Gator Bowl Notes
TOYOTA GATOR BOWL
NO. 23 MIAMI VS. NO. 15 GEORGIA TECH
JAN. 1, 2000, ALLTEL STADIUM, JACKSONVILLE, FL
* THE GAME
No. 23 Miami (8-4, 6-1 BIG EAST) enters the Toyota Gator Bowl gameagainst No. 15 Georgia Tech having won three consecutive games over Rutgers(55-0), Syracuse (45-13) and Temple (55-0). The three-game point total of155 points scored was the most by a Hurricane team in a three-game span,ever.
The Yellow Jackets (8-3, 5-3 ACC) are coming off a victory overin-state rival Georgia, 51-48, in overtime. Prior to the game with UGA,Georgia Tech was defeated at Wake Forest, 26-23.
* SERIES NOTES
The 2000 Toyota Gator Bowl marks the ninth meeting between Miami andGeorgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets hold a 6-2 advantage in the all-timeseries, including a 24-19 victory over UM in the two schools last meeting onOctober 14, 1978 in Atlanta. Georgia Tech holds a four-game winning streakin the series. The last time Miami defeated Georgia Tech was on September28, 1968, a 10-7 Miami win in Atlanta.
* LAST TIME AGAINST THE YELLOW JACKETS
During Head Coach Lou Saban’s final season with UM in 1978, theHurricanes traveled to Atlanta to face Georgia Tech on October 14. TheYellow Jackets took an early 7-0 lead in its first drive of the firstquarter following a 15-yard run by fullback Rodney Lee just over threeminutes into the game.
In the second quarter, Georgia Tech tailback Eddie Lee Ivery marchedhis Yellow Jackets down the field for a one-yard touchdown dive at the 11:23mark. Ivery had rushed for 57 yards on the drive on seven carries. Soonafter, UM’s David Jefferson fumbled a Tech punt in his own endzone, whichwas recovered by GT’s Danny Mann to extend the Jacket lead to 21-0. GTtacked on a 42-yard field goal by Johnny Smith as the second half expired togo into the locker room with a 24-0 lead.
UM got its offense going late in the third quarter as quarterbackKenny McMillian scored the first of his two rushing touchdowns on the game,an 11-yarder at the 3:38 mark. McMillian and Ottis Anderson combined forthe two-point conversion to narrow the gap, 24-8. On its very next drive,UM would drive 80 yards with McMillian keeping the ball for a one-yardplunge. McMillian would connect this time with Steve Alvers for thetwo-point conversion to bring the score within eight points, 24-16.
Midway through the final quarter Danny Miller would kick a fieldgoal from 32 yards to close the gap further. Miami had one more drive toovercome Tech, but lost the ball on downs after it failed to earn a firstdown on fourth-and five from the GT 38.
* THE BOWL
Miami’s meeting with Georgia Tech marks the Hurricanes second tripto the Gator Bowl and its 48th anniversary of its first Gator Bowl victory,14-0 over Clemson on January 1, 1952.
Covering the ‘Canes
The Hurricanes will arrive in Jacksonville on Sunday, December 26and will begin practice on Monday, December 27. Practices, from Dec. 27-30are open to the media for the first 15 minutes.
Head Coach Butch Davis will be available to the media on a dailybasis. Times for player interview sessions are to be announced. Pleasecontact Football SID Phil de Montmollin or Assistant Athletic Director forCommunications Bob Burda at (904) 285-7777 for interview times andlocations.
Prior to arrival in Jacksonville, contact Phil de Montmollin at theUM Sports Information Office at (305) 284-3244 for practice times orinterview requests.
Team Headquarters
Marriott At Sawgrass1000 TPC BlvdPonte Vedra Beach, FLph: (904) 285-7777
University of Miami Sports Information5821 San Amaro DriveCoral Gables, FL 33146ph: (305) 284-3244fax: (305) 284-2807
Miami Web Sitewww.hurricanesports.com
Coaching Match-UpMiami HurricanesCoach Butch DavisCareer Record 39-19/5th YearRecord at Miami 39-19/5th YearRecord vs. Georgia Tech 0-0
Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsCoach George O’LearyCareer Record 36-24/5th YearRecord at Ga. Tech 36-24/5th YearRecord vs. Miami 0-0
OVER THE AIRWAVES
Television
NBC (live): Tom Hammond (play-by-play), James Lofton (analysis), CraigSager (sideline).
Radio
Hurricane Radio Network (WQAM 560 AM): Marc Vandermeer (play-by-play), DonBailey, Jr. (analysis) and Josh Darrow (studio host). All UM footballgames will be carried statewide by the Hurricane Radio Network on itsflagship station WQAM in Miami.
En Espanol (WACC 830 AM): Jerry del Castillo (play-by-play), Joe Martinez(analysis) and Pepe Campos (studio).
Student Radio (WVUM 90.5 FM): Dan Laing (play-by-play), Alex Loeb(analysis) and Rick Thomas (analysis).Pacific West Radio Sports: Larry Kahn (play-by-play).
Internet
Internet audio broadcasts of Hurricane games are available by accessingwww.hurricanesports.com and clicking on “internet audio broadcasts” on theathletics home page.
GAME NOTES
HEAD COACH BUTCH DAVIS: Butch Davis (Arkansas ’74) is in his fifth season atMiami. Davis has compiled a 39-19 overall record and a 26-9 mark in BIGEAST games. His record includes a 21-9 record at the Orange Bowl, whilegoing 15-10 on the road.
Davis is the 18th head coach in UM history. Prior to hisappointment in January, 1995, Davis served as an assistant coach with theDallas Cowboys from 1989-94 where he helped guide the Cowboys to a pair ofSuper Bowl championships. Davis also served as an assistant coach at UMfrom 1984-88 (where he was part of Miami’s 1987 National Championship team)and at Oklahoma State from 1979-83.
DAVIS AT MIAMIYear Record Home Away Ntrl BE1995 8-3 6-0 2-3 0-0 6-11996 9-3 3-3 5-0 1-0 6-11997 5-6 3-3 2-3 0-0 3-41998 9-3 4-2 4-1 1-0 5-21999 8-4 5-1 2-3 1-0 6-1Total 39-19 21-9 15-10 3-0 26-9
Butch Davis’ Hurricanes on Turf/GrassYear Overall Turf Grass1995 8-3 2-0 6-31996 9-3 3-0 6-31997 5-6 2-1 3-51998 9-3 3-1 6-21999 8-4 2-0 6-4Total 39-19 12-2 27-17
SENIOR FAREWELL: The 2000 Toyota Gator Bowl will mark the final UMappearance for 17 Hurricane seniors: Michael Boireau, Andy Crosland, Pat DelVecchio, Mondriel Fulcher, Robert Hall, Zach Hart, Rod Mack, RichardMercier, Jeff Popovich, Robert Sampson, Eric Schnupp, Michael Smith, JamesSutton, Matt Sweeney, Wilbur Valdez, Nick Ward, and Ty Wise. With theexception of Boireau (JUCO transfer), Pat Del Vecchio, Jeff Popovich, andJames Sutton, all of whom did not redshirt, this senior class has complied a39-19 record. Additionally, the group has qualified for four bowls andearned victories in each of their two bowl trips, having defeated Virginia,31-24 at the 1996 Carquest Bowl and North Carolina State, 46-23, at theMicron PC Bowl.
Senior ClassRecord:1999 8-41998 9-31997 5-61996 9-31995 8-3Total 39-19
HURRICANES VS. THE ACC: Miami holds a 50-14-1 record against teams currentlyin the Atlantic Coast Conference. Other than in-state rival Florida State,whom the Hurricanes have played regularly for the last 48 years, UM holds a27-25-0 mark against current ACC schools, including a three-game win streakin non-FSU games. Additionally, in games against ACC teams during theirconference affiliation (1953-present), UM holds a 25-8-1 record.
BOWLING WITH THE HURRICANES: The Hurricanes are making their 15th bowlappearance in the last 17 years, dating back to the 1983 season. Since1983, Miami is 13-12 in 25 bowl games since its first berth in the 1933 PalmFestival. Most recently, the Hurricanes defeated ACC representative N.C.State, 46-23, in the Micron PC Bowl on Dec. 29, 1998. UM is now on athree-game bowl winning streak, all during the Butch Davis era.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION – NBC: The Hurricanes are making their 14thappearance on NBC and have posted a 6-7 record on the network. UM firstappeared on the peacock network in back in 1955, when it made its televisiondebut in a 14-6 loss to Georgia Tech on Sept. 17. Miami last appeared onNBC when it fell to Nebraska, 24-17, in the 1994 season’s Orange Bowl gameon Jan. 1, 1995.
1999 SCHEDULE IS AS TOUGH AS NAILS: This season, the Hurricanes have faced#1 Florida State in Tallahassee, #2 Penn State at home, #2 Virginia Tech inBlacksburg and #9 Ohio State in the Kickoff Classic. Additionally, twoother away-game opponents, East Carolina and Boston College, are currentlyranked #19 and #22 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll. Overall, UM hasplayed six of its first nine games on the road, with five games comingagainst currently ranked teams.
TAKING ON THE BEST: So far this season, UM has faced a #1, #2, #2, #9 andtwo others who are currently ranked #19 (East Carolina) and #22 (BostonCollege). Virginia Tech at #2 marked the fourth time this season and fifthtime in 10 games that the Hurricanes have met up with a top 10 team.
In that streak of games, UM has defeated #2 UCLA (49-45) and #9 OhioState (23-12), but fell in close games to #2 Penn State (27-23) and #1Florida State (31-21).
UM played at top-ranked Florida State on Oct. 9, a 31-21 FSU win.In that game, the Hurricanes led the No. 1 Seminoles, 21-14 late in thesecond quarter. On Sept. 18, Miami fell to No. 2 Penn State, 27-23, afterleading 23-20 in the fourth quarter. East Carolina, currently ranked 19thand as high as No. 16, topped Miami, 27-23, on Sept. 25 in Raleigh, NC. UMscored 31 unanswered to defeat current No. 22 Boston College, 31-28, inChestnut Hill. Most recently, UM fell at No. 2 Virginia Tech, 43-10.
ASSOCIATED PRESS – December 5, 1999
'99 Record Points 1. Florida St (64) 11-0 1,744 2. Virginia Tech (6) 11-0 1,685 3. Nebraska 11-1 1,606 4. Wisconsin 9-2 1,482 5. Alabama 10-2 1,450 6. Tennessee 9-2 1,412 7. Kansas State 10-1 1,336 8. Michigan 9-2 1,226 9. Michigan State 9-2 1,19310. Florida 9-3 1,09511. Marshall 12-0 1,04712. Minnesota 8-3 93513. Penn State 9-3 77214. Texas 9-4 74615. Mississippi State 9-2 72716. Southern Mississippi 8-3 72217. Georgia Tech 8-3 67218. Texas A&M 8-3 63219. Purdue 7-4 50420. East Carolina 9-2 43121. Georgia 7-4 29822. Stanford 8-3 27023. MIAMI 8-4 22424. Arkansas 7-4 12125. Boston College 8-3 112
Others Receiving Votes: : Mississippi 88, Oregon 72, BYU 47, Illinois 39,Colorado St. 18, Utah 12, Oklahoma 10, Virginia 7, Southern Cal 5, Clemson4, Colorado 3, Washington 3.
USA TODAY/ESPN – December 5, 1999 ’99 Record Points 1. Florida St (56) 11-0 1,472 2. Virginia Tech (3) 11-0 1,415 3. Nebraska 11-1 1,330 4. Wisconsin 9-2 1,276 5. Tennessee 9-2 1,187 6. Alabama 10-2 1,183 7. Kansas State 10-1 1,145 8. Michigan 9-2 1,065 9. Michigan State 9-2 99710. Florida 9-3 89811. Marshall 12-0 81912. Minnesota 8-3 71513. Texas A&M 8-3 70114. Southern Mississippi 8-3 65315. Georgia Tech 8-3 61616. Mississippi State 9-2 59017. Penn State 9-3 58618. Texas 9-4 56319. East Carolina 9-2 47320. Purdue 7-4 34721. Stanford 8-3 30822. Boston College 8-3 18123. MIAMI 8-4 15324. Georgia 7-4 14725. Brigham Young 8-3 102
Others receiving votes: Oregon 83, Colorado St. 43, Arkansas 38, Mississippi26, Illinois 21, Oklahoma 12, TCU 11, Clemson 10, Auburn 4, Hawaii 2, FresnoSt. 1, Utah St. 1, W. Forest 1.
ASSOCIATED PRESS RANKING NOTES:
Opponent’s AP Rank –
* 6-12 against AP teams in Butch Davis era. The last five AP rankedUM opponents were all ranked among the AP’s Top 9 with a 2-3 margin against.
* In the 1990’s, Miami is 22-20 against AP ranked teams, 12-12 vs. thetop 10 and 7-7 against the top four (no #5’s).
* Since 1983, Miami is 47-28 against AP ranked teams, 27-17 againstthe top 10 and 7-7 against the top four (no #5’s).
* All-time, Miami is 59-95 against AP ranked teams, 28-53 against thetop 10 and 15-31 against the top five.
* UM’s loss to No. 1 FSU marked the ‘Canes first loss to a No.1-ranked team since falling to No. 1 FSU in 1995. The Hurricanes last winover No. 1 was also against FSU in 1991.
Miami’s AP Rank –
* Miami is 21-12 in games during the Butch Davis era, while holding anAP ranking.
* The loss against Penn State marked UM’s first as the No. 8 team.
* In addition, UM is 72-20 in games during the 1990’s and 178-39-2all-time in games while holding a national ranking.
UM VS. RANKED/UNRANKED OPPONENTS: During the 1990’s, Miami holds a 22-20 mark against nationally-ranked teams and a 67-7 record against unranked opponents.
HURRICANES HELD A TOP TEN RANKING: The Associated Press poll listed Miami asNo. 8 in the nation the week of September 5th. The last time Miami wasranked in the top 10 prior to the 1999 season was the week of Oct. 6, 1996when UM jumped to No. 6 following a 45-0 win over Pittsburgh.
MIAMI IN THE POLLS: The Hurricanes, who were ranked No. 23 by the AP, jumpedto No. 23 from No. 24 in the most recent USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll on Dec.5. Miami opened the season at No. 12 in both the AP and USA Today/ESPNpolls. UM posted season-high rankings of No. 8 in the AP poll on Aug. 29 andNo. 9 in the USA Today/ESPN poll on Sept. 5. The Hurricanes fell out of thepolls into the ARV section for consecutive weeks following their loss atVirginia Tech.
OPENING POSSESSIONS: Miami has posted points on six of its 12 openingpossessions this season. Against Temple, Miami drove 59 yards on five playsconcluding with a 38-yard Clinton Portis TD run. To finish the regularseason, the Hurricanes scored points on four of five opening possessions inthe final five games.
In last week’s game, Temple was forced to punt after goingthree-and-out. UM opponents have gone three-and-out on its openingpossessions six times this season.
FOURTH QUARTER DOMINANCE: Over the last 14 seasons, Miami has been almostunbeatable when leading after three quarters. Since 1985, Miami has won 129of 131 regular season games in which it entered the fourth quarter with alead.
This season, the Hurricanes took a 23-10 lead into the fourthquarter at East Carolina, but surrendered 17 points to be defeated 27-23.In 1997, West Virginia snapped a UM streak of 111 straight victories whenleading after three quarters.
Prior to that 1997 WVU game, the last time the Hurricanes did notwin a regular season game when leading after three quarters was on Nov. 10,1984, when UM lost to Maryland, 42-40, after leading 34-21 heading into thefinal stanza.
UM STILL STANDS TALL IN THE BIG EAST: Closing out their ninth season of BIGEAST football, the Hurricanes have gone 45-10 all-time against leagueopponents. The .818 winning percentage is the highest average among theeight league schools.
All-time BIG EAST StandingsTeam Record Pct.Miami 45-10 .818Syracuse 44-16 .733Virginia Tech 40-15 .727West Virginia 35-25-1 .582Boston College 28-29-2 .492Pittsburgh 17-40 .298Rutgers 15-44-1 .258Temple 7-52 .113
MOST POINTS IN A THREE-GAME SPAN: Over its last three games, Miami hasoutscored its opponents, 155-13 (55-0 over Rutgers, 11/20/99, 45-13 overSyracuse, 11/27/99, 55-0 over Temple, 12/4/99). Prior to 1999, the mostpoints scored by the Hurricanes over a three-game span was 152 points scoredin three consecutive games (71-6 over Piedmont, 10/28/33, 48-0 over Bowden,11/4/33, 33-7 over Louisville, 11/10/33).
IF THE HURRICANES SCORE FIRST…: When the Hurricanes score first they arenearly a lock to win. Beginning with the 1983 season, the Hurricanes havegone 134-14 (92%) when scoring first. Under Butch Davis, UM is 27-7 (80%)when scoring first.
IF THE HURRICANES SCORE 30 OR MORE POINT STREAKS: Miami has won (lastdefeat)…
73 Straight when scoring 30 or more points (10-15-88, Notre Dame 31,UM 30).
94 Straight when scoring more than 30 points (1-1-85, UCLA 39, UM37).
BIG HALVES: In 11 of Miami’s 12 games this season, the Hurricanes havescored 20 or more points in a half.
The 34-point first half against Temple tied for the second largestpoint total in a half this season. UM also scored 34 points in the firsthalf against Rutgers. The high for points scored in a half this season is40 in the first half vs. Florida A&M on September 4.
BIG QUARTER: With 20 points in the second quarter against Temple, theHurricanes have now scored at least 20 points in a single quarter seventimes this season. The high point total for a quarter this season is 26points scored in the second quarter vs. FAMU. It was also the first timethis season UM has had two quarters in one game with 20 or more points.
TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE TURNOVERS: This season, the Hurricanes have takenadvantage of many opponent miscues, scoring on 17 of 33 overall drivesfollowing an opponent turnover. Four drives following opponent turnoverswere to close halves, so no offensive drives were taken. Overall, theHurricanes have parlayed 17 opponent turnovers into 111 points.
Most recently, Ken Dorsey hooked up with Robert Williams on asix-yard TD pass following a Nate Webster INT that gave UM the ball on theTemple 25.
TWO BIG EAST SHUT OUTS: With shutout victories over Temple and Rutgers, UMhas two over BIG EAST schools this season. The feat ties the 1996Hurricanes, who shut out Rutgers and Pittsburgh, for the most ever leagueschools in a single season.
The two shutouts this season also tie for the most in a singleseason by a Hurricane team since Andy Gustafson’s ‘Canes shut out TCU,Clemson and West Virginia in 1956. Since 1956, 13 Hurricane teams have shutout at least two opponents in a single season.
BIGGEST BIG EAST WIN, EVER: Miami’s 55-0 win over Temple tied for thelargest margin of victory by UM over a BIG EAST opponent. UM also defeatedRutgers, 55-0, two games prior. Entering the Rutgers game, Miami’s biggestwin in a league game was a 49-0 win over Syracuse on October 23, 1993 in theOrange Bowl. Additionally, the win marks the sixth time that Miami has shutout a BIG EAST opponent.
MIAMI’S REGULAR SEASON SCORING OUTPUT BEST IN THE 1990’s: Miami’s 404points during the regular season is the most scored by any UM team thisdecade, surpassing last season’s 402 points and 1990’s 401 points. The 1999season total is also the third time this decade UM has surpassed the400-point plateau. The 404 points this season is also 110 points more thanButch Davis’ inaugural 1995 UM team (294). Miami would need to score atleast 44 points against Georgia Tech to equal the 1998 squad’s overallscoring record of 448 total points.
UM Single-SeasonScoring Totals Reg. Season Total1999 404 ?1998 402 4481997 314 314*1996 337 3681995 294 294*1994 348 3651993 331 3311992 356 3691991 364 3861990 401 447* No Bowl Game
RUTGERS SHUTOUT: Miami’s 55-0 shutout over Rutgers marked the first shutoutby the Hurricanes since a 45-0 blanking of Pittsburgh on September 28, 1996,41 games ago. It also marked the largest shutout since a 56-0 shutout ofGeorgia Southern on September 3, 1994. In addition, the game marked thethird shutout of the Butch Davis era and the 11th shutout of the 1990’s.The largest shutout in school history was a 62-0 win over Havana on October27, 1928. Miami’s largest margin of victory all-time is 68 points (75-7 vs.Fordham, 1954).
HIGHEST POINT TOTAL SINCE…: The 55 points against Temple and two games agoagainst Rutgers marked the most points scored by the Hurricanes since a66-17 final score over East Tennessee State on September 5, 1998.
TEMPLE AND RUTGERS: Both Temple and Rutgers have yet to defeat theHurricanes in a BIG EAST game, since the league began play. During thisperiod UM is 8-0 against the Owls and 7-0 against Scarlet Knights. This pastseason, UM defeated each school by the identical score of 55-0.
SENIORS START TO GET POSTSEASON INVITES: Guard Richard Mercier is a popularselection to postseason all-star games as he has been extended invitationsto play in the Senior Bowl (Mobile, AL), Hula Bowl (Maui, HI), East-WestShrine Game (Palo Alto, CA) and Florida Citrus All-Star Gridiron Classic(Orlando).
Defensive end Michael Boireau has been extended invitations to theHula Bowl, East-West Shrine Game and Florida Citrus All-Star GridironClassic. Center Ty Wise was invited to the East-West Shrine Game andFlorida Citrus All-Star Gridiron Classic.
In addition to Mercier, Boireau and Wise, fullback/tight endMondriel Fulcher and defensive tackle Matt Sweeney have been invited to theFlorida Citrus All-Star Gridiron Classic. Kicker Andy Crosland, linebackerRod Mack, offensive lineman Eric Schnupp and cornerback Nick Ward arepresently under consideration for the Florida Citrus All-Star GridironClassic.
Also of note, Head Coach Butch Davis is scheduled to be part of theEast team’s coaching staff in the East-West Shrine Game.
HURRICANES HAVE YET TO SUFFER DEFEAT IN DECEMBER: Since 1978, theHurricanes have gone 11-0 in games played during the month of December.During the Butch Davis era, UM is 3-0 during December. UM’s last Decemberloss came to Notre Dame (48-10) on Dec. 3, 1977.
MARGIN OF VICTORY OVER SYRACUSE: Miami’s 32-point margin of victory overSyracuse marked the second largest margin of victory by the Hurricanes inthe all-time series. In 1993, Miami defeated Syracuse, 49-0.
RETURN PARTY: The Hurricanes notched a rare feat against Syracuse byregistering interception and punt returns for touchdowns in the same game.The last time Miami accomplished this feat was on September 13, 1986 whenKevin McCutcheon had a 42-yard punt return for a TD and Bubba McDowell had a30-yard interception return for a TD in Miami’s 61-11 win over Texas Tech.The last time Miami registered an interception return for a TD and a kickoffreturn for a TD was on November 30, 1996 vs. Syracuse. In that game,Tremain Mack had a 95-yard kickoff return for a TD and Duane Starks returnedan interception 35 yards for a touchdown.
COMING OUT PARTY AGAINST RUTGERS: In Miami’s 55-0 win over Rutgers, severalplayers hit paydirt for the first time in their career. In fact, four ofthe six Hurricanes that scored touchdowns, did so for the first time intheir career: junior tight end Ivan Mercer scored on a 20-yard pass in thefirst quarter, freshman running back Jarrett Payton rushed for a 16-yard TDin the first quarter, freshman quarterback Ken Dorsey scored on a one-yardrun in the third, and junior tight end Robert Williams caught a seven-yardTD pass from senior QB Zachary Hart in the fourth quarter. Hart’s TD passwas the first of his career. Moreover, junior Santana Moss returned a puntfor a 67-yard touchdown in the second quarter, marking Moss’ first career TDon a return.
BIG FIRST HALF, BIG POINT TOTAL AGAINST FAMU: The 40 points scored in thefirst half against FAMU marked the most points scored by the Hurricanes inthe first half since scoring 49 points vs. Rutgers on Oct. 14, 1995. The 57overall points scored ranks ninth all-time for total points scored in a gameby UM.
1999 CAPTAINS SELECTED: At a team meeting preceding the Florida State game,permanent team captains for the remainder of the 1999 season were selectedby the Hurricane players. Junior defensive tackle Damione Lewis, senioroffensive guard Ricahrd Mericer, junior linebacker Dan Morgan, juniorlinebacker Nate Webster and senior center Ty Wise were named captains.Typically, two offensive and two defensive players are named captains eachyear. However, the voting was so close between Lewis, Morgan and Websterthat three defensive captains were named.
TWO NAMED TO GTE ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA DISTRICT TEAM: Sophomore offensiveguard Joaquin Gonzalez (Miami, FL) and senior defensive back Jeff Popovich(Tucson, AZ) were named to the 1999 GTE Academic All-District III team.Gonzalez, who has started all eight games this season at right tackle forthe Hurricanes, holds a grade point average of over 3.39 in Finance.Popovich, a reserve safety and UM’s starting holder on special teams, holdsa GPA of over 3.42 in Bio-Medical Engineering. District III is made up ofall Division I and I-AA schools in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, SouthCarolina and Virginia. To be eligible a player must have a cumulative gradepoint average of 3.2 in the classroom and be a starter or key reserve on thefield.
‘CANES ON INDIVIDUAL CAREER LISTS
Rushing Yards4. 1,974 James Jackson, 1997-98-99
100-Yard Rushing Performancest3. 5 Clinton Portis, 1999
Receptions3. 130 Reggie Wayne, 1997-98-99
Receiving Yards3. 1,788 Santana Moss, 1998-994. 1,765 Reggie Wayne, 1997-98-99
Touchdown Passes Caughtt4. 14 Santana Moss, 1998-99
Tackles5. 394 Dan Morgan, 1997-98-99
Point After Touchdowns2. 163 Andy Crosland, 1996-97-98-99
Field Goals4. 44 Andy Crosland, 1996-97-98-99
Points Scored Kicking3. 292 Andy Crosland, 1996-97-98-99
Points Scored3. 292 Andy Crosland, 1996-97-98-99
Punt Return Yards5. 541 Santana Moss, 1998-99
‘CANES ON INDIVIDUAL GAME LISTSRushing Attemptst3. 33 James Jackson vs. Penn State, 1999
Rushing Yards (attempts)5. 187 James Jackson vs. Temple, 1997 (18)
Rushing Average (min 4. attempts)8. 15.8 James Jackson vs. Va. Tech, 1997 (9)
Points After Touchdowns (attempts)1. 9 Andy Crosland vs. ETSU, 1998 (9)6. 7 Andy Crosland vs. Temple, 1999 (8) 7 Andy Crosland vs. UCLA, 1998 (7) 7 Andy Crosland vs. FAMU, 1999 (7)
Field Goals7. 3 Andy Crosland vs. E. Carolina, 1998 3 Andy Crosland vs. Rutgers, 1998
Passing Yards10. 370 Kenny Kelly at Florida State, 1999
Total Offense9. 382 Kenny Kelly at FSU, 1999 (380+2)
Touchdown Passes Thrown3. 4 Ken Dorsey vs. Temple, 1999
Receiving Yards5. 180 Santana Moss at Florida State, 1999
Longest Pass Play6. 84 Reggie Wayne from Scott Covington vs. Virginia Tech, 1998
Longest Rush from Scrimmage10. 79 James Jackson vs. Boston Coll., 1998
Most Punt Return Yardage2. 127 Santana Moss vs. Syracuse, 1999
Most Kickoff Return Yardage1. 208 Najeh Davenport vs. Syracuse, 1998
Touchdown Receptions1. 3 Santana Moss vs. Rutgers, 1998
‘CANES ON INDIVIDUAL SEASON LISTS
Rushing Average (min. 25 attempts)3. 7.35 James Jackson, 1997 (81)4. 7.04 Najeh Davenport, 1998 (55)9. 6.65 James Jackson, 1998 (82)
100-Yard Rushing Performancest3. 5 Clinton Portis, 1999
Rushing Touchdownst8. 9 James Jackson, 1999
Receptions9. 48 Reggie Wayne, 1997
Receiving Yards7. 803 Santana Moss, 1999
Touchdown Passes Caught5. 8 Santana Moss, 1998t9. 6 Santana Moss, 1999
Point After Touchdowns1. 51 Andy Crosland, 19989. 38 Andy Crosland, 1996
Punt Return Yards2. 424 Santana Moss, 1999
Field Goals10. 13 Andy Crosland, 1996
Points Scored Kicking9. 77 Andy Crosland, 1996
Total Tackles and Assistst5. 150 Dan Morgan, 1998 150 Nate Webster, 1999t10. 139 Dan Morgan, 1999
RING OF HONOR: Hurricane football greats Ottis Anderson, Don Bosseler,Bernie Kosar and Burgess Owens were inducted this year into UM’s Ring ofHonor. The four greats had their names and jerseys permanently affixed fordisplay on the face of the Orange Bowl’s upper deck at the Miami-Rutgersgame on Nov. 20. Anderson (1975-78) became the first player in Miamihistory to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season (1,266, 1978) and isUM’s all-time career rushing leader. Bosseler (1953-56), a fullback,finished his career with 1,642 rushing yards which at the time ranked secondon the Miami career chart. Kosar (1982-84) guided the Hurricanes to theirfirst of four National Championships in 1983 and set school records for passattempts (416), pass completions (262) and passing yards (3,642) in 1984.Owens (1970-72), who earned All-American honors in 1972 as a defensive back,finished his UM career with 160 tackles and eight interceptions.
The Ring of Honor was established in 1997 as a way to recognize theoutstanding players that have passed through the Hurricane Football Program.This year’s class becomes the second group to be inducted joining the ’97class of Jim Dooley, George Mira, Sr., Ted Hendricks, and Vinny Testaverde.
O-LINE PUSHES TO THE TOP: The Hurricane offensive line has incorporatedunique training methods into its pre-season conditioning program. EverySaturday, the linemen would meet at the Greentree Practice Field and taketurns individually pushing center Ty Wise’s 1993 Ford Ranger pickup truckthe length of the practice field. In a timed “race,” they wouldprogressively add weight to the truck by having players sit in the cab andpickup bed. The drill would conclude by having somebody apply the brakewhile the truck was being pushed. Wise also built a four-foot high cage, inwhich the linemen would practice on keeping their leverage and staying lowto the ground.
‘CANES ON THE FAST TRACK: Miami football players have enjoyed a reciprocalrelationship with the UM track and field program. During the 1999 season,12 members of the UM football team were listed on the Hurricane track andfield roster. At the 1999 BIG EAST Indoor Championships, members of theHurricane football team accounted for 43 of the team’s 67 points as Miamifinished fourth as a team, its best finish in school history. Leading theway were Santana Moss and Aaron Moser. Moss won the 60-meter dash (6.87),while Moser won the pentathlon title with a BIG EAST record total of 3,643points. In the preliminaries of the 60-meter dash, Moss set a BIG EASTrecord with a time of 6.83.
DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS: When freshman Charles Pharms, a resident of Houston,recorded his first start in the 1988 season’s sixth game against Cincinnatiit would begin a streak of 128 consecutive games that at least one playerfrom the state of Texas has started for Miami. The 1999 Hurricane rosterboasts 11 players who hail from the “Lonestar State”, four of which aremainstays in the UM starting line-up: Andy Crosland (K), Daniel Franks(TE), Damione Lewis (DT) and Robert Hall (OT).
Prominent Hurricanes from Texas (since 1988)
Jessie Armstead (89-92) Dallas Kevin Williams (90-92) Dallas K.C. Jones (93-96) Midland Tremain Mack (94-96) Tyler Daniel Franks (97-present) Big Spring Damione Lewis (97-present) Sulphur Springs Andy Crosland (96-present) Dallas
FULL FORCE FOOTBALL BECOMES A BIG DRAW IN 1999: A sell-out total of 74,427fans attended Miami’s recent meeting with Penn State at the Orange Bowl onSept. 18. The figure ranked as the 17th largest crowd in school history and14th largest crowd during regular season games. In addition, the 74,427stood as the seventh largest regular season crowd during the 1990’s.Thesellout was the first home sellout for UM since Florida State (75,913) onOct. 12, 1996. The last home sellout in a non-FSU game also came agaistPenn State (75,723) on Oct. 12, 1991. In Miami’s, 57-3, victory over FloridaA&M in the home opener on Sept. 4, a total of 54,147 were in attendance.That figure was the largest crowd at the Orange Bowl since 63,617 came towatch the UM/FSU game on Oct. 10, 1998. In addition, it marked the largesthome crowd for a non-FSU game since 57,721 came to watch the UM/FAMU game onSept. 9, 1995. It also marked the largest crowd in a home-opener since FAMUon Sept. 9, 1995.
SCHIANO ARRIVES AS NEW D-COORDINATOR: The Hurricanes opened 1999 with a newdefensive coordinator in Greg Schiano. Schiano came to Miami from theChicago Bears where he spent the past three years as an assistant under DaveWannstedt. Prior to arriving in Chicago, Schiano was the defensivebackfield coach for Penn State University from 1990-96. Born June 1, 1966,Schiano took the UM coordinator position at the ripe age of 33, while he wasnamed a full-time assistant at Penn State at age 23.
SONNY HIRSCH WAY: On December 4th, the day of the Miami-Temple game,Northwest 14th Avenue (from 3rd – 7th Street) was re-named and dedicatedSonny Hirsch Way in memory of the late Sonny Hirsch, longtime “Voice of theHurricanes”. Hirsch served as the radio play-by-play voice of University ofMiami football for 28 seasons, while also calling Hurricane basketball andbaseball during that span. He handled UM football and basketball radioduties from 1958 through 1971 for WKAT, Miami. After a 12-year absence, hereturned to Hurricane broadcasts, to also include baseball, working for WIOD(originally WCKR) and WINZ from 1983 through 1997. During his career as”Voice of the Hurricanes”, Hirsch was part of five national championshipteams – four in football (1983, 87, 89, 91) and one in baseball (1985). Agraduate of Miami Beach High School, the career of the 65-year old includeda 10-year stint as general manager of the Miami Marlins minor leaguebaseball team and a period in television for Channel 7, WCKT. Hirsch passedaway suddenly on March 25, 1999 from coronary artery disease.
HURRICANES DELIVERED THANKSGIVING DINNERS: On Monday, November 22nd, theUniversity of Miami football team, Cheerleaders, Sunsations and Sebastianthe Ibis distributed Thanksgiving dinners to Miami area shelters.
The teams brought 75 full Thanksgiving dinners. The dinners wereprovided compliments of Sysco Food Products. It marked the fifthconsecutive year the Hurricanes have reached out to the community duringThanksgiving. Since the program began in 1995, the Hurricanes havedistributed 350 Thanksgiving dinners to community shelters.
This year, the Hurricanes delivered dinners to eight area shelters,inclding the Ronald McDonald House and Winn Dixie Hope Lodge.
‘CANES IN THE COMMUNITY: Hurricane student-athletes volunteer over 1,000hours of community service each school year. Annual projects include thefootball team’s distribution of thanksgiving dinners to area shelters,”Join-A-Team, Not-A-Gang” – a program that encourages area youth to seekpositive alternatives to gangs, “Future ‘Canes Program” which exposesat-risk youth to the benefits of sports, “Canes on Patrol” – where theHurricanes assist the Broward County Sheriffs Department, “Red Ribbon Day”aimed at promoting drug awareness, and “Take A Kid to the Game” – anationwide grass roots program encouraging adults to take a child to acollege athletic contest.
OFFENSE NOTES
SEASON -HIGH YARDS: Miami’s 540 total yards against Temple set a 1999season-high for total offensive yards. It marks the most total yards by theHurricanes since registering a school record 689 yards vs. UCLA on December5, 1998….Miami’s 239 rushing yards also marked a season-high (previoushigh: 230 rushing yards at East Carolina).
DOUBLE-FIGURE GAINS: The Hurricane offense has run 860 plays during theregular season, with 170 of those plays resulting in gains of 10 or moreyards. In addition, UM has recorded 22 plays of 30 or more yards.
Miami recorded a season-best 18 plays of 10 or more yards in itsvictory over Temple.
100 YARD GAMES: True freshman Clinton Portis rushed for over 100 yards(17-133 yards) in five games this season. Portis’ five 100-yardperformances already ranks in a tie (with four others) for third-place onthe UM career chart in the category. The record for 100-yard performancesin a career is held by Edgerrin James (14, 1996-98).
Santana Moss’ nine catches for 180 yards at Florida State markedcareer-highs for the junior receiver. The 100-yard effort was the third ofhis career. Earlier in the season against Ohio State, Moss totaled 115yards on three catches.
James Jackson’s 134 yards rushing against Boston College marks hisseventh career 100-yard performance placing him third all-time at UM.
BILETNIKOFF CANDIDATE: Hurricane wide receiver Santana Moss was one of 10semifinalists for the Biletnikoff Award, presented annually to the nation’sbest receiver.
DOAK WALKER CANDIDATE: Junior James Jackson was one of 38 candidates forthe Dr. Pepper Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s best running back.
JAMES JACKSON IS BACK: At the 7:50 mark of the first quarter against Temple,running back James Jackson rushed for a two-yard gain. It marked Jackson’sfirst carry in four games, having missed time with a sprained right knee.Jackson’s last action was at Pittsburgh on November 6. Jackson went on toscore a touchdown on a 11-yard rush with 3:48 left in the first quartermarking the junior’s first TD in four games (last: vs. West Virginia,10/30/99).
BIG PLAY ABILITY: Jackson’s 56-yard touchdown run in the second quarteragainst Temple marked the longest rush of the year by a Hurricane. It alsomarked the fourth time this season and the eighth time in his career thatJackson has rushed for 40 or more yards on a single carry. Jackson alsohas six 40-plus runs within his first six carries of a game, three of whichwere for touchdowns.
JACKSON ENTERS SINGLE-SEASON TD CHART: Jackson’s two touchdown runs againstTemple brought his season total to nine rushing TDs. The nine rushing TD’sput Jackson in a tie for eighth-place (Melvin Bratton, 1987, AlonzoHighsmith, 1984) on the Miami single-season list. Edgerrin James holds theschool single-season record with 17 rushing touchdowns in 1998.
JACKSON SCORES QUICKLY: James Jackson’s two touchdowns against BostonCollege came 22 seconds apart. That marked the shortest span between Miamitouchdowns since September 10, 1994 when UM scored TDs 12 seconds apart inthe first quarter at Arizona State.
QUICK STRIKE OFFENSE: Five of UM’s eight touchdowns against Temple wereunder two minutes in drive time. The Hurricanes have recorded 26 TD drivesunder two minutes this season.
JACKSON CARRIES HIS WAY INTO THE RECORD BOOK AGAINST PENN STATE: JamesJackson’s 33 carries against Penn State tied him for third in the UM recordbooks for single-game carries. The last time UM had 33 or more carries in agame was Edgerrin James (39), the UM single-game record holder, against UCLAon Dec. 5, 1998.
PORTIS SETS FROSH RUSHING RECORD: With a 17-yard rush on his sixth carry ofthe game against Rutgers, true freshman Clinton Portis broke the school’ssingle-season freshman rushing record. The run brought Portis’ seasonrushing total at 597 yards. The record was previously held by James Jackson(595, 1997). Portis’ season total is now 838 yards.
Moreover, Portis has also accumulated five 100-yard rushingperformances, which extends his frosh record for most 100-yard games atMiami, previously set by Jackson (3). Portis, who had four consecutive100-yard games, was the first freshman to record back-to-back 100-yardrushing games.
Miami FreshmanSingle-Season Rushing:
1. Clinton Portis*, 1999 838 2. James Jackson, 1997 595 3. Chuck Foreman, 1969 557 4. Bobby Best, 1967 533 5. Stephen McGuire, 1989 519 6. Vince Opalsky, 1966 514 7. Edgerrin James*, 1996 446 8. Leonard Conley*, 1987 423 9. Harry Ghaul*, 1945 40010. Najeh Davenport, 1998 387 * - True Freshman
MORE ON PORTIS: As the first true freshman tailback to start at Miami since1995 and only the third true freshman to start at tailback since 1975,Clinton Portis rushed for more yards (147) at East Carolina than any othertrue freshman running back in the modern era of UM history. He also becamethe first true freshman to rush for over 100 yards since Edgerrin James cameoff the bench to rush for 105 vs. Temple on Oct. 28, 1995. FollowingPortis’ 147 yards rushing is James’ 123-yard performance against BostonCollege in 1995. In addition, Leonard Conley rushed for 120 yards as afreshman vs. Cincinnati during his freshman season in 1987. Portis recordedhis second 100-yard game of the season with 104 yards on 17 carries againstWest Virginia.
PORTIS AMONG BEST IN 1990’S: Clinton Portis’ 777 yards is the fourthhighest single-season rushing yard total in the 1990’s at the University ofMiami and eighth all-time.
All-Time Single-Season Rushing
1. Edgerrin James, 1998 1,4162. Ottis Anderson, 1978 1,2663. Edgerrin James, 1997 1,0984. Danyell Ferguson, 1995 1,0695. Chuck Foreman, 1971 9516. Ottis Anderson, 1976 9187. Alonzo Highsmith, 1984 9068. Clinton Portis, 1999 838
TRUE FROSH BACKFIELD: True freshman quarterback Ken Dorsey and true freshmanrunning back Clinton Portis both saw action in the same backfield vs.Florida A&M, Virginia Tech and both started against Rutgers, Syracuse andTemple. Dorsey and Portis became the first true freshmanquarterback-running back tandem to play at UM since quarterback CraigErickson and running back Leonard Conley played together in eight games asreserves in 1987.
Prior to this season, the last time a true freshman quarterback andrunning back had started at UM was on Dec. 3, 1977, when QB Kenny McMillanand fullback Chris Hobbs both started vs. Notre Dame.
DORSEY AS A STARTER: In his three games as a starter, Ken Dorsey is 64-91for 718 yards, nine touchdowns and one interception. (Per Game Average:21-30 for 239 yards, three TDs).
Dorsey as a Starter: Cmp Att Yds TD INT Rutgers 19 26 194 2 0Syracuse 22 31 236 3 0Temple 23 34 288 4 1TOTAL 64 91 718 9 1
DORSEY SETS RECORD: With four touchdown passes today, Ken Dorsey set aschool record for touchdown passes thrown in a game by a freshman. Dorseytops Jim Kelly, Bernie Kosar, and Jim Kelly, as well as his own performancevs. Syracuse on Nov. 27.
RARE DORSEY INT: Ken Dorsey threw an interception in the third quarter,marking his first INT in three games as a starter. Dorsey’s onlyinterception this season came in the fourth quarter at Virginia Tech, 10quarters prior.
QUARTERBACK FIRST STARTS: True freshman Ken Dorsey made his first careerstart against Rutgers, while earlier this year vs. Ohio State Kenny Kellydebuted as UM’s starting QB. Dating back to Jim Kelly in 1979, Hurricanequarterbacks have led UM to a 9-3 record in their first career starts.
TRUE BLUE: By playing against FAMU, quarterback Ken Dorsey became the firsttrue freshman quarterback at UM since Ryan Clement in 1994 and only thefifth since 1979 to play a regular season contest. With his third quarterTD pass to Ethenic Sands, Dorsey became the first true frosh to complete aTD pass since Craig Erickson threw two in his third career game. Dorsey isthe first to throw a TD pass in his first game as a true frosh.
TRUE FROSH AT QB: True freshman Ken Dorsey became the first true freshman tostart a game at the University of Miami in over 20 years. The last time atrue freshman quarterback started a game at the University of Miami was in1978 when true freshman Mike Rodrigue. His last start was vs. Florida onDecember 2, 1978, a 22-21 Miami win. The Hurricanes went 6-5 in 1978 andwas 3-2 with Rodrique as a starter.
The last time a freshman (true or redshirt) started a game was in1989 when Gino Torretta as a redshirt freshman started four games: vs.Cincinnati (10/7/89), vs. San Jose State (10/14/89), at Florida State(10/28/89), vs. East Carolina (11/4/89).
Other notable freshman starting quarterbacks at Miami: 1) BernieKosar as a redshirt freshman started all 12 games in 1983 en route toMiami’s first national championship. 2) Kyle Vanderwende (redshirt freshman)started in Miami’s 18-17 defeat to Maryland on November 6, 1982.Vanderwende, the No. 3 QB on the ’82 squad, started due to a shoulder injuryto starter Jim Kelly and a suspension (violation of team rules) to backupMark Richt. 3) Jim Kelly started the final four games of 1979 (Penn State,Alabama, Notre Dame, Florida).
KELLY IS A “BIG PLAY” QUARTERBACK: 75 pass completions or 53 percent ofKenny Kelly’s 141 overall pass completions in 1999 have gone 10 or moreyards in distance.
Since his break out performance at Florida State, five games ago,Kelly has thrown for 10 or more yards on 55 percent of his pass completionsor 49 of 89 pass completions.
Most recently, Kelly completed eight of his 17 pass attempts inthree quarters of action at Virginia Tech. Four of his eight passcompletions were 10 or more yards in distance.
In Kelly’s lowest “Big Play” percentage game so far this season (35%at Boston College), the Hurricanes scored 24 of their 31 points during thefourth quarter. During that fourth quarter rally at BC, which started withKelly’s 32-yard TD pass to James Jackson, Kelly threw “Big Plays” in 45percent of his final 11 passes of the game (5-of-11).
KELLY’S PERFORMANCE, BEST EVER VS. FSU: Kelly connected on touchdown strikesof 8, 80, and 14 yards. Kelly set career highs in completions (27),attempts (41) and passing yards (370), while registering the longest passplay of his career, an 80-yard TD to Santana Moss. Kelly’s performance wasthe best output by a Miami quarterback all-time vs. Florida State and in sixyears overall (Ryan Collins vs. Memphis State, 11-27-93, 32-54-392, 3 TD).
KELLY AND MOSS’ CAREER HIGHS AT FSU: In total, eight career highs were setbetween Kelly and Moss at FSU:
Moss: Receiving Yards 180 (previous best: 146 at Rutgers, 1998) Receptions 9 (previous best: 6 at Rutgers, 1998) Long 80 (previous best: 71 at Rutgers, 1998, vs. UCLA, 1998)Kelly: Completions 27 (previous best: 17 vs. Ohio State, 1999) Attempts 41 (previous best: 37 at East Carolina, 1999) Passing Yards 370 (previous best: 245 vs. Ohio State, 1999) Touchdowns 3 (previous best: 2 vs. Florida A&M, 1999) Long 80 (previous best: 67 vs. Ohio State, 1999)
KELLY IMPROVES IN HIS LAST FIVE OUTINGS: In his last five outings, KennyKelly has averaged 246 yards passing per game on an average of 18-of-32attempts with two touchdowns and one interception. Of the last fiveoutings, Kelly threw for over 200 yards. At Virginia Tech, Kelly was unableto complete the game due to injury.
KELLY TD’S TO MOSS AND FRANKS ARE ALREADY A TOP COMBINATION: Kenny Kelly’sseven touchdown passes to Santana Moss ties the duo for the ninth mostproficient QB/WR touchdown combination at Miami since the 1979 season. TheKelly/Moss tandem is tied with Jim Kelly/Larry Brodsky, Steve Walsh/LeonardConley and Walsh/Michael Irvin. Kelly’s six TD passes to Daniel Franksplaces the duo in 13th place with seven other combinations.
Additionally, Moss was a favorite target of former QB ScottCovington, as the pair tied for sixth on the list with eight touchdownconnections.
KELLY TO MOSS & FRANKS: With nine starts under his belt, Kenny Kelly hasalready found two potential favorite targets – Santana Moss and DanielFranks.
Kelly has connected with Moss for seven touchdowns including fivetouchdown strikes this season. Kelly to Moss was successful at FloridaState, as the duo recorded two TD’s by air. In addition, Moss was afavorite of former UM QB Scott Covington, as the two joined in on eight TD’sin 1998.
Kelly has connected with Franks for six career touchdowns includingfour this season.
Kelly’s touchdown pass to Andre King in the first quarter atVirginia Tech marked the first connection between the two this season. Lastyear, Kelly connected with King on 30-yard pass in the fourth quarter in a53-17 win at Rutgers.
KELLY NAMED MOST VALUABLE PLAYER IN KICKOFF CLASSIC WIN: Sophomorequarterback and first-year starter Kenny Kelly was named the Most ValuablePlayer in Miami’s 23-12 victory over then-No. 9 Ohio State in the KickoffClassic. Kelly completed 17 of 25 attempts for 245 yards and was part oftwo Hurricane touchdowns. Kelly rushed for a touchdown on a seven-yard runearly in the second quarter and finished the second quarter with a 67-yardstrike to Santana Moss. After the touchdown strike to Moss, Kelly ran for asuccessful two-point conversion.
FRESHMAN PAYTON SWITCHES JERSEY TO NO. 34: Freshman running back JarrettPayton unveiled his new jersey number prior to the Virginia Tech game. Forthe remainder of the season, Payton will wear No. 34 in honor of his father,Walter, who wore No. 34 during his Hall of Fame career as a college andprofessional football player with Jackson State and the Chicago Bears. Inearly November, the elder Payton passed away due to bile duct cancer at theage of 45 in his suburban Chicago home.
PAYTON ENDS SEASON STRONG: Jarrett Payton’s 87 yards vs. Rutgers marks acareer-high for rushing yards in a game for the true freshman tailback. Hisprevious high for rushing yards in a game was 32 yards on nine carries vs.FAMU (September 4). Payton also scored the first touchdown of his career inthe first quarter on a 16-yard run. Payton rushed for 38 yards on fourcarries in the scoring drive.
Against Temple, Payton rushed for 81 yards on just nine carries,including a season-long 40 yard bolt in the third quarter. In addition tohis career-best run, Payton also scooted for runs of 29 and 23 yards. Hisprevious long run was a 16-yard scamper against Rutgers.
PAYTON TOUCHDOWN RUN EARNS COMPAQ PLAY OF THE WEEK HONORS: Jarrett Payton’s16-yard touchdown run in the first quarter against Rutgers was named theCompaq College Football Most Inspirational Play of the Week.
Payton spun 360 degrees, bounced off several tacklers, and flippedover another into the endzone as he carried for his first collegiate TD.Payton, son of the late football legend Walter Payton, recently switched hisjersey number to 34 in honor of his father.
WAYNE REMAINS AT NO. 3 IN ALL-TIME RECEPTIONS: With four receptions againstTemple, Reggie Wayne (130) remained at No. 3 on Miami’s career catches list.Santana Moss is nearing the top 10 list with 98 career receptions.
MOSS MAKES BIG JUMP IN ALL-TIME RECEIVING YARDS: Santana Moss’ game-high 96yards receiving against Temple thrusted the junior from seventh placeall-time to No. 3 with 1,788 all-time receiving yards, behind former UMgreats Michael Irvin (2,423) and Lamar Thomas (2,271). In his jump, Mosspassed Larry Brodsky (79-81, 1,696), Wesley Carroll (89-90, 1,722) andcurrent UM teammate Reggie Wayne (1,765).
Wayne, who had 12 receiving yards against the Owls, stays in fourthplace, but jumped Eddie Brown (83-84, 1,754).
All-time Receptions 1. Lamar Thomas (1989-92) 144 2. Michael Irvin (1985-87) 143 3. Reggie Wayne (1997-) 130 4. Wesley Carroll (1989-90) 114 Willie Smith (1984-86) 114 6. Glenn Dennison (1981-83) 108 7. Randal Hill (1987-90) 107 8. Chris T. Jones (1991-94) 105 9. Bill Miller (1959-61) 10210. Larry Brodsky (1979-81) 100
All-time Receiving Yards 1. Michael Irvin (1985-87) 2,4232. Lamar Thomas (1989-92) 2,2713. Santana Moss (1997-) 1,7884. Reggie Wayne (1997-) 1,765
MOSS TOUCHDOWN AGAINST SYRACUSE PLACES HIM AMONG UM BEST: Santana Moss’16-yard TD catch in the third quarter against Syracuse lifted his careertouchdown receptions to 14 (six in 1999, eight in ’98). The mark ties himwith Eddie Brown (83-84) fo fourth place all-time in TD receptions. BrianBlades (84-87) stands in third place with 15 TD receptions. Michael Irvin(85-87) holds the record with 26 career touchdown catches.
YOU CAN ONLY HOPE TO CONTAIN HIM: When Santana Moss makes a reception it isusually for big yardage. This season the junior has caught 54 passes for 899yards for an average of 16.6 yards per reception. Over hiscareer, Moss has averaged 18.2 yards per catch to rank fifth on UM’sall-time list.
Top Five Career Average Yards Per Catch (min. 50 catches)1. Rocky Belk (1980-82) 21.9 (58-1,272)2. Eddie Brown (1983-84) 19.7 (89-1,754)3. Phil August (1973-76) 18.9 (61-1,155)4. Brian Blades (1984-87) 18.7 (80-1,493)5. Santana Moss (1997-Pres.) 18.2 (98-1,788)
CHEVY PLAYER OF THE GAME, TWICE: Receiver Santana Moss has twice been nameda Chevrolet Player of the Game in 1999. Moss won the award on August 29thfor the first time with a three-catch, 115-yard performance vs. Ohio Stateat the Kickoff Classic. In that game, Moss had a dramatic TD reception of67 yards from QB Kenny Kelly. At FSU on October 9, Moss won the ChevroletAward again with a career best nine-catch, 180-yard, three-TD output.
FRANKS TAKES HOME COMPAQ PLAY OF THE WEEK AGAINST SYRACUSE: For hisone-handed grab and dive for a touchdown in the third quarter againstSyracuse, Bubba Franks was selected as the Compaq Best Touchdown Catch ofthe Week.
PUPIL PASSES TEACHER – FRANKS PASSES CHUDZINSKI IN CAREER RECEPTIONS BY ATIGHT END: Tight end Daniel Franks, who ranks among UM’s top all-time tightends since the 1979 season in three major statistical categories, has passedcurrent tight ends coach Rob Chudzinski in receptions and receiving yards bya tight end during this season. Against Temple, Franks caught five passesfor 62 yards, lifting him past Coleman Bell (90-92, 1,020) into third placefor career receiving yards by a tight end with 1,038.
Career Touchdowns - Tight EndsNo. Player TD's1. Daniel Franks (97- ) 122. Randy Bethel (87-90) 103. Rob Chudzinski (88-90) 74. Willie Smith (84-85) 65. Glenn Dennison (81-83) 5
Career Receptions – Tight EndsNo. Player Catches1. Willie Smith (84-85) 1142. Glenn Dennison (81-83) 1063. Coleman Bell (90-92) 804. Daniel Franks (97- ) 775. Rob Chudzinski (88-90) 71
Career Receiving Yards – Tight EndsNo. Player Yards1. Willie Smith (84-85) 1,5212. Glenn Dennison (81-83) 1,0953. Daniel Franks (97- ) 1,0384. Coleman Bell (90-92) 1,0205. Rob Chudzinski (88-90) 901
DEFENSE NOTES
HURRICANES LEAD THE BIG EAST IN TURNOVER MARGIN: Miami leads the BIG EASTConference with a 0.42 turnover margin per game. The Hurricanes areplus-five in turnovers, ahead of Virginia Tech (0.27, plus-three).
WEBSTER FINISHES WITH A BIG EAST-BEST 150 TACKLES, MORGAN TOTALS 139: Juniorlinebacker Nate Webster finished the 1999 regular season with 150 totaltackles. Teammate Dan Morgan finished the season with 139 total tackles.It is the second straight season that Webster and Morgan has led the BIGEAST in tackles. Last year, Morgan led the league with his 150 tackles,while Webster had 139 tackles.
WEBSTER SETS RECORD: Nate Webster’s third quarter interception againstTemple marked the junior’s fourth INT of the season. Webster’s four INTsset a school record for interceptions in a season by a linebacker. Theprevious record was three interceptions by Jay Brophy during both the 1982and 1983 seasons. Webster’s four career interceptions rank third on the UMcareer chart for INT’s by a linebacker.
UM DEFENSE PEAKS IN THE TURNOVER COLUMN: Since the 1997 season, which mostof the UM defenders first saw action, the Hurricane defense has becomestronger in recording the takeaway. This season, the UM defense is farahead of its total interception and fumble numbers from the previous twoseasons.
TURNOVER PACE: With 35 turnovers (17 INT, 18 Fumbles), the Hurricanes haveposted the highest amount since forcing 44 turnovers (21 interceptions, 23fumbles) in 1986.
RUMPH, WEBSTER 1999 INT TOTALS: Junior Nate Webster and sophomore MikeRumph’s four interceptions each on the 1999 season mark the most INT’s in aseason by a Hurricane since Carlos Jones recorded five interceptions in1994.
Career INT's by a Linebacker1. Jay Brophy 62. George Mira Jr. 53. Maurice Crum 4 Ray Lewis 4 Scott Nicolas 4 Nate Webster 4
INT RETURN FOR TOUCHDOWN AGAINST SYRACUSE: Leonard Myers scored a touchdownon an 54-yard interception return in the second quarter against Syracuse.The last time a Hurricane registered a interception return for a touchdownwas on Oct. 3, 1998 when Al Blades had a 60-yard INT return for a touchdownat Rutgers. It marked Myers’ first career touchdown. The 54-yard INTreturn fell short of Myers’ career-long. On Nov. 15, 1997 vs. Rutgers,Myers had a 64-yard INT return.
MOST INTERCEPTIONS IN TWO GAME SPAN (PITTSBURGH/WEST VIRGINIA) UNDER BUTCHDAVIS: With the Hurricanes three interceptions at Pittsburgh and fouragainst West Virginia, UM recorded seven INT’s in a two-game span – the mostduring the Butch Davis era.
MYERS INT VS. WEST VIRGINIA AND SYRACUSE EARN COMPAQ PLAYS OF THE WEEK:Leonard Myers’ interception of a Marc Bulger pass in the second quarter inthe West Virginia game on Oct. 30 was named a Compaq College Play of theWeek (best interception). On the play, Myers reached high in the air withhis right hand to snag Bulger’s toss at the WVU 20-yard line, then returnedthe interception eight yards.
Myers returned Syracuse QB Troy Nunes pass down the sideline for a54-yard INT return for a touchdown to earn his second Best Interceptionhonor of the season from Compaq
FOUR INTERCEPTIONS AGAINST WEST VIRGINIA: The four interceptions forced bythe Miami defense against West Virginia were the most INTs ever netted bythe Hurricanes under Head Coach Butch Davis. The last time, the Hurricanesdefense registered four interceptions was on November 30, 1991 when UMrecorded four INTs vs. San Diego State (David Lowery as quarterback) in a39-12 win.
‘CANES FORCE TURNOVERS IN RED ZONE: During a three game span, West Virginiathrough Virginia Tech, the Hurricanes recovered four fumbles and snaggedseven interceptions. Five of those 11 opponent turnovers were in the UMredzone.
KEEPING OPPONENTS FROM CAPITALIZING ON TURNOVERS: So far this season, theUM offense has handed the ball to the opponent defense 29 times by turnover(13 fumbles, 16 INT). Of those 29 turnovers, the opponent has scored oneight drives for 43 points. Temple did not score following two UM fumblesand an INT.
WEBSTER’S TWO INT’S AT PITT – A FIRST FOR A UM LINEBACKER: Nate Webster’stwo interceptions at Pittsburgh marked the first time a UM defender had twoINT’s in a single game since Duane Starks in the 1996 season opener atMemphis (a span of 41 regular season games) and first by a linebacker datingback to 1979.
Also, the two picks tied the most by a single UM player since GeneColeman picked off three against Florida in 1979. Additionally, Webster isjust the third player to record a two-INT day during the Butch Davis Era(1995-present) and the 18th since Coleman snagged three against the Gatorsin ’79.
ZERO OR NEGATIVE YARDS: Of the 829 total plays run against the UM defense,347 or 42% have gained zero or negative yards. In addition, the Hurricanedefense has held their opponents to 499 plays or 60% in which the offensenetted three or less yards.
STUFFING DRIVES: The Hurricane defense has held their opponents scorelessin 146 of 183 total drives or 79%. The UM defense has held its opponentswithout a touchdown in 160 of 183 drives or 87%.
LEWIS LEADS SACK ATTACK: Junior defensive tackle Damione Lewis’ 1.5 sacks atPittsburgh marked his team-high 6.5 in 1999 and 12.5 on his career. In1997, then-a true freshman Lewis recorded four. He had two in 1998.Linebacker Dan Morgan places second on the team with five sacks.
SACK ATTACK: As a team, Miami registered 10 sacks against Rutgers, one shyof the school record. The UM record for sacks in a game is 11 (twice). TheHurricanes recorded 11 sacks vs. N.C. State on November 20, 1982 and againvs. San Diego State on November 18, 1989. On the year, UM has registered 37quarterback sacks. The school record for sacks in a season is 51 (1989).
HURRICANE DEFENSE KEEPS OPPONENTS FROM SCORING: The UM defense has given up12 first half touchdowns and 10 second half touchdowns this season, andaverage of 1.0 TD’s scored in the first half and 0.8 TD’s in the secondhalf. Overall, the UM defense has given up 22 TD’s this season or 1.8 pergame over 12 games.
Last season, the UM defense gave up 15 first half touchdowns and 16second half touchdowns or 1.4 and 1.5 TD’s per half, respectively. Overall,the 1998 UM defense gave up 31 touchdowns for a 2.8 per game average.
WEBSTER MOVES UP SINGLE SEASON TACKLES LIST: With his 11 tackles againstTemple, Nate Webster raised his 1999 total to 150. That figure ties him forfifth place all-time with current teammate Dan Morgan (150 in 1998). Aftertying then No. 9 Ken Sisk following the Syracuse game, Webster jumped pastScott Nicolas (1979, 140), George Mira Jr. (1987, 147) and Rubin Carter(1973, 147) with his effort against Temple. Morgan’s 139 tackles thisseason ties him with Sisk for 10th place.
UM DEFENSE SHUTTING DOWN THE PASSING TD’S IN 1999: The UM defense hascurrently held opponents without a passing touchdown in 23 straightquarters.
* The UM defense have held opponents without a passing TD in 28 of the last30 quarters dating back to the FSU game.
* The UM defense hasn’t given up a passing TD in the second half of thelast eight games.
* The UM defense have given up just two second half passing TD’s allseason.
* The UM defense have given up just two first quarter passing TD’s in thelast seven games.
BLADES ESTABLISHES NEW CAREER-BEST: Junior safety Al Blades led the teamwith 20 tackles against Syracuse. The figure establishes a new career-best,breaking his old mark of 14 set last season against Syracuse. Blades markagainst the Orangemen bettered his older brother Bennie’s (UM safety,1984-87) career high of 18 tackles set against Virginia Tech on Nov. 14,1987.
DEFENSE IMPROVES FROM 1998 TO 1999: The University of Miami defense improveddramatically in every statistical category from 1998 to 1999. Resultingly,the Hurricane defense ‘s national rank in the final NCAA statistics rose aswell. The significant turnaround came in pass defense, where the ‘Caneswent from 85th place a year ago to 11th-place nationally in 1999.
GREAT DEFENSE IN RUTGERS GAME: Overall, UM held the Rutgers to just19-of-53 plays where its offense gained positive yardage (36%).
During the first half, the UM defense had a stretch of 14 straightplays where they held the Scarlet Knights to zero or negative yards overfour offensive drives. Additionally, to end the first half the UM defenserecorded sacks in six of Rutgers’ final eight plays over three drives. Nineof 31 offensive plays (29%) in the first half gained postive yards.
MORGAN JUMPS PAST RAY LEWIS INTO FIFTH: Following his 15-tackle performanceagainst Temple, linebacker Dan Morgan’s career tackle total rose to 394,good for fifth place all-time on the UM career tackles list. Following hisTemple outing, Morgan surpassed former UM great Ray Lewis (93-95, 388) incareer tackles. Morgan recorded 105 tackles as a freshman and a BIG EASTbest 150 tackles as a sophomore. A Butkus Award semi-finalist, Morgan is 96tackles shy of the school’s career tackles record held by Geroge Mira Jr.(490 tackles 1984-87). Teammate Nate Webster will look to join the top 10list in 2000 with 284 career tackles.
All-Time Tackles 1. George Mira Jr. (1984-87) 490 2. Scott Nicolas (1978-80) 456 3. Michael Barrow (1989-92) 423 4. Darrin Smith (1989-92) 401 5. Dan Morgan (1997-) 394 6. Ray Lewis (1993-95) 388 7. Rod Carter (1985-88) 361 8. James Burgess (1993-96) 343 9. Ted Hendricks (1966-68) 32710. Rick Liddell (1972-74) 321
THE PLAY STOPS HERE: Junior linebacker Dan Morgan led the Hurricanes intackles in each of his first two seasons. Last season Morgan tallied 150stops to lead the BIG EAST Conference. His 1998 total ranked fifth in thenation last season and ranks as the fifth highest single season total in UMhistory. This year, Morgan finished second the squad with 139 tackles.Junior Nate Webster led the team with 150 tackles.
MORGAN, WEBSTER – NAGURSKI AND BUTKUS CANDIDATES: Junior linebackers DanMorgan and Nate Webster were two of 20 semi-finalists for the BronkoNagurski Trophy, presented by the Football Writers Association of America tothe nation’s best defensive player. Morgan and Webster were also candidatesfor the Butkus Award, which is given to the nation’s best linebacker. InOctober, Morgan was named one of 11 semifinalists for the Butkus Award.
WEBSTER NAMED BIG EAST DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK A RECORD FOUR TIMES:Middle linebacker Nate Webster is the only player in BIG EAST history togarner four Defensive Player of the Week honors in one season. Mostrecently, Webster earned back-to-back honors for his performances againstRutgers and Syracuse. He tied the single-season record following theRutgers weekend, when he earned his third honor of the season. Webstersurpassed Virginia Tech’s Cornell Brown (1995) and West Virginia’s CanuteCurtis (1996) for single-season Player of the Week honors. Webster tookhome his second honor of the season for his 11-tackle, two-INT performancein UM’s 33-3 win at Pittsburgh. His first of the season came following his20-tackle effort against Penn State.
WEBSTER ALSO NAMED DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR SEMIFINALIST: Football Newsnamed junior linebacker Nate Webster a semifinalist for its defensive playerof the year award, as selected by the publication’s editorial staff. Theaward, which will be trimmed to fine finalists on Nov. 22, will be announcedon Dec. 1.
In addition, Webster was also selected as a semifinalist for theBronko Nagurski Award, given to the nation’s top defensive player, and wason the preseason Butkus Award watch list.
MORGAN BREAKS 100-TACKLE PLATEAU FOR THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE SEASON:Linebacker Dan Morgan recorded 15 tackles in the Temple game, raising his1999 season total to 139. The 100-tackle season is Morgan’s thirdconsecutive year achieving the feat and makes him the second player in thisdecade to do so (Barrow 90-91-92).
Nate Webster became the sixth different player this decade to recordconsecutive 100-tackle seasons with 150. Webster recorded 134 tackles as asophomore last year. Webster joins Maurice Crum (88-90), Micheal Barrow(90-91-92), Darrin Smith (90-91-92), Ray Lewis (94-95) and Morgan(97-98-99).
POPOVICH RECORDS DEFENSIVE FIRST IN CONSECUTIVE GAMES: In the East Carolinagame on Sept. 25, senior Jeff Popovich registered his first careerinterception in the second quarter. At Florida State, Popovich recorded hisfirst career sack on a third down in the fourth quarter to force an FSUpunt.
POPOVICH HONORED BY BURGER KING: Burger King Corporation has namedUniversity of Miami defensive back Jeff Popovich a Division I-A CollegeFootball Scholar Athlete. In honor of his outstanding athletic and academicachievements and his commitment to mentoring the community’s youth, BurgerKing Corporation has donated $10,000 to the University of Miami’s generalscholarship fund in his name. The award will be presented by Burger KingFranchisee Robe St. Juste and University of Miami Athletic Director, PaulDee, during today’s game.
Popovich is a senior who has maintained over a 3.43 grade pointaverage as a Biomediacal Engineering Major, while playing strong safety forthe Hurricanes. In addition to his academic and athletic endeavors,Popovich also volunteers with elementary school children and the Easter SealSociety.
SPECIAL TEAMS NOTES
MOSS GARNERS BACK-TO-BACK BIG EAST SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS:Junior punt/kick returner Santana Moss earned consecutive Special TeamsPlayer of the Week honors for his punt returns against Rutgers and Syracuse.Each game, Moss took back a punt for a touchdown. His 127 punt return yardsagainst the Orangemen place him at No. 2 in the single-game records listbehind former UM great Kevin Williams’ 152 yards against Penn State in 1991.
PUNT RETURN FOR TD IN CONSECUTIVE GAMES: Santana Moss’ 61-yard punt returnfor a touchdown in the second quarter against Syracuse marked Moss’ secondpunt return for a TD in as many games. Against Rutgers, Moss returned apunt 67 yards for a touchdown. It marked the first time a Hurricane hasscored a touchdown on a punt return in back-to-back games since KevinWilliams did so in three consecutive games in 1991.
CROSLAND’S SEVEN PATS MOVE HIM INTO SECOND/ALSO MOVES HIGHER IN BIG EASTSCORING: Senior kicker Andy Crosland’s seven PATs against Temple helped himjump into second place with 163 for his career, ahead of Greg Cox (1984-87,161 PATs).
Most recently, Crosland broke kicking predecessor Dane Prewitt’s No.4 BIG EAST scoring mark (272) with five points in the Syracuse game.Crosland now has 283 points in BIG EAST games only and remained at No. 4
SAFETY AGAINST SYRACUSE: The Hurricanes recorded a safety in the firstquarter against Syracuse as the Orangemen had an errant snap on a punt thatsailed out of the end zone. It marked the second safety on the year forMiami. The ‘Canes recorded the first safety of the Butch Davis era vs.Florida A&M (11/4/99) earlier this season when Aaron Moser blocked a punt inthe end zone. Prior to this season, the Hurricanes last safety came on Oct.3, 1992 when Malcom Pearson tackled Florida State’s Corey Sawyer in theendzone.
BLOCKED PUNT: Edward Reed blocked a punt with 10:41 remaining in the secondquarter vs. Syracuse. It marked Reed’s third blocked kick of his career andthe second blocked punt of his season. Prior to Syracuse, Reed registered ablocked punt vs. East Tennessee State (9/5/98) and a blocked field goal atEast Carolina (9/25/99). As a team, Miami has blocked five kicks thisseason. In Butch Davis’ 57 games as head coach of the Hurricanes, Miami hasblocked 35 kicks.
WALK-ON CAPSHAW MAKES FIRST START AS PUNTER: Sophomore walk-on FreddieCapshaw made his first career start as the UM punter vs. East Carolina.Capshaw had seven punts for 294, including a career-long 52 yarder in thefourth quarter. Four of Capshaw’s seven punts fell inside the 20-yard line.
Capshaw was honored as BIG EAST Special Teams Player of the Week forhis effort at Florida State on Oct. 9. In the game, Capshaw registered sixpunts for 263 yards in Miami’s 31-21 loss to No. 1 Florida State. In all,Capshaw averaged 43.8 yards, dropping three punts inside the 20-yard line.Two of Capshaw’s punts landed at the Seminole three-yard line. Capshaw’spunt of 57 yards in the third quarter set a career high.
CHARTING CROSLAND’S CAREER
Point After Touchdowns1. Carlos Huerta (1988-91) 1782. Andy Crosland (1996- ) 1633. Greg Cox (1984-87) 161
Field Goals1. Carlos Huerta (1988-91) 732. Danny Miller (1978-81) 563. Greg Cox (1984-87) 474. Andy Crosland (1996- ) 44
Points Scored Kicking1. Carlos Huerta (1988-91) 3972. Greg Cox (1984-87) 3023. Andy Crosland (1996- ) 292
Points Scored (overall)1. Carlos Huerta (1988-91) 3972. Greg Cox (1984-87) 3023. Andy Crosland (1996- ) 292
WHAT AN IMPACT: In Butch Davis’ 57 games as UM’s head coach, the ‘Caneshave blocked 35 kicks. In the 10 years prior to Davis’ arrival (1985-94),the Hurricanes blocked 23 kicks. UM established a new single-season recordwith 12 blocks in 1995, shattering the previous high of six set in 1970.Since 1951, Miami has blocked 92 kicks.
1999 AWARDS AND HONORS
Michael Boireau Hula Bowl Invitee (Maui, HI) East-West Shrine Game Invitee (Palo Alto, CA) Florida Citrus All-Star Gridiron Classic Invitee (Orlando, FL)
Al Blades All-BIG EAST Second Team
Freddie Capshaw BIG EAST Special Teams Player of the Week: vs. Florida State (10/9)
Daniel “Bubba” Franks Football News First Team All-American The Sporting News First Team All-American Associated Press Second Team All-American Bowl Championship Series Online Second Team All-American CBS SportsLine Second Team All-American CollegeFootballNews.com Second Team All-America CNN/SI Honorable Mention All-American All-BIG EAST First Team Football News All-BIG EAST Compaq Play of the Week Best Touchdown Catch vs. Syracuse (11/ 27)
Mondriel Fulcher Florida Citrus All-Star Gridiron Classic Invitee (Orlando, FL)
Joaquin Gonzalez CNN/SI Honorable Mention All-American Football News All-BIG EAST GTE Academic All-America All-District Team
James Jackson All-BIG EAST Second Team Dr. Pepper Doak Walker Award (nation’s best running back)- One of 38preseason candidates. Compaq Play of the Week Best Touchdown Run vs. Temple (12/4)
William Joseph The Sporting News Second Team Freshman All-American
Kenny Kelly BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week vs. Boston College (Oct. 25) Kickoff Classic Most Valuable Player vs. Ohio State (Aug. 29)
Damione Lewis All-BIG EAST Second Team
Richard Mercier The Sporting News First Team All-American Associated Press Second Team All-American Bowl Championship Series Online Second Team All-American CBS SportsLine Second Team All-American Football News Second team All-America All-BIG EAST First Team Football News All-BIG EAST Senior Bowl Invitee (Mobile, AL) Hula Bowl Invitee (Maui, HI) East-West Shrine Game Invitee (Palo Alto, CA) Florida Citrus All-Star Gridiron Classic Invitee (Orlando, FL)
Dan Morgan Football News Honorable Mention All-American All-BIG EAST Second Team Football News All-BIG EAST Butkus Award (nation’s best linebacker)- One of 11 semi-finalists. Bronko Nagurski Award (nation’s best defensive player) – One of 20 semi-finalists. Santana Moss CollegeFootballNews.com: Second team All-America Football News Honorable Mention All-American All-BIG EAST First Team (WR) All-BIG EAST Second Team (KR/PR) Football News All-BIG EAST BIG EAST Special Teams Player of the Week vs. Rutgers (11/20) BIG EAST Special Teams Player of the Week vs. Syracuse (Nov. 27) ABC/Chevrolet Player of the Game vs. Florida State (10/9) ABC/Chevrolet Player of the Game vs. Ohio State (8/29) Biletnikoff Award (nation’s best receiver)- One of 35 on the award’s”Watch List”.
Leonard Myers Compaq Play of the Week Best Interception vs. West Virginia (10/30)
Jarrett Payton Compaq Play of the Week Most Inspirational Play vs. Rutgers (11/20)
Jeff Popovich Burger King Division I-A College Football Scholar-Athlete (PennSt.). GTE Academic All-America All-District Team
Clinton Portis The Sporting News First Team Freshman All-American The Sporting News National Freshman of the Year candidate
Ed Reed All-BIG EAST Second Team
Mike Rumph All-BIG EAST Second Team
Matt Sweeney Florida Citrus All-Star Gridiron Classic Invitee (Orlando, FL)
Nate Webster CBS SportsLine First Team All-American Associated Press Second Team All-American Bowl Championship Series Online Second Team All-American Football News Second Team All-American The Sporting News Second Team All-American All-BIG EAST First Team Football News All-BIG EAST Compaq Play of the Week Best Hit vs. Temple (12/4) BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week vs. Syracuse (11/27) BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week vs. Rutgers (11/20) BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week vs. Pittsburgh (11/6) BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week vs. Penn St. (9/18) ESPN Player of the Game vs. Virginia Tech (11/13) Butkus Award (nation’s best linebacker)- One of 65 players on the award’s “Watch List”. Bronko Nagurski Award (nation’s best defensive play) – One of 20 semi-finalists. Football News National Defensive Player of the Year One of 15 semi-finalists.
Ty Wise All-BIG EAST First Team East-West Shrine Game Invitee (Palo Alto, CA) Florida Citrus All-Star Gridiron Classic Invitee (Orlando, FL)
- Game-by-Game Recaps
- Depth Chart
