UM Gridders End Work Week With Intense Practice

Sept. 15, 2000

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) – The Hurricanes of the University of Miami had an intense and productive two-hour practice session Friday afternoon at the Greentree Practice Field on the UM campus. Friday’s work, which focused on fundamentals and situational scrimmaging, continued preparations for the September 23 matchup with West Virginia.

“We’ve spent a lot of time this week on film study and correcting some things, but the work we have had on the field also has been productive,” said head coach Butch Davis. “I think our mental outlook is improving daily. Having an open date can be looked at as a positive or a negative, depending on who you are. We’re taking it in stride, making the best of it. We’re recharging our batteries, so to speak, and ready to get back on track.”

While Miami takes the weekend away from the practice field, the Mountaineers of West Virginia host Maryland Saturday at Mountaineer Field in Morgantown. Miami expects a tough test from the Mountaineers in the continuation of a series that has featured close games over the last few years. Miami defeated West Virginia, 28-20, last year after erasing a 13-0 first quarter deficit. Two years ago, UM’s Daryl Jones caught a touchdown pass with 1:37 remaining to give the Hurricanes a 34-31 victory at Morgantown. In 1996, UM took a 10-7 victory over WVU in what has come to be called “The Morgantown Mircacle” as Miamis’ Tremain Mack blocked a Mountaineer punt and Nate Brooks scooped it up and raced 20 yards for the winning score with 26 seconds remaining in a 10-7 victory.

The Hurricanes will take the weekend off from practice before full-scale workouts resume Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. All practices are closed to the public. For ticket information concerning Hurricanes football, contact the UM Ticket Office at (305) 284-2263 or 1-800-GO-CANES. Tickets may also be ordered online at www.hurricanesports.com.