The first ACC availability report for Miami’s trip to Wake Forest confirms what was already expected: the No. 5 Hurricanes will be down four players Friday night.
Miami’s list of outs includes defensive backs OJ Frederique Jr., Xavier Lucas, and Ja’Boree Antoine, along with tight end Luka Gilbert, who had already been announced out for the season.
That leaves Miami leaning on its depth early on the road, and the Hurricanes have already shown they’re willing to use it. Freshmen and other younger players have been on the field, a sign of how much talent this roster has stacked across the board.
Head coach Mario Cristobal addressed that approach this week, explaining that playing time has to be earned.
"Well, I'd say we're really intentional about playing anyone anywhere that shows that they can be trusted," Head cocah Mario Cristobal said about playing a ton of freshman. "Because the one thing that we like to stay away from is just playing a guy because we built up a lead. Because I think that leads to a lot of bad habits.
"Guys assume, 'Hey, if we get up, I want to get in and play.' And the guys that played in some way, shape, or form, they earned that time, and over the course of four years, we played a lot of freshmen. We've had a lot of success with freshman All-Americans and guys that have gone out and played at a high level here and then in the NFL.
"So, hopefully, it speaks loudly to our recruiting grounds, and I know it was a very important aspect to be addressed when we arrived here back in 22. So, hopefully, that action is speaking loudly enough, or we don't have to speak it."
Miami has another chance to let that depth show against Wake Forest, and the matchup also gives the Hurricanes a chance to display what their coaching staff has built in recruiting and development against a high-scoring opponent.
Through the early part of the season, Miami still hasn’t forced a turnover, but it also hasn’t allowed a touchdown. The ACC’s report defines probable as "Likely to play; greater than 50% chance." and questionable as "Uncertain to play; less than 50% chance."
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Miami has answered its first two games with authority, reinforcing the national championship expectations that already hang over the Hurricanes. Quarterback Darian Mensah, receiver Malachi Toney, running back Mark Fletcher and defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr. give the visitors the kind of balance that can expose mistakes quickly, which is why this one figures to say plenty about where Wake Forest stands after its bright opening. [Read more 🡒]