Miami Hurricanes Provide Injury and Team Updates Ahead of Fiesta Bowl
Miami, Arizona – As the College Football Playoff Semifinal approaches, the Miami Hurricanes have provided updates regarding player availability and team performance ahead of their matchup against Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl.
Injury Updates- Ahmad Moten Sr. (Defensive Tackle): Miami defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman stated on Tuesday that Moten is expected to play in Thursday's semifinal. Moten sustained an ankle injury during the quarterfinal game against Ohio State, where he played 19 snaps, and was previously listed as questionable.
- OJ Frederique Jr. (Cornerback): Frederique Jr., who also left the Ohio State game due to injury, is listed as probable and is anticipated to play against Ole Miss.
- Damari Brown (Cornerback): Hetherman indicated that Brown, who has been out since November 29 with a lower leg injury, "will have a shot to play."
The Miami defense has demonstrated strong performance levels throughout the College Football Playoff. Moten has been a contributing factor to the interior defensive line's effectiveness in recent victories.
- The team has recorded 12 sacks in each of its two playoff games.
- Miami currently leads the nation with a total of 46 sacks.
- Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr. are among the key contributors to the team's defensive front.
Prior to their playoff game against Texas A&M, offensive lineman Trey Zuhn III commented on Rueben Bain Jr., stating, "I don't think he'll be a threat that we need to worry about too much." Bain subsequently recorded three sacks and four tackles for loss in that game.
In the quarterfinal against Ohio State, Miami was a 9.5-point underdog. Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith stated, "We got something coming for them New Year's Eve." Miami ultimately won the game by a double-digit margin.
In the lead-up to the Fiesta Bowl, media discussions have largely focused on Ole Miss and the eligibility of coaches who have since departed for LSU.
Miami players have addressed the team's public perception. Nickelback Keionte Scott remarked, "It's definitely something that fuels us, and it's also definitely something that keeps us going. We're definitely trying to rewrite the Miami Hurricane narrative around the country for sure right now."
Akheem Mesidor commented on the team's approach to external opinions, stating, "We thrive off people hating. We love being an underdog. We don't care if you don't believe in us. We believe in each other, and we're going to play like we got something to prove every time." Mesidor attributed the team's current underdog status, despite its historical success, to challenges faced in the last two decades.