Hurricanes Begin Tough Week Of Preparation For South Florida
Sept. 27, 2005
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The ninth-ranked University of Miami football team worked out at the Greentree Practice Fields Tuesday afternoon in preparation for its first-ever meeting against the University of South Florida. Miami will play host to the Bulls at Orange Bowl at 8 p.m. Saturday.
A passing thunder shower chased the Hurricanes inside for a brief period before practice resumed outside once the weather had cleared.
“We had a break in the action today with the weather,” head coach Larry Coker said. “But we did get a good practice in and we are very pleased about that. The guys practiced well.”
Miami moved back into the Associated Press Top 10 on Sunday for the first time since the preseason, thanks in part to South Florida. The Bulls routed last week’s ninth-ranked team, Louisville, 45-14, assuring the Hurricanes would move up in the polls after their 23-3 win against Colorado last week.
“We know we have a tough challenge Saturday,” Coker said. “It’s a night game in the Orange Bowl, and that’s pretty good action. We’re excited about that and are looking forward to having a great week.”
The Hurricanes will practice at 3:20 p.m. Wednesday at the Greentree Practice Fields.
Notes: Linebacker Tavares Gooden’s (shoulder) chances of playing Saturday were “none,” according to Coker… Freshman cornerback Randy Phillips (knee) did not practice and will not play in Saturday’s game, Coker told reporters earlier in the day… Safety Greg Threat (thigh) will most likely play. “Greg has a thigh bruise. I think he’ll be fine,” Coker said… The offensive line may have some added depth soon. Sophomore guard Derrick Morse (shoulder) practiced for the first time since the opening days of preseason camp… Cornerback Marcus Maxey and tight end Buck Ortega are day-to-day with injuries, Coker said… Junior safety Brandon Meriweather was named the ACC Defensive Back of the Week after a 13-tackle performance against Colorado that included three tackles behind the line of scrimmage and an interception in a 23-3 win.
