What Initial Injury Report Reveals About No. 3 Miami Hurricanes Status Against Seminoles

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

MIAMI, Fla. – The Atlantic Coast Conference released the initial injury report for the No. 3 Miami Hurricanes’ in-state rivalry clash this Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium against the Florida State Seminoles; a few notable takeaways:

Players ruled out aren’t a surprise: Wide receiver Joshua Moore (Upper-body; Out for Season), running back CharMar ‘Marty’ Brown (Left knee; Out for Season), tight end Luka Gilbert (Undisclosed; Out for Season), cornerback Ja’Boree Antoine (Undisclosed), right guard Max Buchanan (Left knee), and cornerback Romanas “OJ” Frederique Jr. (Left shoulder).

Despite the lengthy list, it’s the best-case scenario, especially for the Hurricanes’ defense. As head coach Mario Cristobal stated in Monday’s media availability, sophomore linebacker Ezekiel Marcelin Jr. and junior cornerback Xavier Lucas are trending toward returning to the field. The Hurricanes currently have the fifth-best total defense in the Football Bowl Subdivision – 39th in passing yards allowed (1,035 total), first in rushing defense (213 total rushing yards allowed through five games), and first in scoring defense (five total touchdowns allowed through five games).

The reinforcements strengthen the depth for Hurricanes defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman’s unit.

Edge rusher Marquise Lightfoot exited early in the Clemson matchup and right tackle Matthew McCoy appeared severely hurt but played through the entire game. Neither is listed in the initial injury report.

Redshirt junior cornerback Damari Brown is another big piece returning. He logged just six snaps against Clemson; limited with an undisclosed injury. The Hurricanes’ secondary has faced the most adversity to start the season, but sophomore Bryce Fitzgerald moving from safety to cornerback and others stepping up, most notably freshman safety/nickelback JJ Dunnigan, have kept them above water.

Meanwhile, the Seminoles have ruled out the following: running back Samuel Singleton Jr., 2ide receiver Devin Carter, safety Karson Hobbs, cornerback Jamari Howard, linebacker Blake Nichelson, cornerback Jordan Crutchfield, linebacker Izayia Williams, and linebacker Daylen Green.

Linebacker Noah LaVallee is listed as questionable. The freshman has only appeared in one game this season – against Central Arkansas. The former three-star recruit logged three total tackles, two solos and an assist, a tackle for loss, and two quarterback hits.

Defensive tackle Darryll Desir, cornerback Zae Thomas, and left guard/center Paul Bowling are listed as probable.

The Hurricanes are currently -21.5 favorites for this Saturday’s prime-time matchup, according to Hard Rock Bet. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. E.T. and will be televised on ESPN, along with several five-star recruits in attendance.

More Miami Hurricanes News:

– "Nick Saban Picks the Miami Hurricanes Over Everybody"

– "How 'Isolated' Miami Hurricanes' Chase Smith Was Overcoming Injuries"

– "How Miami Hurricanes' Camdin Portis Handles Family Legacy Pressure"

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos