Hurricanes Ready For Wake Forest

Nov. 10, 2005

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – CORAL GABLES, Fla. – A big win last week for the University of Miami football team against Virginia Tech was exactly that: a win last week. Head coach Larry Coker reiterated the importance of this week’s game against a very capable Wake Forest team as UM wrapped up this week’s practice at the Greentree Practice Fields on Thursday afternoon.

“This game is just as important as the last one we played,” Coker said. “I think our players know that. This is Wake Forest’s last game. As they’ve said, it’s their bowl game and its Senior Day at home. We have to be at our best.”

Several Hurricanes will have to be at their best with the added pressure of stepping into the spotlight Saturday. Sophomore running back Charlie Jones will make his first collegiate start in place of Tyrone Moss, who is out the rest of the season due to a knee injury. Junior receiver/returner Darnell Jenkins will likely take over a majority of the return duties with the probability that Devin Hester will not play.

“(Jenkins) will be involved in returns and he’ll be catching the ball for us as a receiver,” Coker said. “His role is definitely elevated as a kickoff return man and a punt return man.”

Jenkins’ increased workload is doubly important, given the proficiency of the NCAA’s second-leading punter, Wake Forest senior Ryan Plackemeier, who is averaging 47.1 yards per punt. Field position figures to play a crucial role in the game, and Coker expects Plackemeier to back up the UM offense.

“(Plackemeier) can really air it out,” Coker said. “First, we have to field the ball, then we have to get at least one first down to bring it back to reality…he’s really good.”

The Hurricanes and Demon Deacons kickoff at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Groves Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C. ABC will broadcast the game regionally.