Hurricanes Continue Preparations For Gator Bowl

Dec. 16, 1999

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami football team (8-4, 6-1 BIG EAST)held a 90-minute workout in full pads on Thursday afternoon at the GreentreePractice Facility. With the practice, the 23rd ranked Hurricanes continuedtheir preparation for the Toyota Gator Bowl vs. No. 15 Georgia Tech (8-3,5-3 ACC) at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, FL. Following the workout, Head Coach Butch Davis spoke of the advantages of theadditional practice time created by an appearance in a post-season bowlgame.

“There are a lot of positives that come with playing in a bowlgame,” said Davis. “Certainly to play in a New Year’s Day Bowl is a hugepositive and a great reward for the team. It also gives us an advantage inbeing able to have 12 or 13 additional practices prior to the bowl game.The added practice time allows us to do a lot with our younger players.Over this time period, our younger players are simulating Georgia Tech. Inaddition though, they are gaining experience at the positions that they verywell may be playing at in the spring. ”

Sophomore running back Najeh Davenport and senior linebackerMichael Smith are both expected to be out for the year with right kneeinjuries. Sophomore quarterback Kenny Kelly (sprained MCL in left knee),senior offensive tackle Robert Hall (right ankle sprain), freshman runningback Jarrett Payton (right ankle) and sophomore linebacker Sheven Marshall(neck burner) all participated in limited work on Wednesday.Tickets for the Toyota Gator Bowl are available at the Hurricane TicketOffice. Call (305) 284-CANES or 1-800-GO-CANES to purchase tickets or formore information.