No. 22 Hurricanes Begin Work On Pittsburgh

Nov. 2, 1999

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The 22nd ranked University of Miami football team (4-3,2-0 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 Pittsburgh (4-4, 2-3 BIG EAST) onSaturday at noon at Pitt Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.

Following the practice, Head Coach Butch Davis spoke of the healthof the Hurricane team. In specific, Davis pointed out the progression ofrunning back James Jackson (ankle, knee, hip) and quarterback Kenny Kelly,both of whom practiced at full-speed.

“I think from a health standpoint that we are really making somestrides,” said Davis. “James Jackson actually feels like this is actuallythe best that’s he’s felt in maybe a month or so. He did everything todayfull-speed. Kenny (Kelly) is clearly much better this week than he was lastweek.”

Davis also commented on Pittsburgh, praising the Panthers’ defensiveprowess.

“Pittsburgh is one of the truly tough, physical, blue-collarfootball teams,” said Davis. “It is a long, hard, physical day, especiallyon the defensive side of the ball, for whatever team is playing Pittsburgh.They have played extremely well defensively. They are very big and veryphysical.”

Sophomore running back Najeh Davenport and senior linebacker Michael Smithare both expected to be out for the year with right knee injuries. Therewere no new injuries to report.The Hurricanes will return to practice on Wednesday afternoon at theGreentree Practice Facility on the UM campus.