Hurricanes Begin To Prepare For Orangemen
Nov. 23, 1999
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami football team (6-4, 4-1 BIG EAST)held a two-hour workout in full pads on Tuesday afternoon at the GreentreePractice Facility. With the practice, the Hurricanes began its game-weekpreparations for this Saturday’s game with Syracuse (6-4, 3-3 BIG EAST) atthe Orange Bowl.
Earlier in the day at his weekly press conference, Head Coach ButchDavis applauded the play of true freshman quarterback Ken Dorsey. Dorseywent 19-26 for 194 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in hisfirst career start in UM’s 55-0 win over Rutgers last week. Dorsey isslated to start again this week vs. Syracuse in place of sophomore KennyKelly (knee).
“I think Kenny (Dorsey) did very well,” said Davis. “Obviously, hethrew no interceptions which was one of the major factors in his success onSaturday. He was efficient with the offense. He rarely appeared unsure onhis reads. When he wasn’t able to wait and see if something downfieldopened up, he knew exactly where to go to get a completion. He knew how totake something short underneath and keep the chains moving and the drivesalive.”
Davis also commented on the defense’s success this season and the challengesthat the Hurricane defenders will face vs. Syracuse this week. TheHurricanes rank second in the BIG EAST in scoring defense allowing opponentsto an average of 19.4 points per game.
“I think our defense has been a solid rock throughout the course of theyear,” said Davis. “They have given us chances and put us in positions towin games by creating turnovers and with sacks. This weekend will be one oftheir bigger tests due to the diversification of their (Syracuse’s) offensewith the option and with multiple-tight ends. Our defense is going to haveto be prepared. We are going to be in situations in some differentpackages. It’s going to force more than 11 guys top play well thisSaturday.”
Sophomore running back Najeh Davenport and senior linebacker MichaelSmith are both expected to be out for the year with right knee injuries.Sophomore quarterback Kenny Kelly (sprained MCL in left knee) will not playvs. Syracuse, but is week-to-week thereafter. Junior running back JamesJackson (right knee sprain) is day-to-day. There were no new injuries toreport.
The Hurricanes will return to practice on Wednesday afternoon at theGreentree Practice Facility. Practices are closed to the public.
