Hurricanes Return To Practice Field
Oct. 19, 1999
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The 23rd ranked University of Miami football team (2-3,0-0 BIG EAST) held a two-hour workout in full pads on Tuesday afternoon atthe Greentree Practice Facility. With the practice, the Hurricanes beganpreparation for their matchup with Boston College (5-1, 2-1 BIG EAST) onSaturday at noon at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, MA.
The Hurricanes spent time on special teams, before controllednine-on-nine and 11-on-11 scrimmaging. Head Coach Butch Davis was pleasedwith the workout and the overall health of the team following an unexpectedoff-week due to the postponement of the Miami-Temple game because ofHurricane Irene.
“Today was a fine practice,” said Davis. “Clearly with the timeoff, we’re looking healthier as a team.”
Davis also discussed the play of defensive tackle Damione Lewis.Lewis leads the team with five quarterback sacks.
“Damione has gotten off to an extremely hot start”, said Davis.’He’s playing up to the expectations of not only himself, but of thecoaching staff and the team He’s a playmaker who is very strong in theupper body and has a very good first step, all the attributes of a greatdefensive lineman.”
Head Coach Butch Davis spoke highly of Boston College, complimenting BC’squarterbacks (Tim Hasselbeck and Brian St. Pierre) as well as two-timeAll-BIG EAST defensive tackle Chris Hovan.
“5-1 is no accident.,” said Davis. “Boston College has played well andthey’ve made plays. They’re getting some great production from theirquarterbacks. Both of their quarterbacks are very athletic and present arunning threat as well.
“Chris Hovan on the defensive line is somewhat of a one-man wrecking crew.He’s had a great career. He’s very dynamic, moves around and is playingexceptionally well.”
Sophomore running back Najeh Davenport and senior linebacker Michael Smithare both out for the year with right knee injuries. There were no newinjuries to report.
MIAMI-BC MEMORY LANE: In Miami’s last trip to Boston College on October 18,1997, the two teams squared off in an offensive slugfest that ended in adouble-overtime thriller. Edgerrin James rushed for a BIG EAST and Miamirecord 271 yards and three touchdowns to lead the ‘Canes to a 45-44 win.James record-setting day began with a career-long 69-yard TD run in thefirst quarter to open the scoring. Equally effective as James was the UMpassing game as quarterback Ryan Clement connected on his first nine and 13of his first 14 passes on the day. Clement finished with career highs incompletions (27) and passing yards (323). The teams stood tied at 31 at theend of regulation forcing the first overtime conference game in BIG EASThistory. The squads traded TDs in the first overtime stanza with UM senior
Trent Jones scoring on a nine-yard run. The Eagles opened the second OTwith a 25-yard TD run by Omari Walker. After failing to convert on atwo-point conversion , the ‘Canes scored the tying touchdown with Clementhitting freshman Daryl Jones from 21 yards out on 3rd-and-18. AndyCrosland’s extra point gave Miami the dramatic win. The emotional victorysnapped Miami’s four-game losing streak and gave the ‘Canes their firstconference win of the year.
