In less than 24 hours, the Miami Hurricanes and the Indiana Hoosiers will battle it out for the national title at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The two finalists have had very different journeys to the championship game.
Indiana has remained unbeaten throughout the season, dominating the game on both ends and proving time and again that they deserve a shot at the title. Miami, on the other hand, had struggles on the way.
With a 13-2 record, they almost didn’t make the playoffs. But the committee decided in their favor, and they made the cut. Since then, every game has been another opportunity for Miami to prove that they deserved to be in the playoffs.
Now, both teams are just one win away from claiming the throne, and the availability of key players, their form, roster strength, and player rotation will matter more than ever. Hours before the game, teams have released their final injury reports.
Both teams have multiple players mentioned on the injury report, but it’s Indiana that has taken a bigger hit. Seven of their players have been ruled out, while Miami only has four players listed as out for the final.
Here’s the complete list of players from Miami and Indiana mentioned on the final injury report.
Miami Hurricanes
- LB #9 Malik Bryant – OUT
- TE #9 Elija Lofton – OUT
- WR #13 Daylyn Upshaw – OUT
- DL #93 Donta Simpson – OUT
- DB #6 Xavier Lucas – OUT (1st half)
- DB #2 Damari Brown – QUESTIONABLE
Indiana Hoosiers
- DL #8 Stephen Daley – OUT
- DL #13 Kellan Wyatt – OUT
- DB #16 Jah Jah Boyd – OUT
- DB #23 Amariyun Knighten – OUT
- DB #24 Bryson Bonds – OUT
- RB #29 Lee Beebe Jr. – OUT
- DL #42 Andrew DePaepe – OUT
- K #35 Brendan Franke – PROBABLE
Despite the long list of injured players, the Miami-Indiana showdown is expected to be thrilling.
Elija Lofton’s Absence Could Hurt Miami
Miami has a deep roster, and they can be a threat to any team. At the same time, their success has been a result of their key pieces performing at a high level. Elija Lofton has been one of those players for Miami.
However, the tight end had to be carted off the field during the Fiesta Bowl. Although the Hurricanes won the game 31-27, Lofton’s injury was a major setback. He ranks third among Miami’s receivers for touchdowns and fourth in receiving yards.
Lofton has 218 yards on 23 receptions and has three touchdowns. In his absence, the Hurricanes will have to balance out the position with a replacement.
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