Hurricanes Ready For Virginia Tech
Nov. 3, 2005
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Despite having the Virginia Tech fight song and simulated crowd noise pumped through speakers at practice, which indicates a great challenge beckoning on the horizon, the University of Miami football team was loose and relaxed while capping their week of practice at the Greentree Practice Fields Thursday.
Given the implications the game has for the No. 5 Hurricanes and the Atlantic Coast Conference standings, coach Larry Coker has feels his team had a solid practice and the atmosphere and mindset is right where it should be. “Today was a good day. Guys were flying around, having a lot of fun. They are very relaxed and loose, and I like that,” Coker said. “I don’t know if the attitude has been a lot different. I think there’s probably a little more edge. We’re about the same every week. I think that’s one of the reasons we’re pretty successful every week and play pretty well every week.”
One thing Coker hopes remains the same is the play of his first-ranked defense. The unit held North Carolina to 18 total yards during the second half of last Saturday’s 34-16 win at the Orange Bowl.
This week the competition will be a bit stiffer, as Virginia Tech (8-0) comes in with a unit that is ranked second in total defense. The group is a loose bunch, and Coker feels success is imminent when they are more relaxed. “They know it’s a big game and they know the competition is going to be tougher. I think it helps a lot because we play better when we’re relaxed, and I’m saying they have to be loose and relaxed but there’s a fine line between that and being over the edge,” Coker said. “These guys aren’t over the edge. They just have a lot of fun and love playing the game, especially our defensive team.”
The team will have a short, closed walkthrough practice on Friday before departing for Saturday’s game.
The game, which kicks off at 7:45 p.m., will be broadcast nationally by ESPN. In addition the being shown from the Skycam perspective on ESPNU, WPLG (Channel 10) in Miami will carry the game for those that may still be without cable due to the effects of Hurricane Wilma.
Notes: Coker said defensive end Bryan Pata is ready to play and even scored a touchdown in practice Thursday…Defensive end Eric Moncur (concussion) will be evaluated further by team trainers Thursday and Friday before a decision is made…Running back Tyrone Moss, who was held out of some drills and sprints Tuesday to help him recover from soreness, is ready to go, according to Coker. “The main thing is to have him fresh and ready to go Saturday,” Coker said. “He’ll be ready; he really looked great the last two days.”
