4 winners and 2 losers from Miami's blowout road win over Clemson

The Miami Hurricanes were expecting rain against Clemson, but they turned out to be the only storm that came through Death Valley in Week 5. Miami continued its ascension toward the top of the ACC with a 41-13 win over the Tigers.

Now the Hurricanes can go into their bye week and hope to have some of the injured players back in action for an October 17 date against Florida State. Until then, here are four winners and two losers from a statement win on the road: 

Winner: Darian Mensah doing Darian Mensah things

Mensah is just so calm and collective. He seems truly unflappable. Mensah operates the offense with full faith in the playmakers and a complete focus on executing what's called.

Clemson was going to try to make this into a messy game, especially with the expected rain that didn't show up. Mensah, however, just goes with the flow and then, out of nowhere, he will bust off a 34-yard touchdown run. I'm not saying Mensah is going to win the Heisman, but his efforts this season feel very Heisman-ish.

Winner: Miami came to play a physical game

There was no greater indication of Miami's commitment to physical football than the way they closed the third quarter. The Hurricanes extended their lead to 24-6 with a 14-play, 83-yard drive that took 7:58 off the clock. It was a backbreaker for Clemson, which had played as gutsy and tough as we expected, and it was a show of force for the Hurricanes, that they could push the Tigers around when they needed. 

Miami rushed for 192 yards and three touchdowns on 35 attempts and with each carry you could feel the Hurricanes backs taking the life out of Clemson's defense.

Winner: Damon Wilson II, It's good to see you!

We had a feeling Wilson was generating some momentum. He was very good in the second half against Wake Forest in Week 3 and just needed to build on that. Wilson had 2.5 sacks and was a big part of a Hurricanes pass rush that got to know Tait Reynolds up close and personal. There's still more to be done, but each week Wilson is getting better. 

Winner: JJ Dunnigan is a future All-American

It's hard to believe Dunnigan is a true freshman because he plays like he's been in Miami's defense for years. Dunnigan didn't have the gaudy tackle numbers that he's posted for much of the season, but he did have the pick six that closed the door on Clemson and completed the blowout.

Loser: Those penalties keep taking points on the board

Darian Mensah and Malachi Toney hooked up for a beautiful long touchdown in the first half, only for it to be nullified by an illegal shift penalty. It's the second straight week that Miami has had a touchdown taken off the board because of a penalty. The penalty numbers (6-for-58) weren't as bad as last week, but it's something Mario Cristobal will continue to place an emphasis on during the week. 

Loser: Can we stop with the injuries already?

More guys were banged up in this game. Offensive linemen Max Buchanan and Matthew McCoy both had to leave the game for stretches, but they returned and toughed it out. Marquise Lightfoot is a little more concerning, especially after the way he blew through Clemson's offensive front in the first half. Hopefully it's nothing serious, because that's an injury this defense can't afford.

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