UM CONTINUES PREPARATION FOR NO. 16 BOSTON COLLEGE

Nov. 21, 2007

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – – The University of Miami football practiced for the second time this week at the Greentree Practice Fields as the Hurricanes continued preparation for their regular-season finale at No. 16 Boston College. Kickoff is slated for noon on ESPN.

Head coach Randy Shannon said freshman running back Graig Cooper is expected to play Saturday against the Eagles. “It’s a good sign,” Shannon said about Cooper. “We did some cutting drills with the running backs; and he was full speed, so that was good.”

Shannon said junior safety Kenny Phillips practiced half the time on Wednesday but should play against Boston College. Sophomore defensive end Courtney Harris will not play and freshman defensive back JoJo Nicolas is questionable.

A win over Boston College would allow the Hurricanes to finish .500 and put them in line for a postseason bowl. Miami has won 15 straight over the Eagles since 1984.

Shannon was asked about his team’s jovial mood after practice. “That’s a good sign,” he said. “At least they’re not holding their heads down and licking their wounds and feeling sorry for themselves. This team is not a team that’s going to quit. They’re still excited and still having fun. If you’re not excited and not having fun about anything that you do, you’re going to get tired, bored and lackadaisical.”

Miami will hold its final practice this week at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the Greentree Practice Field. UM will depart Friday afternoon for Chestnut Hill, Mass.