was named one of three finalists for Football News 2001 Coach of the Year Award. The official announcement of FN’s Coach of the Year, as made by the publication staff, will be made Dec. 12. The other two finalists are Gary Crowton of BYU and Ralph Friedgen of Maryland. Coker and the other two finalists are all in their first seasons as head coach at their respective schools.
BRYANT McKINNIE, EDWARD REED AMONG FOOTBALL NEWS FIRST-TEAM ALL-AMERICANS – Bryant McKinnie and Edward Reed have been named First-Team All-Americans by Football News magazine. This marks McKinnie’s second straight season on FN’s All-Amerca first-team. Reed is making his first appearance on the FN All-America team. Additionally, Joaquin Gonzalez was named to the publication’s third-team.
PHILLIP BUCHANON A SEMIFINALIST FOR MOSI TATUPU SPECIAL TEAMS AWARD – Phillip Buchanon has been named a semifinalist for the 2001 Mosi Tatupu Special Teams Player of the Year Award, announced by the Hula Bowl Maui and the Maui Quarterback Club. Buchanon is averaging 16.7 yards per punt return this season to rank second nationally and has scored two touchdowns this season via punt returns and another via interception return. The winner of the award will be announced on Dec. 6, at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show.
BRYANT McKINNIE, EDWARD REED AMONG FINALISTS FOR FOOTBALL NEWS PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS – Bryant McKinnie and Edward Reed were named as finalists for Football News Offensive or Defensive Player of the Year awards, respectively. 2001 Football News Offensive Player of the Year Finalists: QB Rex Grossman, Florida, RB Luke Staley, BYU, OT Bryant McKinnie, Miami, QB David Carr, Fresno State, QB Eric Croush, Nebraska. 2001 Football News Defensive Player of the Year Finalists: DE Dwight Freeney, Syracuse, LB E.J. Henderson, Maryland, S Edward Reed, Miami, LB Robert Thomas, UCLA, S Roy Williams, Oklahoma.
KEN DORSEY AMONG EARLY FAVORITES FOR WALTER CAMP PLAYER OF THE YEAR – The Walter Camp Football Foundation announced that eight quarterbacks and two running backs are the leading candidates for its prestigious Player of the Year award, the fourth oldest individual college football award in the country.
The list of front-runners for the 2001 Walter Camp Player of the Year award includes quarterbacks Ken Dorsey, Miami, Eric Crouch, Nebraska, Joey Harrington, Oregon, Rex Grossman, Florida, David Carr, Fresno State, Woody Dantzler, Clemson, Chris Simms, Texas and Eli Manning, Mississippi. Northwestern’ Damien Anderson and UCLA’s DeShaun Foster are the running backs.
KEN DORSEY NAMED DAVEY O’BRIEN AWARD SEMIFINALIST – Ken Dorsey was listed among 12 semifinalists for the Davey O’Brien Award, presented annually to the finest quarterback in college football, by the Davey O’Brien Foundation. Three finalists with be disclosed on November 27, with the winner announced on ESPN’s college football awards show on December 6. The other semifinalists are Nebraska’s Eric Crouch, Fresno State’s David Carr, Clemson’s Woodrow Danztler, Brigham Young’s Brandon Doman, Washington State’s Jason Gesser, Florida’s Rex Grossman, Oregon’s Joey Harrington, Mississippi’s Eli Manning, Texas Tech’s Kliff Kingsbury, Illinois’ Kurt Kittner and Texas’ Chris Simms.
FREDDIE CAPSHAW A RAY GUY AWARD FINALIST – The Greater Augusta Sports Council has announced the top 10 finalists, including UM junior Freddie Capshaw, for the second annual Ray Guy Award recognizing the nation’s top collegiate punter. The winner is chosen during the ESPN Awards show on Dec. 6. Mike Abrams, Virginia, Brooks Barnard, Maryland, Travis Dorsch, Purdue, Damon Duval, Auburn, Jeff Ferguson, Oklahoma, Joey Huber, Colorado State, Jonathan Kilgo, Georgia, Steve Mullins, Utah State, Dave Zastudil, Ohio.
JOAQUIN GONZALEZ EARNS NCAA ACADEMIC DISTINCTION – Joaquin Gonzalez has been named to the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Team. Gonz?lez will be awarded an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship and will be honored at the Foundation’s 44th Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 11 in New York. Gonz?lez is a Dean’s List member, a three-time Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Team member, a three-time BIG EAST Academic All-Star and was an Iron Arrow inductee in 2000 He has already received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and is currently enrolled in UM’s MBA program.
MIAMI ON MIDSEASON ALL-AMERICAN TEAMS – Miami leads all schools with five seletions on CBS SportsLine.com’s Midseason All-America Team. The Hurricanes, along with Oklahoma, placed five players each on ABC Sports Online’s midseason team. UM and OU were also the top choice on CNNSI.com’s list with three players . SportsLine.com listed Jeremy Shockey (TE), Brett Romberg (C), Bryant McKinnie (OT), Phillip Buchanon (CB) and Edward Reed (FS). Ken Dorsey (QB), Shockey, McKinnie, Martin Bibla (OG) and Reed were all selected by ABC Sports Online. Shockey, McKinnie and Reed were each selected to CNNSI.com’s list, with Dorsey and Bibla were Honorable Mention selections.
JOAQUIN GONZALEZ NAMED TO AFCA GOOD WORKS TEAM – Joaquin Gonzalez was one of 11 D-1 players to be selected for the 2001 AFCA Good Works Team, chosen by the American Football Coaches Association in recognition of outstanding community service to the area in which they live. A First-Team All-American in 2000, Gonzalez is the fourth Hurricane to be named to the Good Works Team (Nate Brooks, 1998, Ryan Clement, 1997, Tony Coley, 1996). He works with First Mentors, a partnership with Big Brothers/Big Sisters that pairs student-athletes with a child to serve as a mentor. He also is involved in the Read To Win program, showing elementary school students the relationship between good learning skills and success as an athlete. A student in Miami’s graduate MBA program, Gonzalez received a bachelor’s degree in business marketing in December of 2000.
ROTARY GRIDIRON CLASSIC INVITES NINE HURRICANES – Nine Hurricanes were selected to represent Team Florida in the Rotary Gridiron Classic, presented by Tyco, at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando on Jan. 26 at 2 p.m. The UM players invited were Bryant McKinnie (OT), Joaquin Gonzalez (OT), Edward Reed (FS), Mike Rumph (CB), Najeh Davenport (FB), Martin Bibla (OG), Daryl Jones (WR), James Lewis (SS), Chris Campbell (LB) and Robert Williams (TE). The all-star game features college seniors from around the U.S. vs. Team Florida, composed of athletes who either played college football in Florida or have other ties to the Sunshine State.
