Miami Gets Big Injury Boost as Playoff Pressure Grows

Miami is still in the College Football Playoff race, but just barely. ESPN’s playoff predictor gives the Hurricanes only a 26% chance to make the final four. That means they must beat Pittsburgh on Saturday and hope some other teams lose. On Monday, head coach Mario Cristobal shared some news that could help keep their season alive.

Cristobal said on his weekly WQAM radio show that several injured starters should return this weekend. Defensive tackle David Blay and cornerback O.J. Frederique Jr. are both expected to be back on the field. Running back Mark Fletcher and wide receiver CJ Daniels, who played only a little last week, should also be “100% this week,” according to Cristobal.

He also praised defensive end Akheem Mesidor, saying he “does not get talked about enough” and deserves to be mentioned with the top players in the country.

These updates are huge for Miami, especially because the team has been dealing with injuries for more than a month. Even so, the Hurricanes still beat Virginia Tech 34–17 last week while missing several starters.

Fletcher’s return might be the biggest help. The offense has struggled to run the ball since he went down with a lower-body injury on November 1. Before he got hurt, Fletcher had 636 rushing yards, nine touchdowns, and averaged 5.1 yards per carry. With him out, freshman Girard Pringle had to take on a bigger role. Pringle held his own, but Fletcher’s power and experience will be important in a tough road game at Pittsburgh.

The defense also gets a major lift with Frederique Jr. returning after missing three games with an upper-body injury. His absence forced Miami to rotate several young players in the secondary. Having him back gives the Hurricanes more stability and depth.

Up front, getting Blay back could be a game-changer. Miami’s defensive line has been strong all season, but without Blay, Virginia Tech almost rushed for 200 yards—the most Miami has allowed this year. His return helps the Hurricanes stop the run and control the line of scrimmage.

Daniels also gives the offense another trusted weapon, especially in the red zone. Having all these players back gives Miami a much better chance in a must-win game.

Finebaum Calls Out Playoff Committee Over Notre Dame

Off the field, Miami got support from an unexpected voice—ESPN’s Paul Finebaum. He has openly criticized the College Football Playoff committee for what he believes is clear favoritism toward Notre Dame.

“There is a bias. Let’s just admit it,” Finebaum said on Get Up. He pointed out that Notre Dame is ranked No. 9, while Miami sits at No. 13, even though both teams are 9–2 and Miami beat Notre Dame back in Week 1.

He repeated his frustration on SportsCenter, saying the committee is ignoring Miami’s head-to-head win and focusing too much on Notre Dame’s blowout win over Syracuse last week.

“That’s not how we should be picking teams,” he said. Finebaum believes that head-to-head results should matter much more. Even after hearing CFP chairman Hunter Yurachek’s explanation that Notre Dame has “better losses,” Finebaum still wasn’t convinced.

With a big game against Pittsburgh ahead and national debate heating up, Miami’s playoff push is still alive—but the pressure is higher than ever.

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