Hurricanes' Football Squad Stays Focused As Gator Bowl Nears

Dec. 29, 1999

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of Miami football team (8-4, 6-1 BIG EAST) held a two-hour practice on Wednesday afternoon at Fletcher High School in Neptune Beach, FL. With the workout, the Hurricanes continued preparations for their New Year’s Day matchup with Georgia Tech (8-3, 5-2 ACC) in the Toyota Gator Bowl.

Following the practice, Head Coach Butch Davis outlined his keys to victory in the Miami-Georgia Tech matchup.

“Obviously, Georgia Tech has an awful lot of offensive firepower, but I think people may have underestimated both teams’ defenses,” said Davis. “I think the team that takes care of the ball, plays well in the kicking game, and plays the better defense will probably be the team that wins the game.”

Davis also reiterated his plan to use two quarterbacks in the Gator Bowl. On Tuesday, Davis named sophomore Kenny Kelly the starter in the game, but has maintained that UM will use both Kelly and freshman Ken Dorsey.

“We’re going to play the quarterbacks according to how they’re performing and playing,” said Davis. “Hopefully, they’ll both go out there and perform well in their opportunities in the ballgame. It’s nice to know that you have two quarterbacks that you have confidence in, because 13 weeks ago we had two unknown quantities. We have a better idea now how they are going to respond and play. Certainly, should anything happen to one of them from an injury standpoint – it’s good to know that the other one can come in and play.”

Freshman running back Jarrett Payton (right ankle) participated in limited work. Sophomore running back Najeh Davenport (right knee), senior linebacker Michael Smith (right knee) and sophomore linebacker Sheven Marshall (neck) remain out.

The Hurricanes return to practice with a closed workout on Thursday at Fletcher High School.