Miami Scrimmages at Orange Bowl, Then Hits the Beach
Aug. 18, 1999
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The 12th ranked University of Miami football teamcontinued pre-season preparation on Wednesday with a 65-play scrimmage atthe Orange Bowl. Following the scrimmage, Head Coach Butch Davis surprisedthe team with a trip to the beach at Crandon Park on Key Biscayne. In theafternoon, the squad watched film, rather than practicing as originallyscheduled.
Davis was pleased with his team’s performance at the scrimmage. TheHurricanes were able to simulate a real-game environment by utilizing pressbox communications and playing under the watch of a BIG EAST Conferenceofficiating crew.
“I’m very excited about how we performed in today’s scrimmage,” saidDavis. “There were a number of positives in how we reacted to thechallenges of playing under game conditions. We played the equivalent ofone half of a football game.”
In particular, Davis praised the overall play of Miami’s offense.Third-year sophomore quarterback Kenny Kelly leads a unit that includesseven returning starters.
“The offense today looked the best it has all fall,” said Davis.”Kenny Kelly showed a lot of poise in the pocket and really handled thepressure well.”
Davis also spoke of the Hurricane defense, a group that returns 10 startersfrom 1999. Miami’s defensive unit has drawn raves throughout pre-seasonpractice under new Defensive Coordinator Greg Schiano.
“Today, we gave them a lot more liberty to be a great defense,”said Davis. “They were really flying around and getting to the footballquickly.”
Offensive guard Eric Schnupp left the scrimmage early with a bruisedleft calf. There were no other significant injuries to report. Wednesday’s scrimmage marked the conclusion of two-a-day workouts for the’Canes. Miami will now hold one practice per day leading up to its openerat the Kickoff Classic on August 29 vs. No. 9 Ohio State. Practices andscrimmages are closed to the public.
Upcoming Practice Schedule
Thursday August 19 2:30 p.m.Friday August 20 2:30 p.m.Saturday August 21 8:30 a.m. (scrimmage)Sunday August 22 OFFMonday August 23 2:30 p.m.Tuesday August 24 2:00 p.m.
**Practices are held at the Greentree Practice Facility and are closed to thepublic.
