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Tuesday, November 2
Updated: November 16, 5:50 PM ET
 
Another hold-your-breath win

(Editor's note: Miami wide receiver André King, a junior, will file a weekly diary with ESPN.com throughout the season. For more on Miami, visit the Hurricanes' official athletic site.)

Nov. 1, 1999

Well, another week that produces yet another win. Sounds easy, but I only wish it was that easy. We are thinking of changing our name from the 'Canes to the "Cardiac Kids." With our edge-of-your-seat performances, fans have no idea what to expect next from our ball club from down to down.

An unexpected slow start against West Virginia had us going into halftime staring at a 13-0 deficit. Trust me, we don't plan to start the game off like that, nor are we coached to do so.

In fact, starting fast has been the Hurricane motto around here for many years. We like to start games like sharks on a feeding frenzy attacking live bait in the open water, like in the movie "Jaws." Unfortunately, the last couple weeks that has not happened, but that is just something that will happen as we play more games and get ourselves in the game-type atmosphere.

On the contrary, starting slow is not always a negative because it shows everyone involved with our program that the 'Canes have a never-die attitude. We will fight to the finish, and that is just the kind of guys that we have on our team. Guys on our team have character and we stay poised and under control no matter what the situation.

I truly believe that this is a direct reflection on how we are coached. Coach Butch Davis and his staff preach to us to do the little things, because usually when things are going bad, we are forgetting to do those little things (for example, your stance, starts and even the proper position you need to take on a block or make a tackle).

I'd like to comment on a special group of guys that played just absolutely fantastic on Saturday: our defense. It forced West Virginia quarterback Marc Bulger into terrible situations and made four interceptions. Our defense stepped up and played hard, held them down and was able to buy a little extra time for our offense. With their interceptions coming at an opportune time, it enabled our offense to work in great field position. Defense definitely had our back Saturday.

It's going to be a war these next six weeks. We have become the hunted and teams will stop at no cost to embarrass the Miami Hurricanes. Pittsburgh is our next opponent, and has always played us tough, especially at home. This is the next challenge that presents itself and we will be forced to execute in order to come out with a victory.

I am happy to see the support of the home fans coming out. Even though it was an early game, the "OB" (Orange Bowl) was filled with excitement. I speak for our team when I say we really do appreciate what our fans do for us.




Miami's official athletic site

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