Miami missing four starters versus Florida A&M
Miami is missing starting defensive lineman Rueben Bain, cornerback Damari Brown and offensive linemen Jalen Rivers and Ryan Rodriguez for their game today versus Florida A&M per Marilyn Payne of the ACC Network. Miami was without Bain and Brown for most of the season-opening win versus Florida.
Bain will be replaced primarily by Elijah Alston, Tyler Baron and Akheem Mesidor. True Freshman O.J. Frederique and Dyoni Hill will be the primary CBs opposite starter Darryl Porter Jr. Markel Bell started for Rivers at left tackle. Matthew McCoy and Samson Okunlola should get most of the snaps at right guard.
The injuries to the four starters provide the above-mentioned players and those behind them on the depth chart to receive plating time versus an FCS opponent. Offensive line coach Alex Mirabal is high on his reserve offensive linemen. Bell was called for a hold that negated a Miami touchdown and McCoy was called for a false start.
Bain and Brown are expected to be out for a few weeks. There was no further information on why Rivers and Rodriguez are out or how long they will be missing. With Ball State next week, Miami should be able to absorb the injuries for their first two home games. Miami concludes non-conference play at South Florida on September 21.
No. 12 Miami hosts Florida A&M in Cam Ward’s Hard Rock Stadium debut.
— Marilyn Payne (@marilyn_payne) September 7, 2024
No reigning ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year tonight, Rueben Bain Jr. out with a soft tissue lower body injury. Same for CB Damari Brown.
New: no LT Jalen Rivers. 6’8” Markel Bell starting in Rivers’ place. pic.twitter.com/k062C36y0P
Mario Cristobal and his staff made the defensive and offensive lines their first priority in recruiting when hired in December 2021. The additions of Alston and Baron as transfers and Bell from junior college were huge for Miami to add depth to their 2024 roster. Alston and Baron were menacing versus Florida with Bain injured.
Next. Mario Cristobal injury updates for Rueben Bain and Damari Brown. Mario Cristobal injury updates for Rueben Bain and Damari Brown. dark
Frederique and Hill will earn snaps to further develop and the same goes for Bell, McCoy and Okunlola. Miami breezed by Florida A&M. At the time this was published, Miami led 25-3 late in the second quarter. Cristobal and his staff have done an exceptional job building depth throughout the Miami roster.