Duke Johnson is 59 yards short of breaking the University of Miami’s freshman rushing record, and coach Al Golden said he’s going to help the speedy tailback get it.
Johnson’s last shot at surpassing Clinton Portis’ school-record 839 yards, set in 1999, comes Saturday when the Hurricanes play their regular-season finale against Duke in Durham, N.C. Because UM self-imposed a bowl ban Monday, Johnson won’t get a chance to pad his total beyond Saturday’s game.
“We’re going to try to work on that,” Golden said of getting Johnson the record. “Duke’s going to have something to say about that.”
Johnson, who has 781 yards this season, is averaging 71 rushing yards per game. If he hits his average against Duke, Johnson will finish with 852 yards.
• Golden said receiver Rashawn Scott will be reinstated Jan. 1. Scott was suspended for undisclosed reasons before the Virginia game Nov. 10 and is not practicing with the team.
• Malcolm Bunche has started every game this season at left offensive tackle but is battling for the No. 1 job this week with freshman Ereck Flowers. Bunche was removed from last week’s game against USF after being flagged for a false start. “Bunche is capable of playing better,” Golden said.
• Safety Deon Bush practiced Tuesday and will play against Duke. Bush has missed two consecutive games after suffering a neck injury against Virginia Tech on Nov. 1.
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