How UM's Offensive Line Showed Resiliency, Plus Overcoming Injuries, in Win Over Clemson

MIAMI, Fla. – As the No. 4 Miami Hurricanes come off a 41-13 win over Clemson at Death Valley (Memorial Stadium), the bye week couldn’t have come at a much better time.

Despite missing seven players before kickoff, including three with season-ending injuries (Joshua Moore, CharMar “Marty” Brown, and Luka Gilbert), others ended up hurt or sidelined, including on the offensive line. Entering the game, head coach Mario Cristobal started freshman Ben Congdon at left guard over sophomore Seuseu “SJ” Alofaituli; meanwhile, the rest of the unit was the same: left tackle Samson Okunlola, center Ryan Rodriguez, right guard Max Buchanan, and right tackle Matthew McCoy.

Right out of the gate, they executed a tunnel screen for wide receiver Cooper Barkate, who scored a 61-yard touchdown. The offense started on a strong note, but would soon face adversity. Buchanan and McCoy both went down with injuries in the first half, but returned to play the rest of the game. Alofaituli and Meriweather stepped up while both stepped off the field and were checked on.

Last season, the Hurricanes didn’t rotate much on the offensive line, except at left guard, as McCoy and Okunlola split snaps at the position. However, there is legitimate depth on the sidelines this season. Although Alofaituli and Meriweather combined for 39 snaps, both played critical roles in sustaining the Hurricanes’ offensive rhythm.

After McCoy and Buchanan returned to the field, the unit displayed great resilience in the fourth quarter. The Hurricanes had a touchdown drive all made up of nine run plays by Mark Fletcher Jr. and Javian Mallory. Both backfield stars combined for 62 rushing yards. Fletcher Jr. scored the touchdown, which was his second on the night, and it cemented the Hurricanes’ blowout win.

In a program led by head coach Mario Cristobal, everything starts at the line of scrimmage. Although quarterback Darian Mensah has shown elite accuracy, running the ball efficiently is still a priority. Fletcher Jr., Mallory, Jordan Lyle, and Chris Wheatley-Humphrey’s success on the ground comes with the offensive line creating the gaps for them.

McCoy and Buchanan will be re-evaluated throughout the week, as the Hurricanes won’t have an opponent to prepare for this upcoming Saturday. It gives them and other players a proper opportunity to heal and return to full strength. The Hurricanes won’t return to action until next Saturday, Oct. 17, to face the Florida State Seminoles at Hard Rock Stadium. Kickoff is officially scheduled for 7:00 p.m. E.T. and will be televised on ESPN.

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