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Despite Loss, Hurricanes Find Some Positives

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 19, 2007

CORAL GABLES - The Miami Hurricanes have lost five of their past six games following a 44-14 setback at Virginia Tech on Saturday. The Hurricanes have been outscored 92-14 in the past two games and need a victory against No. 15 Boston College to become bowl eligible.

WHAT WENT RIGHT: There are not too many positives in a 30-point loss, but QB Kyle Wright showed toughness and made some good throws in the game.

Wright completed 21 of 36 passes for 215 yards and one touchdown. However, he had three turnovers - one interception and two fumbles - and was sacked five times.

Coach Randy Shannon praised freshman WR Leonard Hankerson for his first career touchdown in the third quarter, which closed the gap to 20-14. Hankerson also had a 24-yard reception.

"It was good to see him catch the football and score a touchdown," Shannon said. "That is the future."

WHAT WENT WRONG: The defense and running game.

The offense takes a lot of heat for not scoring points, but the defense has to stop somebody to give the team a chance to win.

After Hankerson's touchdown in the third quarter closed the gap to 20-14, the Miami defense allowed Virginia Tech to march down the field on the ensuing possession as Branden Ore scored his second rushing touchdown.

Virginia Tech scored 27 points in the second half and racked up 220 yards of offense

Miami's running game went in averaging 167 yards a game, second-best in the ACC.

UM rushed for minus-2 yards on 29 carries Saturday.

INJURY UPDATE: RB Graig Cooper (knee) did not travel and his status is unknown for this week. S Kenny Phillips injured an ankle in the first quarter but returned to action. Shannon said he did not know Phillips' status for this week.

THEY SAID IT: "If the players don't understand my mentality, they will never be successful, that is just how it is. Until they understand my mentality, which I've got to do a good job of making them understand my mentality and what I mean, it is going to be a learning process for everybody." - Shannon

Christopher Stock

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