Davis Pleased With Hurricanes' Focus

Nov. 16, 2000

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) – The Miami Hurricanes (ranked 2nd by Associated Press and in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches’ Rankings) completed a 90-minute practice Thursday afternoon, winding down their work week as preparations continued for their upcoming game with the Syracuse Orangemen. The Hurricanes and Orangemen meet Saturday night in the Carrier Dome in a nationally televised (ESPN) game that kicks off at 6:30 p.m.

“All the things that would indicate a good (upcoming) performance were there: focus, spirit and execution,” said head coach Butch Davis. “It’s been an encouraging week and I’m glad because we’ll need to be at our best this Saturday.”

Miami meets Syracuse for the 19th time in football this Saturday with the Hurricanes holding an 11-7 lead in the series that dates back to 1960. Miami owns a 5-2 edge in games played at Syracuse, including a 3-1 advantage in games played in the Carrier Dome (opened in 1980). The teams have met every season since 1992 with the Hurricanes leading the Orangemen by a 6-2 lead in games since joining the BIG EAST. Miami won last season’s matchup, 45-13, to break a two-game Syracuse win streak in the series.

The Hurricanes conclude practices for the Syracuse game with a closed walk-through session Friday morning at Greentree Practice Fields. All practices are closed to the public. Tickets remain for the Nov. 25 home finale against Boston College. 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.