Mario Cristobal provides injury updates entering regular season finale

It looks as though Jordan Miller and Corey Flagg are on pace to play in Miami‘s season finale Saturday against Pitt, according to ‘Canes head coach Mario Cristobal. The pair of defenders were injured last week against Clemson and did not return.

“Feel good about both of them,” Cristobal said Monday. “Jordan Miller bounced back very quickly. Corey was a little bit slower and coming out still being evaluated, but we feel good about him practicing and playing this week.”

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That’s good news for Miami, as Flagg was the team’s leading tackler in 2021, and in nine games so far this season, Flagg has recorded 51 tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, a quarterback hurry and a pass breakup. He’s been a huge contributor on a defense that has certainly had its struggles.

Miller, on the other hand, has had his share of production as Miami’s defensive tackle, notching 18 total tackles and one sack to his credit this season.

No matter the level of production, it’s all or nothing for the Hurricanes this Saturday, and they’ll need to be as healthy as possible heading into the weekend. Sitting at 5-6 on the season, a loss would eliminate Miami from bowl eligibility. Meanwhile the Panthers, who sit at a respectable 7-4 heading into the final weekend of the regular season, have a chance to end Cristobal’s first season in South Beach prematurely.

The game will also serve as Senior Day for several Hurricanes, and there’s no better way to send them out at home than clinching bowl eligibility and extending their collegiate careers for one more game.

“It means a ton,” Cristobal said about the seniors. “I think everyone that’s ever played the game remembers their last home game. We want to make sure that we do everything possible to make it a great memory for all those guys.”

Kickoff between Miami and Pitt is set for 8 p.m. ET live from Hard Rock Stadium on the ACC Network.