Senior Day Highlights #1 Miami's Game with #12 Washington
Nov. 19, 2001
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Coral Gables, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) —
The top-ranked Miami Hurricanes (9-0, 6-0 BIG EAST) host 12th-ranked Washington (8-2, 6-2 Pac-10) Saturday evening at 8:00 p.m. at the Orange Bowl. The ABC nationally-televised meeting pits the Hurricanes against the lone club to defeat them last season, 34-29 in Seattle.
Miami enters the Washington match-up with a NCAA-high 19-game win streak dating back to week three of the 2000 season. It is the longest UM win streak since winning 29-straight from 1990-92. UM’s 15-game win streak at the Orange Bowl is its longest since winning an NCAA-best 58 games from 1985-94.
Last weekend at the Orange Bowl, No. 1 Miami shut out 14th-ranked Syracuse, 59-0, to lay claim to at least a share of the 2001 BIG EAST Championship. The 59-point margin of victory ranks in the top five all-time at Miami and is the second largest margin of victory in a shutout between two Associated Press-ranked teams.
In the win over Syracuse, eventual BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week Ken Dorsey threw a season-high four touchdown passes, two to Andre Johnson and Jeremy Shockey each. This came one week after he committed a career-high four interceptions in a win at Boston College. Already Miami’s record-holder with his 54 career touchdown passes, Dorsey moved ahead of WVU’s Marc Bulger into No. 3 on the BIG EAST career list.
UM’s defense show a lot of mettle in the Syracuse win, recording two turnovers on an Orangemen team that ranked No. 3 nationally in turnover margin. The defense never allowed Syracuse to get into the UM redzone and on its furthest trip to the UM 27, Phillip Buchanon returned a 76-yard interception for a touchdown. At the Orange Bowl this season, UM has allowed just 10 points over five games played, a two-point per game average.
Washington enters the meeting on a one-game win streak after claiming the prestigious Apple Cup in a 26-14 win over in-state rival and ninth-ranked Washington State in Seattle. The victory over the Cougars came one week following a 49-24 loss at unranked Oregon State. The Huskies also fell to UCLA, 35-13, on the road in Pasadena on Oct. 13. The Huskies have been impressive at home, where they own the fourth-best current home win streak at 14 games. On the road, Washington is 2-2 on the year and have been out-scored 143-101 (35.8-25.3), a near 11-point margin. The Nov. 24 meeting was originally scheduled for Sept. 15, but was re-set due to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11.
HEAD COACH LARRY COKER –
Is nine games into his first season as a collegiate head coach with the No. 1-ranked Miami Hurricanes and has an overall record of 9-0, including a 6-0 mark in BIG EAST Conference play. The 9-0 overall record includes going 5-0 at the Orange Bowl and a 4-0 mark on the road. Prior to becoming Miami’s 19th head football coach, Coker served under Butch Davis as the Hurricanes’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach since Davis’ first season at UM in 1995. Coker’s hiring marked the first time in 25 years that the University of Miami elevated a current assistant to its head coach. While the offensive coordinator from 1995-2000, UM went 51-20 overall and 33-9 in conference play. At the Orange Bowl, UM was 27-9 with Coker and 19-11 on the road. Additionally, the Hurricanes won all four Bowl games since 1995.
Prior to his arrival in 1995, Coker spent the previous two seasons at Ohio State (1993-94) coaching the defensive backfield. The Buckeyes participated in two bowl games during his tenure and were Big Ten Co-Champions in 1993. From 1990-92, Coker was offensive coordinator at Oklahoma, assisting the Sooners to two bowl game victories.
Before heading to Norman, Coker spent seven seasons as offensive coordinator at Oklahoma State in Stillwater. In his seven seasons with the Cowboys, he coached 1988 Heisman Trophy winner Barry Sanders while the team went on to win four bowl games. Coker first made the jump to division I with Tulsa from 1979-82, as the offensive backfield coach. Tulsa went on to win three Missouri Valley Conference championships during his four seasons.
THE FIRST ROOKIE COACH TO GO 9-0 AT MIAMI –
Entering the Washington game, Larry Coker is 9-0 as head coach of the Miami Hurricanes in his first season at the helm. Coker is the first UM coach to remain undefeated after nine games in his inaugural season. Coker recently past Howard Buck (1926-28), who was 8-0 with UM’s first team in 1926. Dennis Erickson, in his first season at Miami, guided the Hurricanes to a 6-0 record in 1989 before dropping a 24-10 loss at Florida State in game No. 7. However, Erickson’s 1989 club would finish 11-1 on the season and win UM’s third National Championship, 33-25, over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl.
COKER SHOOTS FOR OOSTERBAAN’S MARK –
Former University of Michigan head coach Bennie G. Oosterbaan is still the only coach ever to win a National Championship in hist first season. Oosterbaan, who was named National Coach of the Year that year, guided the Wolverines to an undefeated 9-0 mark and were ranked No. 1 by the Associated Press.
COKER’S PERFECT COACHING DEBUT –
Larry Coker became the 13th head football coach at Miami to win his debut in the Hurricanes’ 33-7 triumph over Penn State in State College on Sept. 1. Additionally, he was just the third to win his debut game when it was an away game. Overall, UM’s 19 head football coaches are 13-6 (.684) in debut games. At the Orange Bowl, Coker became the 14th UM head football coach to win his home debut with the Hurricanes’ 61-0 shutout over Rutgers on Sept. 8. Overall, UM’s 19 head football coaches are 14-5 (.737) in their debut at home. No other head coach at UM had such a decisive debut home win.
THE MIAMI/WASHINGTON SERIES –
Washington leads Miami in the all-time series 2-0, with wins in 1994 at the Orange Bowl and in 2000 at Husky Stadium.
Last season, in week No. 2, Washington dealt the Hurricanes a 34-29 loss at Husky Stadium. The loss would be the lone blemish on Miami’s 11-1 season, which they finished ranked second. In Ken Dorsey’s first road start, UM posted 26 second half points, but were unable to defeat the Huskies at home.
In 1994, Miami had just established the NCAA record for consecutive home victories with 58 (1985-94) in a 56-0 shutout of Georgia Southern in the season opener. In the very next home game, No. 17 Washington upset No. 6 Miami, 38-20, with a 35-point second-half effort.
MIAMI/WASHINGTON SPLIT 1991 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP –
The Hurricanes ended the 1991 season undefeated at 12-0, including a 22-0 shutout of Nebraska in the Orange Bowl, to claim the Associated Press title. Washington also finished 12-0 and defeated Michigan in the Rose Bowl to receive the top ranking in the USA Today Coaches’ Poll.
MIAMI VS. THE PAC 10 –
Miami is an even 8-8 against teams from the Pac-10 Conference since 1958’s first meeting with Oregon. Prior to last season’s loss at Washington, Miami last defeated UCLA, 49-45, in 1998 at the Orange Bowl. In the last clip of games over 12 seasons, UM has a slight advantage against the Pac-10 at 6-5, including a 3-2 mark at the Orange Bowl.
MIAMI ON ABC –
The Hurricanes are making their 61st appearance on ABC since 1961 and hold a 39-21 (.650) record on that network. All-time, Miami is 111-49 (.694) on network television and 91-36 (.717) in nationally-televised games.
WIN OVER SYRACUSE HANDS MIAMI A SHARE OF BIG EAST CHAMPIONSHIP –
Miami enters the Virginia Tech game on Dec. 1 with a chance to win the BIG EAST Conference outright. The Orangemen, who lost to Miami 59-0, are now in second place with one loss. Miami is 6-0 with the one game against the Hokies. The share of the title marks UM’s second straight BIG EAST-high sixth.
ONCE AGAIN THE CONSENSUS NO. 1 –
The Hurricanes have been the consensus No. 1 in both major polls eight times this season out of a possible 13 polls. On three separate occassions this season, the Hurricanes were able to regain the consensus status after slipping to No. 2 in one of the polls the week before.
Most recently, Associated Press No. 1 Miami regained the top spot in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches’ Poll after spending a week at No. 2 with its 59-0 shutout over Syracuse. The big victory pushed UM past an idle Nebraska.
The second time Miami regained the consensus No. 1 ranking in both polls was following the 49-27 victory at Florida State on Oct. 13. Coaches’ No. 1 Miami regained the AP with the momentus win at Doak Campbell Stadium, coupled with Florida’s loss at Auburn. The first time UM was named consensus in both polls this season was following the Hurricanes 61-0 shutout over Rutgers at the Orange Bowl on Sept. 8. AP No. 1 Miami had defeated Penn State on the road in the season-opener and coupled with the Rutgers shutout were able to take the Coaches’ poll as well.
The consensus No. 1 ranking first received on Sept. 9 ended a string of 3,200 days (458 weeks) since Miami was last the nation’s consensus No. 1. Prior to 2001, the last time both polls had Miami at No. 1 was on Dec. 6, 1992.
THE POLLS HAVE MIAMI NO. 1 –
Miami has now been ranked No. 1 by the Associated Press for the last six weeks and 10 of 13 pollings this season. Miami began the season ranked No. 2 by the AP and remained at that position till the Sept. 2 poll. UM dropped to No. 2 on Oct. 7 after a 38-7 win over Troy State, coupled with a Florida win at LSU.
The USA Today/ESPN Coaches’ Poll has ranked Miami No. 1 nine out of 13 pollings this season. UM dropped to No. 2 on Nov. 11 after an 18-7 win at Boston College, coupled with a Nebraska win over Kansas State.
WHILE HOLDING THE ASSOCIATED PRESS NO. 1 RANKING –
The Hurricanes have played in 33 games all-time while holding the AP’s No. 1 ranking and have forged a 28-5 record in those contests. Prior to the Alabama loss (34-13) in the 1993 Sugar Bowl, UM had won 11 straight games when it held the top spot in the polls dating back to the 1991 season.
In the regular season, UM has been ranked No. 1 by the AP in 30 games and has recorded a 27-3 mark. UM last lost a regular season game while holding the No. 1 ranking in the 1990 season opener at BYU, 28-21 on Sept. 8.
THE NATION’S LONGEST WIN STREAK, 19 GAMES, RESIDES AT MIAMI –
Miami enters the Washington game with the nation’s longest win streak, having won 19 games in a row dating back to a 47-10 victory at West Virginia on Sept. 23, 2000. The longest most recent streak in Division I-A was Oklahoma’s 20-game streak halted earlier this season by Nebraska.
Miami is 24-1 in its last 25 games played, including bowls. The lone defeat came at Washington, 34-29, last season in week two. Additionally, UM has won 27 of 29 games dating back to its 31-28 victory at Boston College in 1999.Active division 1-A win streaks
ORANGE BOWL WIN STREAK AT 15 GAMES –
Miami has won 15 straight games at the Orange Bowl since a 28-20 win over West Virginia on Oct. 30, 1999. The current home win streak, which is currently third-best in the NCAA, is UM’s longest since its NCAA-record 58-game win streak from 1985-94.
ROAD WIN STREAK AT NINE GAMES –
Miami has won nine straight games (including Sugar Bowl) and eight regular season games away from the Orange Bowl, dating back to a 47-10 win at West Virginia on Sept. 23, 2000. The current regular season road win streak is the longest at UM since winning 14-straight from 1990-93. Including the bowls, UM last won 14-straight from 1990-92.
RECORD BIG EAST WIN STREAK AT 16 GAMES –
The 59-0 win over Syracuse marked UM’s 16th BIG EAST consecutive conference victory since a 55-0 defeat of Rutgers on Nov. 20, 1999. UM has also won 19 of its last 20 BIG EAST games, including a 1999 loss to Virginia Tech. The league record was established in UM’s 15th win at Boston College (18-7) on Nov. 10. Virginia Tech (1998-2000) previously held the record with 14.
SCORING PER GAME, MARGIN OF VICTORY, POINTS ALLOWED ARE TOPS SINCE 1983 –
Miami ‘s per game scoring (42.7), margin of victory (34.7) and points allowed per game (8.0) are the best season averages since 1983, when UM won the first of four national titles.
SHUTOUT OVER SYRACUSE SECOND LARGEST AMONGST RANKED TEAMS –
The 59-point shutout of No. 14 Syracuse by No. 1 Miami tied for the second largest shutout in a game featuring two Associated Press-ranked teams. No. 4 Virginia Tech’s 62-0 win over the 16th-ranked Orangemen in 1999 was the largest between two ranked teams. No. 5 Florida State defeated No. 15 South Carolina 59-0 in 1988.
DEFENSE NOT ALLOWING POINTS –
The defense has allowed its opponents to score 72 points this season. At the Orange Bowl, the defense has only allowed just 10 points in five games for a 2.0-per game average. Troy State was the lone school to score a touchdown, while West Virginia hit a field goal. Rutgers, Temple and Syracuse were each shut out. On the road, the defense is allowing 15.5 points per game.
SHUTOUT OVER SYRACUSE RANKS HIGH IN UM RECORD BOOKS –
The 59-0 margin of victory over Syracuse was the second largest for Miami since joining the BIG EAST in 1991. The figure ranks behind the 61-0 win over Rutgers earlier this season.
DEFENSE RECORDS THIRD SHUTOUT OF THE SEASON –
The three shutouts recorded this season are the most in a single year since the 1956 season when Andy Gustafson’s team also had three. The most in a single year is six, set during the inaugural 1926 season.
SCORING IN BIG EAST GAMES AT A RECORD PACE –
Miami has scored 264 points in six BIG EAST games this season, which is UM’s most since joining the league in 1991. Last season, UM scored 258 points after six games.
Overall, Miami has scored 384 points through nine games, which places second to 2000’s 391 points after nine games.
Last season, Miami established a new school and BIG EAST record with its 469 regular season points. UM went on to score 506 overall points following its 37-20 Sugar Bowl victory over Florida. The total surpassed the 1986 squad’s previous high of 420 points and Syracuse’ former league-high of 468 points in 1998.
SCORING BY QUARTERS –
Over the first nine games UM has outscored its opponents 384-72. The total includes a 182-30 advantage in the first half and 202-42 mark in the second half. In the first half, UM has outscored its opponents 88-17 in the first quarter and 94-13 in the second. Miami’s top figure is a 135-14 advantage in the third quarter. The fourth quarter has the UM holding a 67-28 lead.
QUICK STRIKE OFFENSE –
This season, the average drive time on UM’s 39 offensive touchdowns is 2:07. Additionally, a total of 25 of UM’s 39 offensive touchdowns were scored in under 2:30 minutes of drive time.
SCORING OFF TURNOVERS –
On the season, Miami has recorded 33 turnovers, five of which were to end halves. Of those 28 remaining turnovers, UM has converted 127 points (18 touchdowns, one field goal) on the ensuing drive.
HOLDING OPPONENTS OUT OF THE ENDZONE –
The Hurricane defense has held opponents from scoring a touchdown in 116 of 125 (.928) offensive drives this season.
VS. RANKED/UNRANKED OPPONENTS –
Since 1990, Miami has registered a 27-22 (.551) mark against Associated Press ranked teams and an 85-6 (.934) record against unranked opponents.
4TH QUARTER DOMINANCE –
Over the last 16 seasons, Miami has been almost unbeatable when leading after three-quarters. Since 1985, Miami has won 148 of 150 (.987) regular season games in which it entered the fourth quarter with a lead. The two losses in this span occurred at 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 fourth quarter.
INSIDE/OUTSIDE THE REDZONE –
On the 2001 season, Miami has driven into the redzone 46 times and scored 40 times.
Against Syracuse, Miami made its way into the Orangemen redzone six times and scored five touchdowns. Syracuse never made it into the UM redzone. Outside the redzone, Miami has totaled nine touchdowns and seven field goals as compared to 30 touchdowns and 10 field goals scored inside the redzone.
IF MIAMI SCORES FIRST –
When Miami scores first it is nearly a lock to win. Beginning with the 1983 season, the Hurricanes have gone 151-14 (.915) when scoring first.
THE HURRICANES WHEN SCORING 30 OR 31 POINTS –
Miami has won 98 consecutive games when scoring 30 or higher since a 31-30 loss at Notre Dame in 1988.
Miami has won 118 consecutive games when scoring 31 or higher since falling 39-37 to UCLA in the 1985 Fiesta Bowl. Excluding bowl games, Miami has won 131 consecutive regular season games when scoring 31 or higher since a 34-31 loss to Mississippi State in 1980.
NON-OFFENSIVE SCORING –
The Hurricanes led the nation in 2000 with 13 touchdowns and 89 points coming from defense and special teams. In 2001, UM has scored nine touchdowns non-offensively for 61 points. Last week, Phillip Buchanon returned a 76-yard interception for a touchdown against Syracuse.
MASTERS OF THE TURNOVER –
Since the 1998 season, when the most of the UM defenders saw their first action, the Hurricanes defense has become stronger in recording the take-away. So far this season, the defense netted 33 turnovers over nine games. UM is on track to record 40 turnovers.
CAPSHAW AND SPECIAL TEAMS NOT ALLOWING PUNT RETURNS –
On the season, UM’s punt return coverage has allowed just 34 yards on 10 returns. Punter Freddie Capshaw has recorded 28 punts on the season for a 41.9 average. Among his punts were seven touchbacks, two fair catches, 11 downed inside the 20 and one block. Additionally, the punt return coverage has not allowed a punt return in the last five games straight and six times on the season.
2001 GAME CAPTAINS –
From the Troy State game through the remainder of the season, Ken Dorsey (QB), Najeh Davenport (FB), Joaquin Gonzalez (OT), Matt Walters (DT) and Edward Reed (FS) will serve as team captains.
HURRICANES REMAIN PERFECT ON ESPN COLLEGE GAMEDAY AT THE ORANGE BOWL –
The win over Syracuse moved UM’s record to 5-0 with ESPN College GameDay at the Orange Bowl. The other ESPN College GameDay games at the OB were: Virginia Tech (2000, 41-21), FSU (1994, 34-20, 2000, 27-24) and UCLA (1998, 49-45).
MIAMI WINS IN FRONT OF SEARS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY –
The 59-0 win over Syracuse marked the second time this season the Hurricanes won with the Sears National Championship Trophy on the sideline. UM also defeated Florida State, 49-27, in Tallahassee with the trophy there. UM is currently riding a three-game win streak with the trophy on the sideline. Overall, UM is 4-6 with the Trophy at its games. The trophy tours the country during the college football season and is displayed on the sidelines at premiere games.
REED SETS INTERCEPTION RECORDS –
Edward Reed’s interception against Temple, the 19th of his career, tied the UM career mark held by Bennie Blades (1984-87). The 19 career INTs also set a new BIG EAST Conference record, ahead of WVU’s Aaron Beasley (1982-95). Reed’s 80-yard return off a Matt Walters interception moved his career interception return yards total to 378, passing Bennie Blades (305). His 195 interception return yards on the season set a new single-season record at Miami.
The 90-yard INT return (10-Walters, 80-Reed) at Boston College is the sixth longest in UM history and longest since a 100-yard return by Selwyn Brown at Boston College in 1985.
REED HAS LED MIAMI TO 106 CAREER POINTS –
For his career, Edward Reed’s play has led to 106 points for the Hurricanes. The 106 points scored can be broken down into: Punt Block – 2 TDs, 1 FG, Forced Fumble – 4 TDs, Fumble Recovered – 1 TD, INT – 7 TDs, 2 FGs. Additionally, for his career Reed has returned four interceptions for touchdowns.
In 2001, Reed has led UM to a career-best 41 points: Fumble Recovered – 1 TD, INT – 4 TDs, Blocked Punt – 1 TD.
DORSEY’S 54 TOUCHDOWN PASSES MOVE HIM PAST WVU’S MARC BULGER –
Ken Dorsey’s four touchdown passes against Syracuse moved him to 54 for his career. That figure passes West Virginia’s Marc Bulger (53, 1996-99) into third place on the BIG EAST career list. Boston College’s Glen Foley (1991-93) stands in second place with 61.
DORSEY CAREER TOUCHDOWNS –
In his three seasons at Miami, Ken Dorsey has connected with 17 different players for a school-record 54 passing touchdowns. Junior tight end Jeremy Shockey and sophomore receiver Andre Johnson lead all current players with nine Dorsey touchdowns apiece. All-time, Dorsey’s top touchdown target was Reggie Wayne (12).
DORSEY AS A STARTER –
Ken Dorsey has been the Hurricanes starter since the final three games of the 1999 season and has recorded a 23-1 overall record and a 22-1 record in regular season games. In those 23 regular season starts, Dorsey has passed for 300 yards three times, including a career-high 344 in the 2001 season-opener at Penn State. He has also thrown for at least 200 yards 18 times and has had multiple touchdowns in 18 games. His statistics as a starter reads 401-of-666 for 5,683 yards with 54 touchdown passes, one touchdown rush and 14 interceptions.
SHOCKEY MOVING UP THE TIGHT END CHARTS –
In his second season with the Hurricanes and first as the starter, tight end Jeremy Shockey has become one of the more prolific players at that position since the 1979 season. Shockey’s nine career touchdowns places him third. He ranks No. 6 in both receptions and receiving yards with 56 for 743.
PORTIS NEARS 1,000 YARDS ON THE SEASON –
Clinton Portis enters the Washington game with 971 rushing yards on the season, which currently ranks sixth-most in a single season at Miami. With 29 more yards, Portis will become the sixth player at UM to surpass the 1,000-yard plateau. The most rushing yards in a single season was Edgerrin James’ 1,416 in 1998.
PORTIS RECORDS ANOTHER 100-YARD GAME –
With his 132 yards rushing against Syracuse, Clinton Portis rushed for his 12th 100-yard game of his career and sixth of the season. The 12 100-yard games places third at Miami all-time.
PORTIS REACHES 2,000-YARD PLATEAU –
Clinton Portis became the second quickest Hurricane rusher to reach the 2,000-yard career mark with his 117 yards against Temple. The 2,000-yard plateau was reached in his 25th career game, behind Edgerrin James (23rd game). Portis is just the fifth Hurricane all-time to surpass 2,000 yards. Only one alum, Ottis Anderson (1975-78, 3,331) has reached 3,000-yard plateau.
FROM IOWA TO MIAMI, SIEVERS KICKS WAY INTO THE RECORD BOOKS –
Todd Sievers enters the Washington game sixth all-time at UM with 181 points scored kicking. He also ranks fifth all-time with his 96 extra-point kicks and seventh with 28 career field goals.
On the season, his 17 field goals places fourth in a single season, while his 96 points scored places sixth.
His 96 points is third-most by a BIG EAST kicker in a single season. Virginia Tech’s Shayne Graham (1999 107, 1998 103) owns the top two marks. His 181 career points land him at No. 8 on the BIG EAST career list.
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, 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.
FSU’S HOME STREAK COMES TO AN END –
With the Hurricanes 49-27 rout over Florida State at Doak Campbell Stadium, Miami ended the Seminoles national-best 37-game home win streak and 54-game home unbeaten streak. FSU had not lost at home in 10 years, since a 17-16 defeat to Miami in 1991.
For the second consecutive season, Miami has been the one to end prominent FSU streaks. In 2000’s 27-24 UM win at the Orange Bowl, Miami ended FSU’s then-national leading 17-game win streak, 26-game regular season win streak and quarterback Chris Weinke’s 25-game win streak as the starter.against the sunshine state – Miami has won 16 of its last 24 games against teams from the state of Florida since the 1985 season. Most recently, UM defeated Florida State in Tallahassee 49-27 on Oct. 13. Last season, UM defeated FSU (27-24) in the Orange Bowl and Florida (37-20) in the Nokia Sugar Bowl.
UM SURVIVES COLD WEATHER –
The Hurricanes have played 41 games all-time in temperature below 55 degrees, holding a 23-18 record in such games. The temperature at kickoff for the Boston College game was 50 degrees, while the Pittsburgh game was 48 degrees and Penn State 46 degrees.
LONE STAR STATE SHINES AT MIAMI –
Chris Campbell’s (Mt. Pleasant) start against Syracuse extended a string of 159 consecutive games since 1988 that a resident of Texas has been in the starting line-up. Then-freshman Charles Pharms (Houston) began the streak that started in 1988’s sixth game against Cincinnati.
PENNSYLVANIA HAS ITS OWN STREAK –
Martin Bibla’s (Moutaintop) start against Syracuse extended a string of 116 consecutive games since 1992 that a player from Pennsylvania has been in the starting line-up. Center Tirrell Greene (Pittsburgh) began the streak at the start of the 1992 season.
LOUISIANA, NEW JERSEY AND CANADA –
Other than Florida, Texas (159) and Pennsylvania (116), Louisiana (65), New Jersey (47) and Canada (46) have current long streaks of having a player from that region start heading into the Washington game.
Edward Reed has continued the Bayou State’s string of 65 games dating back to the days of J. Ina (1993-96, Franklin), Eugene Ridgley (1994-97, Marrero) and Reggie Wayne (1997-00, Marrero). Bryant McKinnie (Woodbury), James Lewis (Piscataway) and Jamaal Green (Camden) have extended the Garden State’s string of 47 consecutive games since Matt Sweeney (1996-99, Lafayette) played at Miami. Brett Romberg (Toronto) has extended Canada’s streak of having a starter at UM to 46 games dating back to Richard Mercier (1995-99, Montreal)
NFL TALENT ABUNDANT IN 2001 HURRICANE GAMES –
The series between Miami and Florida State over last 15 years has been highlighted by numerous players who have gone on to be drafted in the first three rounds by the NFL. Since 1987, no other game played during the 2001 season has supplied as many NFL draftees as the Miami/FSU game (95).
The 95 combined players are broken down into 51 for the Hurricanes and 44 for the Seminoles. Additionally, the 95 players consist of 42 first round, 28 second round and 25 third round. The 42 first round picks (25 UM and 17 FSU) are a national high, as is the two schools’ 28 second-round picks (14 UM and 14 FSU).
The Hurricanes lead the nation since 1987 with 25 first round draft picks. Notre Dame has had the most second-round picks over the last 15 years with 15, while Texas A&M leads with 19 third-rounders since the 1987 season.
UM STAYS NO. 1 AT THE NFL DRAFT –
During the last 15 years, Miami has produced more NFL first-round draft picks that any other college. Since 1987, the Hurricanes have had 25 first round draft picks, ahead of Ohio State (18), Florida and Florida State (17). Additionally, UM has had the most players selected in the first three rounds combined of the NFL draft (51) since 1987, five more than Florida State (44).
CLASS OF 2001 PLAYS FINAL HOME GAME –
The Hurricanes class of 2001 consists of a total of 13 players (four seniors and nine redshirt seniors). Eight enrolled in 1997, three in 1998, one in 1999 and 2000, respectively. The player breakdown is eight offensive and five defensive.
The Hurricanes brought the score to within five points, 34-29 following James Jackson’s one-yard touchdown run with under three minutes to play, but were unable to pull off the rally as the game clock expired during their final drive.
Former UW quarterback Marquis Tuiasosopo kept the ball away from the Hurricane offense just enough to keep the No. 15 Huskies ahead for the duration of the game. Washington jumped out to a 21-3 lead by halftime following a 14-point second quarter that saw the senior signal caller rush and pass for a touchdown.
Miami stormed back in the third quarter answering with 19 points to come within 27-22 of Washington. Former UM receiver Reggie Wayne, who led the team with four catches for 84 yards, started off the scoring with a spectacular one-hand diving grab in the back of the endzone off a 21-yard strike from then-sophomore Ken Dorsey. Dorsey, who was making his first away from the Orange Bowl, completed 15 of 34 passes for 215 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.
Najeh Davenport and Jackson brought the Hurricanes ever so close to surpassing Washington with a pair of eight-yard touchdowns to end the quarter. UM’s Rich Alexis kept the Huskies upset bid alive when he darted 50 yards down the sideline off an option pitch from Tuiasosopo. UW fullback Pat Conniff led off the fourth quarter with a one-yard scoring run that gave the Huskies the eventual 34-29 score.
THE MIAMI/WASHINGTON SERIES – Washington leads Miami in the all-time series 2-0, with wins in 1994 at the Orange Bowl and in 2000 at Husky Stadium. Last season, in week No. 2, Washington dealt the Hurricanes a 34-29 loss at Husky Stadium. The loss would be the lone blemish on Miami’s 11-1 season, which they finished ranked second. In Ken Dorsey’s first road start, UM posted 26 second half points, but were unable to defeat the Huskies at home. In 1994, Miami had just established the NCAA record for consecutive home victories with 58 (1985-94) in a 56-0 shutout of Georgia Southern in the season opener. In the very next home game, No. 17 Washington upset No. 6 Miami, 38-20, with a 35-point second-half effort.
MIAMI/WASHINGTON SPLIT 1991 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP –
The Hurricanes ended the 1991 season undefeated at 12-0, including a 22-0 shutout of Nebraska in the Orange Bowl, to claim the Associated Press title. Washington also finished 12-0 and defeated Michigan in the Rose Bowl to receive the top ranking in the USA Today Coaches’ Poll.
MIAMI VS. THE PAC 10 –
Miami is an even 8-8 against teams from the Pac-10 Conference since 1958’s first meeting with Oregon. Prior to last season’s loss at Washington, Miami last defeated UCLA, 49-45, in 1998 at the Orange Bowl. In the last clip of games over 12 seasons, UM has a slight advantage against the Pac-10 at 6-5, including a 3-2 mark at the Orange Bowl.
MIAMI ON ABC –
The Hurricanes are making their 61st appearance on ABC since 1961 and hold a 39-21 (.650) record on that network. All-time, Miami is 111-49 (.694) on network television and 91-36 (.717) in nationally-televised games.
WIN OVER SYRACUSE HANDS MIAMI A SHARE OF BIG EAST CHAMPIONSHIP –
Miami enters the Virginia Tech game on Dec. 1 with a chance to win the BIG EAST Conference outright. The Orangemen, who lost to Miami 59-0, are now in second place with one loss. Miami is 6-0 with the one game against the Hokies. The share of the title marks UM’s second straight BIG EAST-high sixth.
ONCE AGAIN THE CONSENSUS NO. 1 –
The Hurricanes have been the consensus No. 1 in both major polls eight times this season out of a possible 13 polls. On three separate occassions this season, the Hurricanes were able to regain the consensus status after slipping to No. 2 in one of the polls the week before.
Most recently, Associated Press No. 1 Miami regained the top spot in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches’ Poll after spending a week at No. 2 with its 59-0 shutout over Syracuse. The big victory pushed UM past an idle Nebraska.
The second time Miami regained the consensus No. 1 ranking in both polls was following the 49-27 victory at Florida State on Oct. 13. Coaches’ No. 1 Miami regained the AP with the momentus win at Doak Campbell Stadium, coupled with Florida’s loss at Auburn.
The first time UM was named consensus in both polls this season was following the Hurricanes 61-0 shutout over Rutgers at the Orange Bowl on Sept. 8. AP No. 1 Miami had defeated Penn State on the road in the season-opener and coupled with the Rutgers shutout were able to take the Coaches’ poll as well.
The consensus No. 1 ranking first received on Sept. 9 ended a string of 3,200 days (458 weeks) since Miami was last the nation’s consensus No. 1. Prior to 2001, the last time both polls had Miami at No. 1 was on Dec. 6, 1992.
THE POLLS HAVE MIAMI NO. 1 –
Miami has now been ranked No. 1 by the Associated Press for the last six weeks and 10 of 13 pollings this season. Miami began the season ranked No. 2 by the AP and remained at that position till the Sept. 2 poll. UM dropped to No. 2 on Oct. 7 after a 38-7 win over Troy State, coupled with a Florida win at LSU.
The USA Today/ESPN Coaches’ Poll has ranked Miami No. 1 nine out of 13 pollings this season. UM dropped to No. 2 on Nov. 11 after an 18-7 win at Boston College, coupled with a Nebraska win over Kansas State.
WHILE HOLDING THE ASSOCIATED PRESS NO. 1 RANKING – T
he Hurricanes have played in 33 games all-time while holding the AP’s No. 1 ranking and have forged a 28-5 record in those contests. Prior to the Alabama loss (34-13) in the 1993 Sugar Bowl, UM had won 11 straight games when it held the top spot in the polls dating back to the 1991 season.
In the regular season, UM has been ranked No. 1 by the AP in 30 games and has recorded a 27-3 mark. UM last lost a regular season game while holding the No. 1 ranking in the 1990 season opener at BYU, 28-21 on Sept. 8.
THE NATION’S LONGEST WIN STREAK, 19 GAMES, RESIDES AT MIAMI –
Miami enters the Washington game with the nation’s longest win streak, having won 19 games in a row dating back to a 47-10 victory at West Virginia on Sept. 23, 2000. The longest most recent streak in Division I-A was Oklahoma’s 20-game streak halted earlier this season by Nebraska.
Miami is 24-1 in its last 25 games played, including bowls. The lone defeat came at Washington, 34-29, last season in week two. Additionally, UM has won 27 of 29 games dating back to its 31-28 victory at Boston College in 1999.Active division 1-A win streaks
