Hurricanes Put Finishing Touches On Florida State Preparation

Oct. 7, 1999

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The 19th ranked University of Miami football team held a90-minute workout in full pads on Thursday afternoon at the GreentreePractice Facility. With the practice, the Hurricanes finalized the majorityof their preparation for the matchup with top ranked Florida State onSaturday, October 9 in Tallahassee, FL.

Following the practice, Head Coach Butch Davis spoke of the team’spreparedness after two weeks of practice leading up to Saturday’s clash.

“I think we are where we need to be going into this ballgame,” said Davis.”We’ve had to overcome a lot with the injuries to some players. We need toplay well on Saturday. I know are kids have been giving a terrific effortall week and that they’ll give that kind of effort on Saturday as well.”

Sophomore running back Najeh Davenport and senior linebacker Michael Smithare both out for the year with right knee injuries. Junior defensive tackleDamione Lewis (right knee sprain), senior defensive end Michael Boireau(right ankle sprain), junior fullback Wilbur Valdez (groin), junior runningback James Jackson (right ankle sprain) and Will McPartland (concussion) areall day-to-day.

The Hurricanes will hold a short walk-thru on Friday morning at theGreentree Practice Facility, before departing for Tallahassee.

MIAMI-FLORIDA STATE MEMORY LANE: On October 8, 1994, Miami defeatedFlorida State 34-20, at the Orange Bowl. In the contest, the Miami defensewas dominant recapturing state bragging rights with this win over FloridaState. The ‘Canes forced five turnovers, including four interceptions asthey held the Seminoles to 219 total yards and only 47 on the ground. WithMiami leading 24-17 late in the third quarter, UM’s Carlos Jones intercepteda Danny Kanell pass and returned it 16 yards for a touchdown to give the’Canes a 31-17 lead and seal FSU’s fate.