Davis Satisfied As Game Week Nears

Aug. 25, 2000

CORAL GABLES, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) – The nationally-ranked Miami Hurricanes turned their complete attention to the season opener against McNeese State as the team practiced for two hours Friday afternoon, just six days before the first game of the 2000 football season. The team will take Saturday off before resuming preparations Sunday with a 3:30 p.m. practice session at the Greentree Practice Field.

“I think we’ve made progress, I’m pleased with some things,” said Hurricanes’ head coach Butch Davis. “In some areas where we’ve had question marks I think we’re close to finding some answers. I feel real good about Chris Harvey and Joe Fantigrassi as deep snappers. Ivan Mercer’s done some really good things at tight end. Jeremy Shockey is out of his cast (ankle injury) and we hope he’ll be able to play some Thursday (against McNeese State).”

Davis also said his team’s mental outlook is proper for this time of the year as the Hurricanes completed their third week of preseason practice and are sharply focused on the season’s opening kickoff.

“I’m proud of the guys, they’ve really pushed,” Davis said. “It’s been a tough training camp. Any time you go 28 or 29 practices you get tired of beating on each other. Our team wants to beat on someone else.”

The Hurricanes open the season Thursday, Aug. 31, against McNeese State at the Orange Bowl with kickoff slated for 7:30 p.m. All practices are closed to the public. For ticket information for 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.