Vick's Status In Question As The Hokies Take On The Hurricanes
Nov. 1, 2000
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) – Virginia Tech may be without star quarterback Michael Vick as it takesonMiami Saturday in a Big East matchup that could knock the loser fromchampionship contention.
Vick suffered a sprained right ankle just before halftime as thesecond-ranked Hokies (8-0, 6-0) defeated Pittsburgh, 37-34, on Saturday.
X-rays at halftime showed no break, but Vick looked nothing likecollegefootball’s most exciting player as he hobbled gingerly after the game.
Vick couldn’t put any weight on his foot after the game, but teamtrainerMike Goforth said he was able to withstand some weight Sunday and “isgettingaround a lot better.”
Hokies coach Frank Beamer said Vick’s availability could be a game-timedecision, even if the sophomore doesn’t practice all week. Vick agreed thathecould play without practicing, but said fifth-year senior Dave Meyer “wouldhave to start.”
“I won’t do anything to put this team in jeopardy or hurt this footballteam,” Vick said.
The Hokies will try to clinch the Big East title with a victory overthird-ranked Miami.
Winners of five straight, the Hurricanes (6-1, 3-0) moved back intonational-title contention with a 42-31 win over Louisiana Tech on Saturday.
Even if he is able to play, Vick’s effectiveness is sure to be hamperedashis game is built on speed and elusiveness.
“A lot of times with ankle injuries, you’ll be able to run straightaheadbut not be able to do the cutting and that type stuff,” Goforth said. “Sincehis game is cutting and being able to make plays, we won’t know until thattimecomes.”
Hurricanes coach Butch Davis has his own injury problems, as fourstarterswent down Saturday.
Fullback D.J. Williams separated his right shoulder, and is out.LinebackerDan Morgan (foot), safety Al Blades (biceps) and center Brett Romberg(fractured right pinkie) are being evaluated to see if they will be readyforVirginia Tech.
Williams’ injury caused Miami to accelerate the recovery of tailbackClintonPortis. He was inserted into the lineup Saturday for the first time sinceinjuring three toes on Sept. 23 at West Virginia. Portis hasn’t competed incontact drills in more than a month. Still, in one half he gained 87 ofMiami’sseason-high 331 yards rushing.
James Jackson ran for 185 yards and two touchdowns and Santana Mossadded158 all-purpose yards and two scores Saturday to lead the Hurricanesoffense,which is ranked No. 1 in the nation with 45 points per game.
But Miami had to overcome sloppy play as it had four turnovers,committed 12penalties and allowed the Bulldogs to gain 485 yards.
Miami leads the all-time series, 12-5.
