Scottsdale, Arizona – Miami’s defensive coordinator, Corey Hetherman, expressed strong optimism about Ahmad Moten Sr. playing in Thursday’s College Football Playoff Semifinal against Ole Miss. Moten injured his ankle in the previous game against Ohio State, limiting him to just 19 snaps. He was labeled as questionable earlier this week, but Hetherman is hopeful about his return.
Another player, cornerback OJ Frederique Jr., who was injured in the same game, is expected to be ready to go. Additionally, cornerback Damari Brown, sidelined since late November, may also get a chance to play.
This news boosts a Miami defense that has been performing exceptionally well during the playoffs. Moten’s presence is crucial for the interior of the defensive line, crucial in their wins over Texas A&M and Ohio State. Miami boasts a remarkable total of 12 sacks in these two playoff games, leading the nation with 46 sacks overall.
Key players like Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr. have driven the team’s aggressive play. Mesidor emphasizes that the defense thrives on intensity, using perceived slights for motivation. An example of this came when Texas A&M’s Trey Zuhn III downplayed Bain’s threat before their matchup, only for Bain to deliver three sacks and four tackles for loss during that game.
The narrative around Miami has shifted. In their last playoff game, they surprised many by defeating Ohio State, despite being a 9.5-point underdog. Jeremiah Smith, a receiver for Ohio State, had claimed Miami would be in for a tough time, but Miami secured a double-digit victory, underscoring their resilience.
With the focus now on Ole Miss, discussions have mostly centered around which coaches transitioning to LSU will be able to participate in this upcoming game. In contrast, Miami, a team with five national championships, has quietly positioned itself as the underdog—a role they’ve embraced.
Keionte Scott, Miami’s nickelback, reflected on this shift, stating, “It fuels us. We want to change how people see the Miami Hurricanes.” The team is aware of its history but acknowledges the challenges they’ve faced in recent years. Mesidor remarked, “In the ’80s and ’90s, we were on top. But the last couple of decades have been tough, making us the underdogs now, and we’re fine with that.” Their current mentality focuses on teamwork and proving their critics wrong.
This year, the College Football Playoff has seen increased competition, with underdog stories emerging. For instance, Miami’s resilience reflects a broader trend of teams overcoming expectation, as highlighted by recent statistics showing that underdog teams are performing better than in previous seasons, asserting their place in high-stakes matchups.
As Miami gears up for this pivotal game, they carry a blend of determination and the weight of their history—hoping to make a mark and redefine their narrative in college football.
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