Miami Opens Preparation For West Virginia
Oct. 26, 1999
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The 23rd ranked University of Miami football team (3-3,1-0 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 West Virginia (3-4, 2-1 BIG EAST) onSaturday at noon at the Orange Bowl in Miami, FL. The ‘Canes are seekingtheir second straight win in BIG EAST play having defeated Boston College,31-28, last week.
Head Coach Butch Davis was pleased with the workout and explainedthe nature of the first day of practice in a new gameweek.
“Today’s practice was good,” said Davis. “There is always someadjustment to the new gameplan on the first day back to practice. There isalways a lot of thinking, watching and listening as the team absorbs the newgameplan on Tuesdays.”
Davis went on to describe the West Virginia’ team that the Hurricanes willprepare for throughout the week.
“West Virginia is dramatically different scheme-wise on defense than anyonewe have faced recently,” said Davis. “The closest team schematically toWest Virginia on defense would be Ohio State who we faced six games ago.Some of the things Ohio State does with its blitz packages and its front aresimilar (to West Virginia). Offensively they are a little bit of a blendbetween Florida State and East Carolina. They use a lot of three-widereceiver and one-running back sets. They spread it out and use somefour-wide receiver sets as well.”
Sophomore running back Najeh Davenport and senior linebacker Michael Smithare both out for the year with right knee injuries. Quarterback Kenny Kelly(sprained left ankle) is day-to-day. There were no new injuries to report.The Hurricanes will return to practice on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. at theGreentree Practice Facility on the UM campus.
THE ROCK COMES TO THE OB: Three-time World Wrestling Federation champion”The Rock”, a former defensive tackle at the University of Miami (1991-94),will make a pre-game appearance at the Hurricanes October 30th BIG EAST gamewith West Virginia at the Orange Bowl.
The Rock, formerly known as Dwayne Johnson when he suited up for theHurricanes, will sign autographs from 10-11:30 a.m. in Touchdown Alley.Prior to the game, The Rock will be given the microphone just before the’Canes take the field to excite the fans and introduce the team in histypical WWF fashion. Those wishing to attend the autograph session musthave a ticket to the football game. Call 1-800-GO-CANES or (305) 284-CANESin Dade County for tickets.
