The Miami Hurricanes face a shorthanded secondary in Death Valley as Xavier Lucas is ruled out, though linebacker Ezekiel Marcelin’s return strengthens the defense for a prime-time showdown.
MIAMI, Fla. – A couple of updates for the No. 4 Miami Hurricanes on the Atlantic Coast Conference’s injury report ahead of Saturday’s prime-time clash against Clemson.
Junior cornerback Xavier Lucas, who was initially listed as questionable, has been downgraded to out. He’s been sidelined since the Hurricanes’ 45-6 season-opening win over Stanford. Lucas joins six other teammates who will not be playing, including cornerbacks junior Romanas “OJ” Frederique Jr. and sophomore Ja’boree Antoine.
Head coach Mario Cristobal told presented media on Monday, including MiamiRoundtable, that a return for the Pompano Beach (Fla.) native to the field this weekend was possible. Lucas’ extended absence results in the Hurricanes' secondary remaining depleted of experience.
After the Clemson matchup is a bye week, then a in-state clash against the Florida State Seminoles on Saturday, Oct. 24. It could be Lucas’ return target date.
However, redshirt junior cornerback Damari Brown, who isn’t listed on the injury report, will play a critical role in the rotation. He didn’t play in last Saturday’s 52-3 win over Central Michigan. Plus, redshirt junior cornerback Ethan O’Connor continues to step up in a starting role.
In other news, sophomore linebacker Ezekiel Marcelin Jr., who was initially listed as questionable, has been upgraded to probable. He’s in the midst of a breakout season with 10 total tackles, three solos and seven assists, and a tackle for loss. Marcelin Jr.’s emergence provides the Hurricanes linebacker depth behind veterans Mohamed Toure and Chase Smith.
On Clemson’s side, sixth-year defensive end Armon Mason and junior starting left guard Eljah Thurmon, both initially listed as questionable, have been upgraded to probable.
The Hurricanes will enter Memorial Stadium, otherwise known as Death Valley, with a 4-0 (ACC 2-0) record. Quarterback Darian Mensah and wide receiver Cooper Barkate have recent experience playing in this specific hostile environment. Last season, both Duke stars led the Blue Devils to a 46-45 win over head coach Dabo Swinney and Clemson.
However, the big difference this time is that this matchup will be lit up at night.
Even with a depleted secondary, Clemson freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds hasn’t shown much to be a serious threat in the passing game. The offense averages the third-fewest points in the ACC – 21. The Hurricanes’ main priority will be to limit sophomore running back Gideon Davidson.
The 20-year-old is Clemson’s main spark offensively; meanwhile, the Hurricanes have the rushing defense in the Football Bowl Subdivision. A win in one of college football’s most historic venues would be an excellent start to the extensive portion of ACC play in the regular-season schedule. Kickoff is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. E.T. and will be televised on ABC.
