Miami will still be without key CB for CFP title game thanks to embarrassing call

Miami's secondary will enter the College Football Playoff national championship with at least one guaranteed (half) absence and two more cornerback situations to keep an eye on.

Defensive back Xavier Lucas will miss the first half against Indiana because of a targeting ejection late in Miami's Fiesta Bowl semifinal win over Ole Miss. Under NCAA targeting rules, a player flagged for targeting in the second half is also disqualified for the first half of the next game.

The timing could not be worse for a defense that has leaned heavily on Lucas throughout the season. Lucas has 30 solo tackles, one forced fumble and one interception in 2025. He'll have to watch the opening two quarters while Miami tries to slow down an Indiana offense led by quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

Miami's other major question in the secondary is cornerback Damari Brown, who is dealing with a left foot injury. Pete Thamel reported Brown is day-to-day and trending to be a game time decision. Brown's expectation is that he'll play, but it's not certain.

Brown did not play against Ole Miss and has not played since Nov. 29, after being listed as questionable.

The most encouraging news for Miami came from O.J. Frederique, who said he is ready to go after being limited in the semifinal. This is huge because the Hurricanes simply need bodies and experience at corner if Brown is compromised and Lucas is out for the first half.

The best-case scenario for Mario Cristobal is Brown gutting it out and Frederique being truly full go, which would let Miami survive Lucas' first-half absence. The worst-case scenario is Brown being limited or unavailable, forcing Miami into a heavier load for reserves while trying to cover Indiana for four quarters.

More will become clear as kickoff for the national championship game gets closer.