Ole Miss vs Miami Injury Report & Opt-Outs: Fiesta Bowl CFP Semifinal Updates

• No. 6 Ole Miss faces No. 10 Miami in the Fiesta Bowl CFP semifinal on Thursday, January 8
• Both teams released final injury reports with key players ruled out
• Check out the full Ole Miss vs Miami injury report and opt-out updates below

The No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels and No. 10 Miami Hurricanes meet Thursday night in the Fiesta Bowl for a College Football Playoff semifinal with a national championship berth on the line. Both teams released their final injury reports Thursday ahead of the 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff at State Farm Stadium.

Ole Miss defensive end Kam Franklin cleared concussion protocol and will play. Miami ruled out cornerback Damari Brown and running back Jordan Lyle, while starting defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr. is a game-time decision with an ankle injury.

Neither team has significant player opt-outs for the CFP semifinal. The game airs on ESPN from Glendale, Arizona.

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Jump to: Ole Miss Injury Report | Miami Injury Report

Ole Miss Injury Report

The Rebels are healthy heading into the biggest game in program history. Defensive end Kam Franklin cleared concussion protocol and will play. Star running back Kewan Lacy was removed from the injury report after being listed as probable earlier this week.

Kam Franklin Clears Concussion Protocol

Defensive end Kam Franklin cleared concussion protocol and will play Thursday night. Franklin was listed as questionable earlier this week but progressed through the protocol and got medical clearance.

Franklin’s availability is critical against a Miami offense that scored 24 points against Ohio State’s top-ranked defense. The Hurricanes feature one of the nation’s most physical offensive lines, and Ole Miss needs its defensive line at full strength.

With Franklin available, Ole Miss has its complete defensive front to face Miami quarterback Carson Beck and a Hurricanes attack led by defensive ends Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor.

Kewan Lacy Cleared to Play

Running back Kewan Lacy is fully healthy for the Fiesta Bowl. He was removed from Wednesday’s injury report after being listed as probable with an upper-body injury earlier in the week.

Lacy has been dominant in the playoffs with 1,464 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns this season. His 23 rushing scores rank third in SEC history. He’s also been elite in pass protection, helping quarterback Trinidad Chambliss get sacked just 13 times in 14 games.

Offensive Line Losses

Ole Miss will be without offensive linemen PJ Wilkins and John Wayne Oliver. Wilkins entered the transfer portal and is injured. Both players are depth pieces rather than starters.

The Rebels also ruled out cornerback Cedrick Beavers and linebacker Raymond Collins. Neither has played significant snaps this season.

Ole Miss has no player opt-outs for the Fiesta Bowl. Backup quarterback Austin Simmons entered the transfer portal but will be available if needed.

Miami Injury Report

The Hurricanes ruled out six players on the final injury report. Cornerback Damari Brown and running back Jordan Lyle were both downgraded to out. Starting defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr. is a game-time decision with an ankle injury.

Ahmad Moten Sr. Game-Time Decision

Defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr. is a game-time decision with an ankle injury suffered in Miami’s 24-14 win over Ohio State. The All-ACC Second Team selection rolled his ankle against the Buckeyes but has been practicing this week.

Moten started 12 games this season and is critical for Miami’s defensive line rotation. He’s especially important against an Ole Miss offense that runs one of college football’s fastest no-huddle attacks.

The Rebels average 74.4 plays per game. Miami learned late in the season that fatigue can hurt their run defense after 70 plays without proper substitutions. Having Moten available keeps Miami’s rotation fresh.

Damari Brown, Jordan Lyle Ruled Out

Cornerback Damari Brown has been ruled out with a lower leg injury. Brown missed the Cotton Bowl against Ohio State and hasn’t played since November 29. He played just three games this season after missing all of last year with the same injury.

Running back Jordan Lyle is also out. The surprise scratch has been dealing with an ankle injury sustained against Notre Dame that has bothered him all season. Lyle had been healthy for most of the year before reaggravating the injury.

Brown’s absence hurts Miami’s secondary against an Ole Miss receiving corps led by Harrison Wallace III (nine catches, 156 yards, one touchdown vs. Georgia) and De’Zhaun Stribling (seven catches, 122 yards vs. Georgia).

Depth Losses on Defense

Miami will also be without linebacker Malik Bryant, wide receiver Daylyn Upshaw, defensive lineman Donta Simpson, and defensive lineman Cole McConathy II. All four are depth pieces who haven’t played major roles this season.

Miami has no significant player opt-outs for the Fiesta Bowl. Defensive back OJ Frederique Jr. will play after being carted off the field against Ohio State.

The winner advances to face the victor of Friday’s Peach Bowl between No. 1 Indiana and No. 5 Oregon in the national championship game on January 19. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET Thursday at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.