No. 19 Miami Opens Preparation For No. 2 Virginia Tech

Nov. 9, 1999

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The 19th ranked University of Miami football team (5-3,3-0 BIG EAST) held a two-hour workout in full pads on Tuesday afternoon atthe Greentree Practice Facility. With the practice, the Hurricanes beganpreparation for this Saturday’s BIG EAST showdown with second-rankedVirginia Tech (7-0, 3-0 BIG EAST) Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, VA.

Earlier in the day at his weekly press conference, Head Coach ButchDavis commented on the positive state of the Hurricanes. Miami is comingoff its third straight victory, a 33-3 win at Pittsburgh.

“Our players are very excited about it and recognize how great of anopportunity this is,” said Davis. “Our kids like playing in big games. Ourplayers got up and played well against Ohio State, Penn State and FloridaState and I expect the same against Virginia Tech.”

Davis spoke highly of the Virginia Tech squad, praising all three phases ofthe Hokies’ attack.

“Every year, this is maybe the biggest coaching challenge that we face fromthe standpoint of the emphasis that they put on all three phases of thegame. Their defense is very talented, they have over 40 quarterback sacksalready. The amount of negative plays that they are creating for theiropponents and the fact that they’re putting a lot of teams in 2nd-and-longand 3rd-and-long situations are signs of a very good defense. Offensively,they are very big and physical. Their receivers are annually the biggestgroup of receivers that we face. Michael Vick throws the ball exceptionallywell and moves very well. They have a huge national reputation for specialteams as well.”

Sophomore running back Najeh Davenport and senior linebacker MichaelSmith are both expected to be out for the year with right knee injuries.

There were no new injuries to report.

The Hurricanes will return to practice on Wednesday at 3:15 p.m. at theGreentree Practice Facility.