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Miami Stock Up, Stock Down After Hurricanes Beat Clemson in Death Valley

After a huge Week 5 win, the Hurricanes have several players with their stocks rising.
Jordan Lopez|
Miami Hurricanes quarterback Darian Mensah (10) congratulates teammate Miami Hurricanes quarterback Vinny Gonzalez (18) after he scored during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Miami Hurricanes quarterback Darian Mensah (10) congratulates teammate Miami Hurricanes quarterback Vinny Gonzalez (18) after he scored during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium Saturday, October 3, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

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Miami (FL) HurricanesClemson Tigers

No. 4 Miami traveled to Death Valley and played an incredibly physical game against Clemson on Saturday night. The Hurricanes defeated the Tigers, 41-13.

Another game where Miami got hit with the injury virus as several key starters exited the game, and some even tried to come back in and tough it out.

Despite the injuries, the team showed their resilience and toughness in a tough environment.

Here is the stock report after the Week 5 win for the Hurricanes.

Stock up

DE Damon Wilson

The breakout game couldn’t have come at a better time for Damon Wilson. In a huge conference game on the road in one of the toughest atmospheres, Wilson stepped up in a tremendous way for the Hurricanes.

He was credited for two tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 2.5 tackles for loss after the win.

Wilson was everywhere for Miami and was pressuring the quarterback nonstop. If the Hurricanes get this version of Wilson for the rest of the season, it would make Miami’s defense even more dangerous.

WR Cooper Barkate

Talking about breakout games, Cooper Barkate showed the Miami crowd why he is one of the best wide receivers in the country.

Only the first play of the game, Mensah hits Barkate on a screen pass that goes for 61-yards and the touchdown. It set the tone to begin the game and took the crowd out of it immediately.

Barkate finished the game with five catches for 98 yards and a touchdown.

An incredible game for the senior playmaker.

DT Ahmad Moten Sr.

Ahmad Moten has been projected to be a first round pick in this upcoming NFL Draft and the tape from this Clemson game will show scouts why.

He has been consistent for the last couple of years for Miami but more so this year with more responsibility on his plate.

Moten forced a fumble on the quarterback, punching the ball out in a crucial play for the Hurricanes. He was wreaking havoc in the run game and always around the quarterback in the passing game.

LB Chase Smith

A standout game from Chase Smith as he was everywhere for Corey Hetherman and this defense. 

He was credited for six tackles, including five of them being solo tackles and one being a tackle for loss.

Smith was delivering huge hits on nearly every drive and was playing fast, physical, and violent. Something the coaches always preach to the defense.

Miami’s Run Defense

In the first half, Miami allowed zero rushing yards to Clemson.

Completely shut down the rushing attack and made the Tigers very one-dimensional. Hetherman had a great game plan heading into this game, and the players executed it perfectly.

The Hurricanes continue to be one of the best teams in the country in stopping the run.

LT Samson Okunlola

Samson Okunlola has had his stock skyrocket to begin the season, and this Clemson game will only boost it. 

He was great and held it down on the left side of the offensive line.

Okunlola continues to be the most dominant and consistent player in the trenches for Miami.

Stock down

3rd Down Defense

Entering the game, Clemson struggled to convert third downs. On Saturday night, they found some success against the Hurricanes' defense, especially in the first half.

The Tigers converted eight third downs on the night. They completed seven out of their 11 passes on third down for 84 yards.

Miami's defense played well and had a lot of flashes defensively, but if there is one area to look at from this game, it'd be this one.

Rushing Attack

The running game in the first half was underwhelming, to say the least.

The offensive line dealt with injuries the entire half and forced a lot of shuffling across the line, which had an impact on the rushing attack. 

Nonetheless, it has to be more consistent moving forward.

The Hurricanes were much better in the second half in running the ball. The wear and tear seemed to be taking a toll on Clemson’s defensive line, and they took advantage of it. 

In games going forward, if Miami can have a little bit more success on the ground early, the offense will be hard to stop.

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Published
Jordan Lopez
JORDAN LOPEZ

Jordan Lopez is a Miami-based sports writer and FIU sports journalism graduate who specializes in college football and the Miami Hurricanes. A lifelong Miami resident, Jordan has a deep understanding of the local sports landscape and brings a unique perspective to his coverage after having the opportunity to play college basketball. He's also written for Predominantly Orange (Denver Broncos), StateoftheU (Hurricanes football), and other sports, while also drawing on his background as a former athlete and now high school basketball coach to provide an informed perspective on games. Jordan's also a huge Dexter fan!

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