With Miami heading into the bye, HC Mario Cristobal is feeling reflective after the Hurricanes' 5-0 start. Here are some of the most important things Cristobal said in his post game press conference and on The Joe Rose Show on Monday morning.
Cristobal offers some encouraging injury news going into the bye week
The most immediate concern coming out of Clemson was the number of Miami players who required attention during the game. Marquise Lightfoot was the most notable.
The defensive end left during the first half and did not return, and Cristobal said immediately afterward that Miami likely would not know more about his status until Tuesday or Wednesday. By Monday, the overall picture sounded more encouraging.
"We'll see. They're going to be evaluated throughout the course of the week. They went back in the game, except for Marquise."Mario Cristobal
Cristobal also added that a couple of players who did not play against Clemson are expected back.
Several Hurricanes went down, including offensive linemen, and Ethan O'Connor briefly went to the locker room before returning. Miami entered the game already missing multiple contributors, including cornerbacks Xavier Lucas and O.J. Frederique Jr.
The bye now gives the Hurricanes almost two weeks to recover before Florida State comes to Hard Rock Stadium.
Cristobal wants more credit for Miami's player development
The injury situation gave Cristobal a chance to make a point he clearly feels strongly about. Miami has recruited at an elite level under him, but he pushed back on the idea that the Hurricanes simply have more depth than everyone else.
"We have no different depth than anybody else, and this staff doesn't get enough credit for player development. That's a flat-out truth."Mario Cristobal
He credited his coaches for preparing the players who had to take on bigger roles against Clemson. True freshmen JJ Dunnigan, Javian Mallory and Ben Congdon were among the players he singled out during the Monday interview with Rose.
Dunnigan was forced into significant action and returned an interception 39 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Cristobal noted that they watched how Miami's veterans prepared during last season's College Football Playoff run and carried those habits into their first college season.
Miami's offensive line versatility has been crucial
The injuries were particularly noticeable along the offensive line. Multiple offensive linemen went down, yet Miami still protected Darian Mensah and eventually took control on the ground.
Right tackle Matthew McCoy and right guard Max Buchanan both left in the second quarter, and both returned in the third, with McCoy in a shoulder harness. The ability to move players around the line has been important during this first half of the season.
Cristobal used Samson Okunlola as an example while explaining the approach Monday.
"Samson is an awesome left tackle... There is a method to the madness."Mario Cristobal
Okunlola's time at guard forced him to deal with bigger defensive tackles and the physical demands of playing inside before he moved back outside to tackle, where the matchups and responsibilities are different. That cross-training becomes valuable when injuries force changes in the middle of a game.
Miami eventually reached the point Saturday when Cristobal was willing to put the game in the offensive line's hands. The Hurricanes closed out Clemson by repeatedly running the football, including a nine-play, 62-yard touchdown drive that ended with Mark Fletcher Jr.'s second score.
Mark Fletcher and Ahmad Moten returned to Miami for moments like this
Cristobal also made a point to recognize two veterans whose significance went beyond their numbers against Clemson.
Ahmad Moten was part of the 2022 Miami team that traveled to Clemson during Cristobal's first season and lost 40-10. Four years later, Moten returned to Death Valley and helped secure the win. Cristobal paired him with Fletcher when discussing the veterans who elected to return for another season.
"Those guys are awesome, and they came back to Miami for a reason this year, and they're making it count."Mario Cristobal
Fletcher returned after missing the win over Central Michigan and rushed for 77 yards and two touchdowns. Moten helped lead a defensive front that finished with six sacks and nine tackles for loss. Moten also forced a fumble.
The Hurricanes are now 5-0, unbeaten in ACC play and positioned for another run toward the College Football Playoff.
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