As CharMar "Marty" Brown is sidelined for the foreseeable future, the No. 4 Miami Hurricanes need Jordan Lyle to overcome recent setbacks and exploit Clemson’s inconsistent run defense.
MIAMI, Fla. – Even with an explosive offense and quarterback Darian Mensah under center, the No. 4 Miami Hurricanes look to establish the run game against each opponent, which presents an opportunity for junior Jordan Lyle to earn more snaps, shake off all rust, and gain momentum for the rest of the season.
Coming off a sophomore campaign derailed by injuries, the Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) native is looking to overcome another setback. After facing a legal case involving alleged fleeing from police and serving a team suspension, Lyle has been activated and has fully participated in practices. The 21-year-old’s return came shortly after redshirt junior running back CharMar “Marty” Brown was ruled out for the rest of the season with a severe right knee injury.
Lyle’s production will be critical for the Hurricanes’ run game, especially in the upcoming Atlantic Coast Conference prime-time clash against Clemson. The Tigers’ run defense has been inconsistent to start the season. When facing Georgia Southern and Cal, seemingly lesser competition, they held both opponents to fewer than 100 rushing yards; meanwhile, UNC and No. 11 LSU had one running back go over.
Despite losing Brown, the Hurricanes still arguably have the nation’s deepest running back room.
After missing last Saturday’s 52-3 win over Central Michigan at Hard Rock Stadium as a precaution, senior star Mark Fletcher Jr. isn’t listed on the ACC injury report and appears set to return. However, if the Hurricanes want to prevent any further absences, Lyle could take on a heavy workload. In 16 snaps against Central Michigan, he finished with 16 rushing yards on six carries. Lyle could’ve scored a touchdown, but fumbled the ball when diving to the end zone; right guard Jamal Meriweather recovered and was credited with the score.
The Hurricanes don’t need the St. Thomas Aquinas graduate to be the star he was initially projected to be following a promising freshman campaign. Lyle just has to be impactful and effective.
In Clemson’s 28-20 win, UNC’s redshirt junior running back Benjamin Hall attacked with physicality and balance. He finished with 130 rushing yards on 18 carries and scored a receiving touchdown. Hall forced 10 missed tackles and 100 rushing yards came after contact.
Lyle has the speed to run through tackles or dash across the sidelines. He alluded to improving his balance at the Hurricanes’ Media Day, ahead of fall camp. Lyle will have opportunities to show it at Memorial Stadium this Saturday, otherwise known as Death Valley; kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. E.T. and will be televised on ABC.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
