Hurricanes expect key players back for national title game

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CORAL GABLES — The Miami Hurricanes beat Ole Miss to earn a spot in the program’s first national title game since 2003, but it came at a cost.

Several UM players were banged up in the win. But Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal said most of them should be good to go for the national championship against Indiana next Monday.

“I believe we’re coming out a lot like we went into last game,” Cristobal said.

Tight end Elija Lofton played a season-low 12 snaps in the win after being carted off in the second quarter. He is one of the few Hurricanes who may not be ready for the national title game, with Cristobal saying he is “in question.”

Miami will also hope to get Damari Brown back. The redshirt sophomore cornerback has not played in the postseason after suffering an injury at the end of the regular season. He was one of UM’s top cornerbacks during the regular season, and Cristobal said he is day-to-day.

Miami defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr. was playing with an ankle injury he suffered in the quarterfinals against Ohio State. He played the first two snaps against the Rebels before leaving the game. He returned and played 18 total snaps. Moten has 26 tackles and 4.5 sacks this season. Cristobal said Moten was “full throttle.”

Fellow defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor had an elbow injury against the Rebels, but Cristobal said he was in “great condition” and is “full throttle.”

Cornerback OJ Frederique Jr. has been dealing with injuries since November. He played just five snaps against the Rebels, but Cristobal said he should be good for Monday’s title game.

Safety Jakobe Thomas appeared to be banged up during the game, but he played 54 snaps and was named the Fiesta Bowl defensive MVP. Cristobal did not mention him among players dealing with injuries. Thomas has been one of the Hurricanes’ top defensive players this year. He has 69 tackles, 3.5 sacks and five interceptions.

Cignetti praises Hetherman

UM defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman spent three seasons under Indiana coach Curt Cignetti when Cignetti was the head coach at James Madison.

Now the two coaches will be on opposite sidelines for the national championship.

Cignetti had a lot of praise for his former defensive coordinator on Monday.

“I hold him in very high regard,” Cignetti said in a press conference, according to The Athletic. “He’s one of the best football coaches I’ve ever been around. His day in, day out, intensity, his commitment to the game, is unparalleled.”

Hetherman helped turn the Hurricanes defense into one of the nation’s best. UM is ranked fifth in the nation with just 14 points allowed per game.

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