Miami Hurricanes given the ultimate gift after 41-13 win over Clemson, and it couldn’t have come at a better time
The banged up Canes are getting some very much needed rest after another impressive road win.
The Miami Hurricanes took care of business in a big way on Saturday night in Clemson in their first major test of the 2026 season. It goes without saying that the Hurricanes passed that test with flying colors, dismantling the Tigers 41-13 to improve to 5-0 overall and 3-0 in ACC play.
It was the type of performance that should keep Miami in the top five in the polls. The Hurricanes jumped out to a 7-0 lead just two minutes into the game on a 61-yard touchdown to Cooper Barkate, and they led by double digits from the second quarter through the rest of the game.
Beat up Hurricanes hit hard with injuries during the game
But it’s a game that did not come without cost. A number of Hurricane players went down with injury during the game. Most notably was Miami starting defensive lineman Marquise Lightfoot, who left the game with an apparent lower body injury. He went to the locker room and returned in street clothes, which is never a good sign.
A number of other players were banged up but were able to return. Right guard Max Buchanan went down with a lower body injury and right tackle Matthew McCoy was down in major pain with an upper body injury. DB Ethan O’Connor also left and went to the locker room, but he was able to make it back onto the field.
Heck, even Malachi Toney appeared to hurt his shoulder when he landed on it while making a diving third down catch in the second half. He motioned to come off in apparent discomfort, but he returned later.
Bye week coming at the perfect time for Miami
As such, there might not have been a more perfectly timed bye week in recent years for the Hurricanes than the open date they now have to focus on getting healthy.
Even players who finished the game came in banged up, including Mark Fletcher, Jr., who rushed for 77 yards and two touchdowns in the win after missing the Central Michigan game with an injury.
It also gives players who are potentially close to returning that extra time they need, including starting cornerback Xavier Lucas, who was questionable during the week but ultimately ruled out against Clemson.
Miami’s next game is its annual rivalry clash against Florida State on Oct. 17 at Hard Rock Stadium.
