Miami, Florida – With Wake Forest in the rearview mirror, the Miami Hurricanes have suffered a slew of injuries as they prepare to face Central Michigan. The costly 33-20 win saw running back CharMar “Marty” Brown and wide receiver Joshua Moore out for the season. Ezekiel Marcelin Jr. is also hurt and is expected to miss several weeks. Even Miami’s top stars Malachi Toney and Mark Fletcher Jr. are banged up, along with Ahmad Moten and Elija Lofton. Fortunately, these guys only need some rest. Within a series of unfortunate events, there’s some good news. The Cardiac Canes are welcoming back a player who served a suspension to start the season.
Going green for Week 4! 💪
🎟️: https://t.co/vmKAXm1tCW pic.twitter.com/fa54kQsy28
— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) September 23, 2026
Meanwhile, Central Michigan is coming to town with a 2-1 record. The Chippewas dropped their opener against New Mexico 38-7 but bounced back with wins over Colgate and Wyoming. Miami will face another mobile quarterback who leads the team in passing and rushing yards…and a running back who leads Central Michigan in receiving yards. Weirdness aside, a defensive back who has created a no-fly zone early this season may prove troublesome. The last time these two sides met, the Hurricanes won 17-12 on September 21, 2019. This will be their second matchup all-time.
Central Michigan
Angel Flores
Angel Flores breaks loose for a touchdown‼️
📺 ESPN+ || @MACSports pic.twitter.com/GC8NhLLJxA
— CFP (@CFBPlayoff) September 12, 2026
Leading the Chippewas in the air and on the ground, Angel Flores is a dual-threat QB who led the rushing attack against the Wyoming Cowboys. Flores rarely threw the ball, completing four of seven passes for 32 yards but rushing for a team-high 163 yards and two touchdowns. Expect him to try something similar and challenge Miami’s banged-up secondary to keep Central Michigan competitive. Flores has 103 yards, no TDs, and two interceptions.
Vaughn Blue
Q4, 7:33 | Plus six.
Vaughn Blue first TD as a Chippewa.#FireUpChips pic.twitter.com/zTN9YSQI1r
— Central Michigan Football (@CMU_Football) September 12, 2026
Hard to believe a ball carrier from the RB Corps is currently the signal caller’s top target (by a yard). Vaughn Blue co-stars with fellow rushers Brock Townsend and Jayden Clerveaux, contributing via running plays and short-range passing. Vaughn was quiet last game, logging 15 carries for 55 yards. Blue has 24 carries for 107 yards and a TD heading into Saturday’s contest.
Jaion Jackson
Central Michigan CB Jaion Jackson(@iiamj22) put together another solid season for the Chippewas in 2025.
The East St. Louis, Illinois native totaled 48 tackles(4 TFL's), 2 sacks, an interception, and 8 PBU's on the season.
Expect more of the same from Jackson in 2026 as he… pic.twitter.com/YtTULLfWAG
— Bryan (@RealBGauvin23) July 8, 2026
The Canes should watch this defensive back. Jaion Jackson has long established himself as a core player, earning College Football Network Third Team All-MAC honors his true freshman year. A leader in the secondary, Jackson is praised for his competitive instincts and durability. Size is one of his drawbacks, however. Still, Jackson has a team-leading four pass deflections.
Miami
Jordan Lyle
— Jordan Lyle (@jlyle0) August 9, 2026
Fans may see Jordan Lyle return. Key injuries are testing Miami’s depth, and the running back position is no exception. The felony charge has been dropped, and Lyle is now facing a misdemeanor reckless driving charge. If he doesn’t appear versus Central Michigan, he’ll likely see action at Clemson. Lyle tallied 35 carries for 108 yards and a TD last season, offering plenty of upside.
Cooper Barkate
Mensah finds Cooper Barkate for the TD pic.twitter.com/By7MbHdQSm
— Grant Reacts (@GrantReacts1) September 11, 2026
With a sample size of only three games, we need to see more of Cooper Barkate. The Duke transfer has 10 receptions for 96 yards and two TDs. Barkate had just four catches for 13 yards against Wake Forest. Given the circumstances, I’m hoping they ramp up his use because they looked one-dimensional when Malachi Toney was absent. Things should change at least with the Chippewas, with a minimum of 70 yards and a touchdown.
Ethan O’Connor
ETHAN O’CONNOR COMES UP CLUTCH WITH THE INT 💪
Miami gets the ball back with a two-score lead late in the fourth. pic.twitter.com/Dk5K5K3njU
— ACC Network (@accnetwork) September 19, 2026
The secondary gave up several big plays as a unit against Wake Forest, but Ethan O’Connor has shown he is a strong individual defender. One of only two defensive backs to finish with an impressive 78-plus coverage grade from Pro Football Focus, O’Connor recorded the team’s first interception. Defensive coordinator Corey Heatherman praised his great technique on the pick. Heatherman said O’Connor’s confidence continues to grow, adding that the cornerback played great from start to finish.
Prediction
Some home cooking will do the Hurricanes good. Unlike 2019’s embarrassing win, this upcoming victory will be a definitive blowout. UM goes 4-0, winning 45-9. Last chance for the depth pieces to make an impression.
About Post Author
More Stories
FIU vs FAU Men’s Basketball Matchup Announced
Miami Hurricanes cruise past Central Michigan
Albert “Al” Lorenzo Inducted to FIU Athletics Hall of Fame