Miami is set to get two key pieces back just in time for Clemson.
Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal said Monday morning on WQAM’s “The Joe Rose Show” that running back Mark Fletcher Jr. and defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr. are expected to play in Saturday’s primetime matchup.
Both were held out of last week’s blowout win over Central Michigan. Cristobal said after that game the decision was precautionary after the pair picked up minor injuries against Wake Forest on Sept. 18.
Fletcher has been one of Miami’s most productive players through three games. The preseason AP All-American leads the team with 230 rushing yards, is tied for the team lead with three rushing touchdowns and is averaging 6.4 yards per carry. Pro Football Focus has given him a 74.9 rushing grade so far this season.
“We feel Mark is healthy and ready to go,” Cristobal said after the win over Central Michigan. “He was banged up to the point where it may not have been the best choice to put him in there tonight, especially with his running style.
He kind of runs hard. so he’s excited. It was more holding him back.
… He’s ready to roll.”
Moten also appears on track to return after leaving the Wake Forest game early. He was hurt on the first drive, came back for the second and finished with 27 snaps.
This season, he has three tackles and half a sack. Pro Football Focus lists him with a 58.9 defensive grade.
“Ahmad did get a little bit nicked up last week,” Cristobal said after beating CMU. “And we felt, again, just his processes, getting him ready to roll.
He’s such a physical player. He’s right there.
He’s right there and he’s ready to roll.”
In Other News...
Dabo Sends Clemson A Clear Warning Before Miami Arrives
The road win gave Clemson a useful reminder of what can travel well, and Dabo Swinney made sure to point to the defense and the kind of finishing drive that can change the tone of a game. He also noted how the quarterback worked through a difficult night, while still stressing confidence in the players growth as the Tigers move deeper into the season.
Now the focus shifts to a home meeting with a strong opponent, and Swinney didnt shy away from the challenge of getting the team back into rhythm after the travel and the quick turnaround. The warning was clear enough: Clemson handled one tough test on the road, but the next one asks for a different level of readiness, especially with Miami coming to town. [Read more 🡒]
Clemson Took A Brutal Backfield Hit Before Miami
Clemsons backfield took another hit heading into a pivotal stretch, with running back David Eziomume expected to miss the rest of the season after suffering a leg injury against California. Coach Dabo Swinney confirmed the news and said Eziomume will need surgery, a tough turn for a Tigers offense already managing injuries elsewhere on the roster.
The timing is especially rough with Miami looming, and Clemson is now trying to sort through a thinner mix of options while keeping the rest of the lineup intact. Swinney also said starting guard Elyjah Thurmon, nickel Corian Gipson and defensive tackle Devarrick Woods are dealing with short-term injuries, which at least leaves some reason to think the list of sidelined Tigers may not keep growing much further. [Read more 🡒]
Clemsons Next Primetime Test Just Got More Personal
Clemsons next big spotlight arrives Oct. 3, when the Tigers host Miami in a primetime matchup that already feels loaded with stakes. Clemson comes in at 3-1, while the Hurricanes are unbeaten at 4-0, giving this one the kind of early-season weight that can shape how both teams are viewed in the ACC race.
The personal wrinkle is obvious enough before kickoff: Miami quarterback Darian Mensah has already seen Clemson up close in a way that should make this trip feel familiar. Tickets are on sale now, with prices stretching from $84 to nearly $2,000, a sign of how much attention this game is drawing well before the opening snap. [Read more 🡒]