Nokia Sugar Bowl Game Notes
Dec. 11, 2000
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The Game: The Miami Hurricanes (10-1), champions of the BIG EAST Conference, take on Southeastern Conference champion Florida (10-2) in the Nokia Sugar Bowl. Miami and Florida, two of the nation’s most successful programs over the last 25 years, will be meeting in football for the first time since 1987.
A win over Florida would keep the Hurricanes’ hopes alive for a national championship in the Associated Press rankings, pending an Oklahoma loss to Florida State in the FedEx Orange Bowl on Jan. 3. The Nokia Sugar Bowl is scheduled for a 8:00 p.m. kickoff and is to be televised by nationally by ABC.
Miami is ranked #2 in both the Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today rankings and enters the Nokia Sugar Bowl riding an nine-game winning streak, including victories over teams ranked #1 (Florida State on Oct. 7) and #2 (Virginia Tech on Nov. 4) during that stretch. Florida also enters the game playing its best football of the season. The Gators won the SEC title game handily over Auburn and won six of their final seven regular season games..
The Series: Miami and Florida meet for the 50th time in the all-time series, dating back to the 1938 season. Florida holds a 25-24 advantage in the series, but the Hurricanes won three of the last four meetings before the series ended in 1987. Miami won that most recent contest, 31-4, at the Orange Bowl on September 5, 1987.
The Gators and Hurricanes have met four times previously at neutral sites with Florida holding a 3-1 advantage in those contests. The teams faced off twice in Jacksonville (1958 and 1959) and once in Orlando (1976) and Tampa (1984). Miami has met Florida more than any other nonconference opponent and more than any opponent in Hurricanes history. Miami and Florida met every year from 1938 to 1987 (with the exception of 1943) before the series was discontinued. The schools will resume the series with home-and-home games in 2002 and 2003. The Hurricanes will travel to Gainesville in 2002 and the Gators visit the Orange Bowl in 2003. A startling 24 of the 49 games between UM and UF have been decided by less than seven points.
HEAD COACH BUTCH DAVIS —
Butch Davis (Arkansas `74) completed his sixth regular season at Miami. He has compiled a 50-20 overall record and a 33-9 mark in BIG EAST games. His record includes a 27-9 record at the Orange Bowl, while going 19-11 on the road. Additionally, Davis’ UM teams are 4-0 in neutral-site games, including 3-0 in bowl games.
Davis is the 18th head coach in UM history. Prior to his appointment in January 1995, Davis served as an assistant coach with the Dallas Cowboys from 1989-94 where he helped guide the Cowboys to a pair of Super Bowl championships. Davis served as an assistant coach at UM from 1984-88 (where he was part of Miami’s 1987 National Championship team) and at Oklahoma State from 1979-83.
HURRICANES CONCLUDE BEST REGULAR SEASON UNDER BUTCH DAVIS —
With the win over Boston College, the BIG EAST Champion Miami Hurricanes enter the bowl game with a 10-1 overall record and a perfect 7-0 league mark.
Miami’s 10-1 overall record after 11 games is the top mark under during the Butch Davis era (1995-present) and the best since entering the 1994 Orange Bowl game with a 10-1 record under former Head Coach Dennis Erickson.
The Hurricanes 7-0 league mark is the first undefeated BIG EAST record under Davis. UM has previously had three 6-1 marks, a 5-2 and a 3-4 record in Davis’ six seasons at UM. The only other season UM went 7-0 in BIG EAST play was the 1994 Hurricanes.
UM’s out-right BIG EAST title is the first under Davis and second title won since his tenure began in 1995. UM was a co-champion in 1996 with Virginia Tech and Syracuse.
DAVIS JOINS TOP 10 LIST FOR WINNINGEST ACTIVE COACHES —
Head Coach Butch Davis, following the Hurricanes win over Boston College, remained in ninth-place among active coaches in winning percentage.
DAVIS LEADS BIG EAST COACHES IN WINNING PERCENTAGE —
Head Coach Butch Davis, since the formation of the BIG EAST football conference in 1991, leads all current league head coaches in winning percentage in conference games.
MIAMI IN BOWL GAMES —
Miami has forged a 14-12 all-time record in 26 bowl games dating back to the 1933 Palm Festival. Additionally, the Hurricanes are appearing in their 16th bowl game in the last 18 seasons dating back to 1983 and have gone 9-6 in these games.
The BCS game marks the first time since 1994 that the Hurricanes have gone to a major New Year’s Day bowl game. From 1983 to 1994, Miami appeared in five Orange Bowls, three Sugar Bowls, three Fiesta Bowls and one Cotton Bowl. UM claimed the national championship in 1983 (Nebraska/Orange), 1987 (Oklahoma/Orange), 1989 (Alabama/Sugar) and 1991 (Nebraska/Orange).
During the Butch Davis era (1995-2000), Miami has won all three bowl appearances and are riding that three-bowl win streak into the 2000 BCS bowl game. Miami defeated Virginia (31-21) in the 1996 Carquest Bowl, N.C. State (48-23) in the 1998 Micron PC Bowl and Georgia Tech (28-13) in the 2000 Toyota Gator Bowl.
SENIORS BID FAREWELL —
The 2000 BCS bowl game will mark the final appearance for 17 Hurricane seniors. Those seniors who first arrived in Coral Gables in 1996 have gone 42-17 at UM and claimed their first out-right BIG EAST title in 2000. Of the 17 class of 2000 seniors eight enrolled in 1996, seven enrolled in 1997 and one in both 1998 and 1999.
Nine class of 2000 seniors are from the state of Florida, with seven players from Dade, Broward or Palm Beach counties. Texas is next with two players, while Kansas, Pennsylvania, California, Missouri, Rhode Island and Louisiana are represented by one player.
The class of 2000 seniors are comprised of nine players from the defense and eight from the offense. The senior defenders consist of four linemen and backs with one linebacker. The senior offense consists of four receivers and one runningback, fullback, lineman and tight end.
Two members of the Class of 2000, tight end Daniel “Bubba” Franks and linebacker Nate Webster are now squaring off in the NFC Central Division with the Green Bay Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, respectively. Franks was a first round pick last season, while Webster was selected in the third round.
UM STANDS TALL IN THE BIG EAST —
In its 10th season of competition in the BIG EAST, Miami has forged a league-best 52-10 (.839) overall conference record. The Hurricanes’ five BIG EAST titles are also a league-best, ahead of Syracuse (3), Virginia Tech (3) and West Virginia (1).
MIAMI HAS A KNACK FOR WINNING —
The Hurricanes are 14-1 in their last 15 games played, including the Toyota Gator Bowl. The lone loss coming earlier this season, 34-29, at Washington. Additionally, UM has won 17 of its last 19 games dating back to its, 31-21, loss at Florida State in 1999.
In BIG EAST Conference games, UM has won 10 straight dating back to its 43-10 loss at Virginia Tech in 1999. Additionally, UM has won 13 of its last 14 BIG EAST games, including the 1999 loss to the Hokies.
HURRICANES SET SINGLE-SEASON SCORING MARK IN 2000 —
With its 52-6 win over Boston College, the Hurricanes closed out their 11-game regular season schedule with 469 points scored. The 469 points scored establishes a new school record for points scored during the regular season (1986, 420) and overall (1999, 448), as well as the new BIG EAST single-season total. The Syracuse Orangemen, led by Donovan McNabb, scored 468 in its BIG EAST title season in 1998.
MIAMI STREAKS WHEN SCORING 30 OR MORE POINTS —
Miami has won 81 consecutive games when scoring 30 or more points, since dropping a 31-30 decision at Notre Dame in 1988. Additionally, UM has won 102 consecutive games when scoring more than 30 points since falling 39-37 to UCLA in the 1985 Fiesta Bowl.
MIAMI VS. RANKED/UNRANKED OPPONENTS —
Since 1990, Miami has registered a 25-21 mark against nationally ranked teams and a 75-7 record against unranked opponents.
MIAMI BECOME THE FREQUENT SCORER —
Entering the bowl game, the 2000 Hurricanes have been held scoreless in just two of 44 quarters played this season. Miami had a string of 32 consecutive quarters scored in snapped during the third quarter at Syracuse. The lone other period where UM did not find the endzone was the second quarter at Washington.
IF MIAMI SCORES FIRST —
When Miami scores first it is nearly a lock to win. Beginning with the 1983 season, the Hurricanes have gone 142-14 (.910) when scoring first. Under Butch Davis, UM is 35-7 (.833) when scoring first.
MIAMI’S FOURTH QUARTER DOMINANCE —
In 15 seasons, Miami has been almost unbeatable when leading after three-quarters. Since 1985, Miami has won 139 of 141 regular season games in which it entered the fourth quarter with a lead. The two losses in this span occurred against East Carolina (1999) and West Virginia (1997). Prior to these two losses, UM last lost when leading after three-quarters in 1984 against Maryland, 42-40, after leading 34-21 heading into the final stanza.
MIAMI LEADS THE NATION IN NON-OFFENSIVE TOUCHDOWNS —
For the season, the UM special teams and defense has scored 13 touchdowns for a total of 89 points (including missed extra points). Overall, the UM special teams and defense has recorded 91 points, including a safety at Rutgers. The UM special teams and defense has recorded the 13 touchdowns off five punt returns, six interception returns and two fumble returns.
100-YARD GAMES IN 2000 —
Miami players have recorded nine 100-yard games on the season, five rushing and four receiving. Most recently, James Jackson (101 rushing) accomplished the feat at Syracuse.
OFFENSE GOES LONG RANGE FOR THE TOUCHDOWN —
Miami’s offense has scored touchdowns of over 40 yards 10 times this season.
IN THE REDZONE —
Against Boston College, the Hurricanes scored four touchdowns and one field goal in seven trips into the Eagles’ redzone. On the 2000 season, Miami has scored 31 of its 50 (.620) offensive touchdowns from inside the redzone.
OUTSIDE THE REDZONE —
On the 2000 season, Miami has scored 19 of its 50 (.380) offensive touchdowns from outside the redzone.
HURRICANES QUICK STRIKE OFFENSE —
On the 2000 season, 29 of UM’s 50 (.580) offensive touchdowns were under two minutes in drive time. Additionally, 17 touchdowns came under one minute and 10 were under 30 seconds. The average drive time on UM’s 50 touchdowns was 1:52.
UM DEFENSE BECOMES MASTER OF THE TURNOVER —
Since the 1997 season, when most of the UM defenders saw their first action, the Hurricane defense has become stronger in recording the take-away. On the 2000 season, the defense has netted 33 turnovers.
DEFENSE RECORDS EIGHT TOUCHDOWNS IN 2000 —
Phillip Buchanon’s 71-yard interception return for a touchdown in the first quarter against Pittsburgh allowed the defense to score its 56th point this season. In 2000, the UM defense has totaled eight touchdowns scored (6 INT, 2 Fumble). Additionally, the defense has also recorded one safety.
HURRICANE FANS SET ATTENDANCE RECORDS IN 2000 —
Twice in one season the faithful Miami Hurricanes fans set attendance records at the Orange Bowl. The attendance for the Virginia Tech game was 77,410, marking the 10th-highest attended game of all-time. Additionally, the 77,410 was also the highest-ever attended BIG EAST match-up at the Orange Bowl.
Earlier this season, 80,905 fans flocked to the Orange Bowl to see the Miami/Florida State showdown, for No. 3 all-time. The 80,905 fans for the FSU game was also the second-largest for a regular season crowd.
The 2000 UM/FSU and UM/VT attendance marks place 1-2 all-time for a BIG EAST game. Additionally, the current top 11 all-time attended BIG EAST games have included Miami with the Miami-West Virginia 1993 game (70,222) being the previously highest attended conference match-up.
MIAMI WINS IN FRONT OF SEARS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY —
For the second time in two seasons the Hurricanes have won a game with the Sears National Championship Trophy on the sideline. Most recently, Miami defeated No. 2 Virginia Tech, 41-21, with the Trophy in UM’s west endzone. Last season, No. 12 Miami defeated No. 9 Ohio State, 23-12, to start the season at the Kickoff Classic in East Rutherford, NJ.
Additionally, the win over the Hokies was UM’s first at the Orange Bowl (four tries) with the coveted Trophy on the sideline. Miami has gone 2-6 in eight games with the Sears National Championship Trophy on its sideline. The trophy tours the country during the college football season and is displayed on the sidelines at premiere games.
HURRICANES ON TURF —
The 26-0 win over Syracuse on the artificial turf at the Carrier Dome extended the Hurricanes record to 15-3 on artificial surfaces under Head Coach Butch Davis.
HURRICANES PLAY ROLE AS THE SPOILER —
While the Hurricanes are seeking their own national championship run in 2000, they have damaged the opportunity for other major national contenders numerous times since 1983. In fact, UM has ended 16 legitimate runs for the National Championship since the 1983 season.
Most recently, No. 3 Miami defeated No. 2 Virginia Tech, 41-21, at the Orange Bowl on Nov. 7. The previously undefeated Hokies were No. 2 in the BCS ranking as well as on a 19-game regular season win streak.
Earlier in the 2000 season, No. 7 Miami defeated No. 1 Florida State, 27-24, at the Orange Bowl on Oct. 7. The 1999 national champions 17-game win streak and 26-game regular season win streak came to an end.
After Hurricane Gheorges cancelled an early season meeting with UCLA, the No. 3 Bruins finally made their way to the Orange Bowl for a make-up game on Dec. 5, 1998. Unranked UM upset Cade McNown and the undefeated Bruins, 49-45, to thwart UCLA’s shot at a national championship game berth in the Fiesta Bowl.
In 1994, No. 13 Miami handed No. 2 Florida State its only loss, 34-20, at the OB.
In 1992, No. 2 Miami defeated No. 3 Florida State, 19-16, at the Orange Bowl for the eventual No. 2 Seminoles lone loss of the season.
In 1991, No. 2 Miami upset No. 1 Florida State, 17-16, in Tallahassee on Nov. 16 for the Seminoles first loss of the season and the Hurricanes final obstacle on the path towards their fourth national championship. No. 2 Miami also defeated No. 9 Pe
State, 26-20, at the Orange Bowl in 1991. The Nittany Lions would wind up third in the final poll.
In 1990, No. 9 Miami upset No. 2 Florida State, 31-22, at the Orange Bowl. The Seminoles were unable to rebound as they lost in their next game at Auburn, 20-17, and eventually place fourth in the final poll.
In 1988, No. 6 Miami opened the season with a 31-0 shutout of No. 1 Florida State at the Orange Bowl. The game would mark the only loss during the season for FSU, which would finish third in the final poll. Also during the 1988 season, No. 1 UM defeated No. 15 Michigan, 31-30, in Ann Arbor for the Wolverines lone loss of the season on their way to a No. 4 final ranking.
In 1989, No. 7 Miami beat No.1 Notre Dame, 27-10, in the final regular season game at the Orange Bowl on Nov. 25 to pave its way to the Sugar Bowl and an eventual third national championship.
In 1987, No. 2 Miami beat No. 1 Oklahoma, 20-14, in the Orange Bowl to win its second national championship. Earlier that season No. 3 Miami went into Tallahassee and handed No. 4 Florida State a 26-25 defeat, which would wind up to be the lone blemish on the eventual 11-1 and No. 2 Seminoles.
No. 2 Miami continued its success against the Sooners as UM handed No. 1 Oklahoma a 28-16 loss at the Orange Bowl. It was OU’s lone loss, while the eventually landed at No. 3 in the final poll.
In 1984, No. 10 Miami defeated No. 17 Florida, 32-30, at Tampa Stadium for the eventual No. 3 Gators lone loss of the season.
In 1983, No. 5 Miami upset No. 1 Nebraska in the Orange Bowl, 31-30, to win its first national championship.
HURRICANES ARE THE STREAK BREAKERS —
Miami’s 41-21 win over Virginia Tech broke the Hokies’ 19-game regular season win streak. Additionally, the Hurricanes also snapped Virginia Tech’s BIG EAST record 14-game conference win streak. It was the Hokies who broke UM’s previous conference-high mark of 12 games (1991-93) earlier this season at Syracuse. During the middle of the season, Miami also ended Florida State’s 17-game overall win streak, 27-24, on Oct. 7.
UM has now ended win streaks of 10 or more games 10 times. Of those 10 broken streaks, seven where against teams ranked No. 1. Additionally, eight of those streaks were broken in the Orange Bowl.
Over the last 52 years Miami has broken more streaks of 20 or more wins (4) than any other school in the nation. Miami and Princeton are the only schools in NCAA history to break winning streaks of 20 or more games on four occasions.
HURRICANES DEFEAT A NO. 1 RANKED TEAM —
Since the Associated Press began its national collegiate football poll in 1936, the University of Miami has faced the top-ranked team on 16 occasions. Most recently, UM defeated No. 1 Florida State, 27-24, on Oct. 7. Overall, the Hurricanes have gone 9-7 against the AP’s top-ranked team. Of the nine wins over No. 1, eight were played at the Orange Bowl.
OPENING POSSESSIONS —
Miami has posted points on five of 11 opening drives this season. UM has allowed opponents to score on opening possessions twice this season, in the season-opener against McNeese State and the regular season finale against Boston College.
MAKING THE BIG PLAYS —
The Hurricanes have produced 166 offensive plays this season that have produced 10 or more yards each. Additionally, the UM offense has put together 20 plays that have gone for 40 or more yards.
SCORING OFF THE TURNOVERS —
On the season, Miami has recorded 33 turnovers, three of which were to close out a half. Of those 30 remaining turnovers, UM has converted 123 points off 17 touchdowns and two field goals.
STUFFING DRIVES —
The Hurricane defense has held their opponents scoreless in 144 of 169 (.852) drives this season.
IMPRESSIVE VIRGINIA TECH STREAKS COME TO AN END —
With the Hurricanes 41-21 win over No. 2 Virginia Tech, UM ended significant streaks held by the Hokies:
Virginia Tech had won 19 straight regular season games.Virginia Tech had won a record 14 straight BIG EAST games.UM handed the Hokies their fifth conference road loss in their last 21 games.Held the nation’s leading INT unit to zero picks. It stopped a
streak of nine straight games with an INT.
HOLD ON TO YOUR HAT —
If the Miami-Florida State final score is close, history has favored the Hurricanes. Since 1973, the Hurricanes are 8-0 against FSU in games decided by four points or less.
THORN IN FSU’S SIDE —
Seven of FSU’s last 18 losses, dating back to 1987, have been delivered by the Hurricanes. The seven wins are the most by any team in the nation versus FSU over the last 14 seasons. Miami is one of only two schools to defeat FSU more than once since 1987 (4 – Florida). In addition, FSU has had eight one-loss seasons since 1987 with five of the losses at the hands of the Hurricanes.
UM HAS BEEN THE FIRST LOSS FOR COACH BOWDEN —
In Head Coach Bobby Bowden’s 25 seasons at Florida State, the Hurricanes have delivered the Seminoles their first loss of the season nine times.
DORSEY HAS “THE DRIVE” TO BEAT FLORIDA STATE —
The Hurricanes led Florida State nearly the entire game (58:23) until FSU’s Chris Weinke put the top-ranked Seminoles ahead for the first time, 24-20, on a 29-yard TD pass to Atrews Bell with 1:37 remaining in the game.
Ken Dorsey, a first-time starter against FSU, then proceeded to lead the Hurricanes down field in 51 seconds to regain the lead, 27-24, on a 13-yard scoring pass to Jeremy Shockey with 46 ticks left. FSU kicker Matt Munyon missed a distant 49-yard field goal as time expired to secure Dorsey’s drive as one of the most memorable at UM.
IMPRESSIVE FSU STREAKS COME TO AN END —
With the Hurricanes 27-24 win over No. 1 Florida State, UM ended three significant national streaks held by the Seminoles:
The nation’s longest win streak (17 games).The nation’s longest regular season win streak (26 games)Chris Weinke’s 25-game win streak as the FSU startingquarterback, longest of any active signal-caller.
FSU SCORELESS AT THE HALF —
The Miami defense held FSU scoreless in the first half, marking the first time in 151 games the Seminoles were scoreless going into halftime. Miami was the last team to record the feat in a 31-0 victory over FSU in 1988.
DORSEY IN GAMES AS A STARTER —
Ken Dorsey assumed the starting quarterback duties for the final three regular season games of the 1999 season and started all 11 games of 2000. In those 14 overall starts, Dorsey has gone 13-1 and has had at least 200 yards passing and multiple touchdown efforts 11 times. He has led UM to a total of 624 points (44.6 points per game), the most points in a 14-game span by a UM team. His statistics as a starter reads 252-of-413 for 3,455 yards with 34 touchdown passes, one touchdown rush and six interceptions.
DORSEY TO WAYNE —
Ken Dorsey’s three-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Wayne against Boston College marked the 12th touchdown connection between the two players. The duo of Dorsey to Wayne is the fourth-most frequent QB/WR scoring combination ever at Miami.
DORSEY SMASHES SCHOOL RECORD FOR PASS ATTEMPTS WITHOUT AN INTERCEPTION —
Ken Dorsey set a new school record in 2000 with 193 consecutive pass attempts without an interception. The streak began against Temple in the final regular season game of 1999 and coincidentally ended with his 16th pass attempt at Temple this season. The previous school record was 123 pass attempts by Gino Torretta set during 1992. Dorsey broke the record earlier this season on the road at Rutgers with his sixth pass attempt of the game.
MOSS SETS NEW SCHOOL RECORD FOR CAREER RECEIVING YARDS —
Santana Moss established a new school record for career receiving yards with 2,546. Moss broke Michael Irvin’s (1985-87) previous mark of 2,423 yards with his 100-yard effort against Pittsburgh. Moss led the team in 2000 with 748 receiving yards, which places 10th all-time on the single-season list. Moss entered the season No. 4 on the list and moved past Lamar Thomas (2,271, 1989-92), teammate Reggie Wayne (2,510, 1997-00) and Irvin into the top spot.
MOSS SETS NEW SCHOOL RECORD FOR CAREER ALL-PURPOSE YARDS —
Santana Moss established a new school record for career all-purpose yards in season’s final regular season game against Boston College. Moss totaled 236 yards against the Eagles to give him 4,403 for his career, moving past former record-holder Ottis Anderson (4,265, 1975-78). Moss completed his career with 663 yards rushing, 2,546 yards receiving and 1,196 yards on special teams returns. For the 2000 season, Moss accumulated 1,604 all-purpose yards (201 rushing, 748 receiving, 655 punt returns), which places third on the all-time single-season list.
MOSS FINISHES CAREER WITH 19 RECEIVING TOUCHDOWNS AND 28 TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS —
With his two touchdown catches in the regular season finale against Boston College, Santana Moss increased his career touchdown receptions to 19. The 19 touchdowns places fourth all-time behind Michael Irvin (26), Lamar Thomas (23) and Reggie Wayne (20).
Overall, Moss has 28 total touchdowns (19 receiving, three rushing and six punt returns) for his career, placing him fifth behind Edgerrin James (35, 1996-98), Stephen McGuire (35, 1989-92), James Jackson (34, 1996-00) and Melvin Bratton (32, 1984-87).
MOSS JUMPS INTO THIRD PLACE FOR CAREER RECEPTIONS IN FINAL REGULAR SEASON GAME —
With his five catches in the regular season finale against Boston College, Santana Moss moved into a third place tie with Michael Irvin with 143 career receptions. Moss led the team in 2000 with 45 catches.
MOSS GOES LONG DISTANCE FOR THE TOUCHDOWN —
For his career, Santana Moss is averaging 48.39 yards per touchdown scored with 28 touchdowns totaling 1,355 yards. Moss has recorded 19 touchdown receptions totaling 768 yards, 40.4 yards per receiving TD. He has scored three times rushing, totaling 157 yards for a 52.3 per TD rush average. Additionally, Moss has totaled six punt return TD’s for 430 yards (71.7 average).
WAYNE SETS NEW SCHOOL RECORD FOR CAREER RECEPTIONS —
Reggie Wayne established a new school record for career receptions with 173. The 173 career receptions smashes the previous record of 144, set by Lamar Thomas (1989-92). Wayne established the new record earlier in the season at West Virginia in a seven-catch performance. Wayne, who began the season with 130 catches, finished second on the team with 43 receptions. His 173 catches also ties for the seventh-most by an active receiver nationally.
WAYNE PLACES THIRD ALL-TIME WITH 20 TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS —
Reggie Wayne’s touchdown reception in the regular season finale against Boston College gave him 20 on his career. That figure places third all-time behind Lamar Thomas (23) and Michael Irvin (26).
WAYNE’S RECEIVING TOUCHDOWNS IN 2000 PLACES SECOND ALL-TIME —
Reggie Wayne’s 10 touchdown catches in 2000 ties Lamar Thomas for the second-most in a single-season at Miami. Thomas recorded his 10 touchdown catches during the 1992 season. Michael Irvin owns record with 11 touchdown catches in 1986.
WAYNE SEES THE MOST STARTS BY A WIDE RECEIVER —
Reggie Wayne’s start against Boston College increased his total to 42 career games, which is the most by a wide receiver. He actually established the new mark with his 34th start at West Virginia that pushed him past Lamar Thomas (1989-92) and Michael Irvin (1985-87). Teammate Santana Moss finished his career with 31 starts.
WAYNE ADDS TO RECORD GAMES WITH A CATCH —
Reggie Wayne caught five passes against Boston College to give him a reception in 36 straight games dating back to the 1997 season. The last game in which Wayne did not record a reception was versus Arkansas State on Nov. 1, 1997 (He missed the final three games of `98 with an injury). Wayne set a new school-record against Pittsburgh with his 34th straight game, moving ahead of Michael Irvin and Lamar Thomas (33). The 36 straight games with a reception is also fifth-longest nationally by an active receiver and second-longest among BIG EAST players.
JACKSON SURPASSES 1,000 YARDS FOR THE SEASON —
With his 66 yards in the regular season finale against Boston College, James Jackson surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for the season with a total of 1,006 yards. It is just the fifth time in school history that a UM back has achieved this feat. Jackson is the fourth player in UM history to surpass 1,000 yards in a single season and first since Edgerrin James did so in 1998. Other UM backs to pass 1,000 yards in a single season were James (1998-1,416, 1997-1,098), Ottis Anderson (1978-1,266) and Danyell Ferguson (1,069-1,069).
JACKSON PLACES THIRD ALL-TIME IN TOUCHDOWNS —
James Jackson’s eight-yard touchdown pass in the regular season finale against Boston College increased his career total touchdowns to 34. The 34 scores, which is the second-most by a UM player, places third all-time behind Edgerrin James (35) and Stephen McGuire (35). Jackson’s 13 touchdowns in 2000 ties for fourth place on the single-season chart with Danyell Ferguson (1995) and Harry Ghaul (1945). Jackson’s 11 rushing touchdowns this season ties McGuire (1990) for the seventh-most in a single-season.
JACKSON PLACES THIRD IN CAREER RUSHING YARDAGE —
James Jackson has accumulated 2,953 rushing yards in his career at Miami. The 2,953 rushing yards places third all-time behind Ottis Anderson (3,331, 1975-78) and Edgerrin James (2,960, 1996-98). Jackson began the 2000 season in fifth-place with 1,947 yards and passed Stephen McGuire (1,953, 1989-92) and Danyell Ferguson (2,214, 1992-96) along the way.
JACKSON REMAINS IN THIRD PLACE ALL-TIME WITH 11 100-YARD GAMES —
James Jackson last surpassed the 100-yard rushing mark in a game with 101 yards at Syracuse in the second to last regular season game. The 100-yard effort was his fourth on the season and 11th for his career. The 11 100-yard games places him third all-time behind Edgerrin James (14) and Ottis Anderson (13). The four 100-yard games in 2000 ties for sixth place in a single-season with Anderson (1976), Chuck Foreman (1971) and Danyell Ferguson (1995).
JACKSON GOT BETTER AS THE SEASON WENT ON —
Over the last eight games, James Jackson gained 879 yards and 12 overall touchdowns on 166 carries, an average of 110 yards on 21 carries. Additionally, Jackson accumulated four 100-yard games in these eight games against Rutgers, Louisiana Tech, Virginia Tech and Syracuse. Over the first three games of the season, Jackson gained 127 yards on 35 carries and two touchdowns against McNeese State, Washington and West Virginia, an average of 42.3 yards per game on 11.7 carries.
PORTIS IS THE NEW MILLENNIUM MAN —
Clinton Portis surpassed the 1,000-yard career rushing plateau at Washington in just his 12th career game, marking the quickest Hurricane to reach the milestone. Portis enters the bowl game with 1,323 yards.
In addition, Portis became just the fourth sophomore in UM history to surpass 1,000 career rushing yards joining Ottis Anderson, Edgerrin James, Stephen McGuire and James Jackson.
MORGAN SETS NEW SCHOOL AND BIG EAST RECORD FOR TACKLES —
Dan Morgan established a new school and BIG EAST record for career tackles with 532. The 532 tackles surpassed the former Miami record of 490, set by George Mira, Jr. (1984-87) and BIG EAST record of 509, set by Boston College’s Stephen Boyd (1991-94).
Morgan broke Mira’s record in the Pittsburgh game after totaling 20 tackles on the Panthers. In his next game against Syracuse at the Carrier Dome, Morgan broke Boyd’s conference record after totaling 10 tackles against the Orangemen.
MORGAN HAS FOUR STRAIGHT SEASONS OF 100-PLUS TACKLES —
Dan Morgan recorded a team-best 138 tackles in 2000 to become the first player in school history to record over 100 tackles in four straight seasons. He finished his true freshman season in 1997 with a team-best 105 tackles, followed by another team-high 150 in 1998. Last season, Morgan recorded 139 tackles behind former Hurricane Nate Webster’s 150. George Mira, Jr. (1984-87), Micheal Barrow (1989-92) and Darrin Smith (1989-92) all recorded over 100 tackles in three straight seasons.
MORGAN HAS MOST STARTS BY A DEFENSIVE PLAYER —
Dan Morgan made his 42nd career start in the regular season finale to extend his streak of the most starts by a defensive player since 1983. Morgan had passed Rod Carter (1985-88) for the most starts by a defensive player since the 1983 season with his 37th start at Temple.
Additionally, Morgan’s starts are all consecutive, which is also the most by a defensive player since 1983. Morgan surpassed Michael Barrow’s former record of 29 consecutive starts by a linebacker with his start against Rutgers in 1999.
D. LEWIS HAS MOST STARTS BY A DEFENSIVE LINEMAN —
With his start in the regular season finale against Boston College, Damione Lewis extended his record for starts by a defensive lineman since 1983 to 41. Lewis grabbed hold of the modern record with his 35th start at West Virginia. Lewis passed Russell Maryland (34, 1988-90), Kenny Holmes (34, 1994-96) and Denny Fortney (34, 1995-97) as having the most starts by a defensive lineman since the 1983 season at West Virginia.
Additionally, Lewis’ 28 consecutive starts, which stopped when he did not suit up for the Rutgers game, tied him with Daniel Stubbs for sixth since 1983. Maryland, Holmes and Fortney hold the record with 33 consecutive starts.
REED, BLADES ARE THE TOP SAFETY DUO AT MIAMI —
Ed Reed has made 33 career starts, while Al Blades has 30 for a combined 63. The 63 games combined is the most by a safety duo at UM since the 1983 season. Reed and Blades moved past Bennie Blades (33, 85-87) and Selwyn Brown (22, 85-87) for the most starts by a safety tandem since 1983 with their starts against Virginia Tech.
REED’S EIGHT INTERCEPTIONS MOST SINCE 1986 —
After grabbing two interceptions at Syracuse, Edward Reed has eight on the season and 12 for his career. The eight interceptiopns in a single-season marks the most since Bennie Blades had 10 interceptions in the 1986. The 12 career interceptiopns moves him him into a fifth-place tie with Jim Dooley (1949-51). In the Syracuse game, Reed passed Roland Smith (1987-90) and Bryan Ferguson (1975-77) who were in sixth-place with 11 interceptiopns. Reed has returned two interceptions for touchdowns on the season, against Temple and Virginia Tech.
RECORDING SACKS —
On the 2000 season, the Hurricane defense recorded 29 sacks.
BUCHANON AIDS DEFENSE TO SINGLE-SEASON RECORD —
Phillip Buchanon recorded two interceptions against Pittsburgh, including one that was returned 71 yards for a touchdown. The interceptiopn return for a score was the Hurricanes’ sixth on the 2000 season, which sets a new single-season record in that category.
WHAT AN IMPACT —
In Butch Davis’ six seasons as UM’s head coach, the Hurricanes have blocked 39 kicks. In the 10 years prior to Davis’ arrival (1985-94), the Hurricanes blocked 23 kicks. UM established a new single-season record with 12 blocks in 1995, shattering the previous high of six set in 1970. Since 1951, Miami has blocked 93 kicks.
MOSS SETS NEW SCHOOL AND BIG EAST RECORD WITH SIX PUNT RETURNS FOR TOUCHDOWNS —
Santana Moss‘ 85-yard punt return for a touchdown against Boston College gives him six for his career (4, 2000, 2, 1999). The six punt returns for touchdowns are two more than the previous record-holder Syracuse’ Quinton Spotwood (4, 1997). Additionally, the four punt returns for touchdowns in 2000 are also a BIG EAST single-season record, which was previously held by Spotwood.
MOSS BREAKS SINGLE-SEASON SCHOOL AND BIG EAST RECORD FOR PUNT RETURN YARDS —
Santana Moss recorded 655 punt return yards in 2000 to set a new school and BIG EAST single-season record in that category. The previous school and BIG EAST record was 560, set by Kevin Williams (1991). Additionally, Moss also places third in UM history with 467 punt return yards in 1999, while that figure places fourth in the BIG EAST records.
MOSS ALSO ESTABLISHES NEW SCHOOL AND BIG EAST RECORD FOR CAREER PUNT RETURN YARDS —
Santana Moss finished his career with 1,196 punt return yards to break Miami’s 62-year old record mark of 1,153 career punt return yards by Eddie Dunn (1936-38). Moss’ 1,196 punt return yards also passes Kenyatta Watson (1993-96) of Boston College’s previous BIG EAST record of 816.
MOSS SETS NEW SCHOOL AND BIG EAST RECORD —
Santana Moss‘ 201 punt return yards against Boston College in the regular season finale set a new school and BIG EAST single -game record. The previous school record was 152 yards, by Kevin Williams against Penn State in 1991. The previous BIG EAST record was 168 yards by West Virginia’s Nate Terry vs. Rutgers in 1997.
THEY COME FROM FAR AWAY TO KICK AT MIAMI —
Redshirt sophomore kicker Todd Sievers (Ankeny, IA) lettered in his freshman season in 1998, becoming the first player from the state of Iowa to letter at Miami since fullback Tom Smith (Waterloo, IA) in 1971-72. Additionally, Smith and Sievers are the only two players from Iowa ever to letter at Miami. Joe Carlstrom (DT, 1951, Iowa City) played in limited action after serving in the armed forces, but did not letter.
Punter Freddie Capshaw (Rock Springs, WY) is the first player from Wyoming ever to letter at Miami. Additionally, since 1940, Capshaw is the lone player from Wyoming to appear on a UM roster.
Sievers is…
Has made 10-of-11 field goals inside 39 yards on the season. Sievers’ lone miss was from 24 yards against Boston College.
His season-long field goal was 40 yards at West Virginia.
His season-long extra-point was 50 yards against Boston Coll.
SIEVERS ON KICKOFFS —
On the season, Todd Sievers has had touchbacks on 28 of 83 (.337) kickoffs. Additionally, Sievers has placed the ball within the five-yard line on kickoffs on 64 of his 83 (.771) kickoffs this season. Opponents are averaging the 22-yard line off Sievers’ kickoffs this season. His single-season best came against then-No. 2 Virginia Tech where he recorded touchbacks on four of his seven kickoffs against the Hokies. His previous season-best came at West Virginia where he recorded touchbacks on five of his nine kickoffs, while eight of nine were within the two-yard line.
MOSS (TWICE), MORGAN AND DAVIS GARNER TOP BIG EAST POSTSEASON AWARDS —
Fresh off its first outright BIG EAST Championship since 1994, Miami has earned accolades in four of five conference individual awards as voted on by the league head coaches.
Santana Moss earned the Offensive and Special Teams Player of the Year awards, marking the first time a player has won both awards. Pittsburgh’s Antonio Bryant and Virginia Tech’s Lee Suggs shared the Offensive honors with Moss.
Moss was a unanimous selection for the Special Teams Player of the Year award and the first Hurricane to win the award since Tremain Mack was a unanimous selection in 1996. Kevin Williams won the honor in the first season of BIG EAST play in 1991. Moss is also the first Hurricane to take home the Offensive Player of the Year honors since Gino Torretta’s Heisman Trophy season in 1991.
Dan Morgan earned the Defensive Player of the Year award after setting a new school and conference record for career tackles (532) and earned Player of the Week honors a record four times in 2000.
Morgan was a unanimous selection for Defensive Player of the Year award and just the second player in conference history to be a unanimous selection (1999). Morgan is the first Hurricane to win the honor since Warren Sapp did so in 1994.
Head Coach Butch Davis was named Coach of the Year after guiding UM to a 10-1 record and a No. 2 national ranking. It is Davis’ first Coach of the Year honor.
HURRICANES DOMINATE 2000 ALL-BIG EAST AWARDS —
A total of 15 Hurricanes are listed among the All-BIG EAST First and Second teams, including 12 First-Team honorees.
First Team: Santana Moss (WR), Joaquin Gonzalez (OT), Bryant McKinnie (OT), Jeremy Shockey (TE), Ken Dorsey (QB), Santana Moss (KR/PR), Damione Lewis (DT), Dan Morgan (LB), Mike Rumph (CB), Edward Reed (FS), Al Blades (SS) and Freddie Capshaw (P).
Note: Lewis, Morgan and Virginia Tech’s Lee Suggs (RB) were the only three unanimous selections on the first team.
Second Team: Reggie Wayne (WR), James Jackson (RB) and Leonard Myers (CB).
Santana Moss now has five All-BIG EAST honors to his name. Along with his first-team honors for offense and special teams in 2000, Moss was a first-team wide receiver and a second-team kick returner in 1999 and a second-team wide receiver in 1998.
Dan Morgan is making his second first-team appearance and third overall in 2000. In 1998, Morgan was a first-team pick, while earning second-team in 1999.
Damione Lewis, Mike Rumph, Edward Reed and Al Blades are each making their first first-team appearance after placing on the second-team in 1999.
James Jackson, Reggie Wayne and Leonard Myers are each making their second second-team appearance. Jackson was a second-team pick in 1999, while Myers earned the honor in 1998 and Wayne in 1997.
MIAMI LEADS THE LEAGUE IN 2000 WEEKLY HONORS —
In 2000, Miami and Virginia Tech each had 13 Player of the Week honors. Pittsburgh placed third with 10, ahead of West Virginia (6), Boston College (3), Temple (2), Rutgers (1) and Syracuse (1).
MORGAN NAMED FOOTBALL NEWS DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR —
Dan Morgan was named the Defensive Player of the Year by Football News.
MORGAN NAMED A BRONKO NAGURSKI FINALIST —
Dan Morgan was one of five players to be named a finalist for the 2000 Mike Fox/Bronko Nagurski Trophy. Morgan joins California defensive end Andre Carter, Missouri defensive end Justin Smith, N.C. State linebacker Levar Fisher and Tennessee defensive tackle John Henderson.
The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is awarded by the Football Writers Association of America and the Charlotte Touchdown Club to the best defensive player in college football regardless of position.
The five finalists will appear at a gala awards banquet on Dec. 4 in Charlotte, NC, where the winner of the 2000 Bronko Nagurski Trophy will be announced. South Carolina head football coach Lou Holtz will serve as keynote speaker of the event along with former Virginia Tech defensive end Cory Moore, who won the Trophy last season.
GONZALEZ NAMED ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICAN —
Joaquin Gonzalez has been named to the GTE District III Academic All-American team for the second consecutive season. Gonzalez, who was also a BIG EAST Academic All-Star selection in 1998 and 1999, is a business major in Marketing.
