Xavier Lucas is now probable for Clemson.
That is the update Miami fans wanted on game day.
After beginning the week as questionable, the cornerback has continued moving in the right direction and now looks increasingly likely to make his return tonight.
For a Miami defence already playing at a high level, that is a very useful development before the biggest road test of the season.
Lucas could return at exactly the right time
Miami’s secondary has coped well without Lucas, but Death Valley under the lights is exactly the sort of environment where you want as many experienced options as possible.
Lucas has been out since early September, so expecting him to immediately play every snap would be unrealistic.
But simply having him available gives Corey Hetherman considerably more flexibility.
And the injury picture is improving elsewhere too.
Mark Fletcher Jr., Ahmad Moten Sr., Armondo Blount and Damari Brown were all absent from the initial availability list, pointing towards them being available tonight.
After a September dominated by injury conversations, Miami appear to be getting healthier at exactly the right moment.
First place in the ACC is on the line
This is not just another big road game.
Miami and Clemson are both 2-0 in ACC play, meaning the winner leaves tonight sitting alone at the top of the conference standings.
Miami already have road wins at Stanford and Wake Forest.
A third ACC road victory, this time at Clemson, would move the Hurricanes to 5-0 overall and 3-0 in conference play.
That would be a seriously strong start.
Clemson are 3-1 and have won three straight since the opening defeat to LSU.
Their defence has improved.
Their running game has improved.
And Death Valley remains one of the toughest environments in college football.
Miami are still roughly 17-point favourites.
That does not make the place any quieter.
Miami arrive expected to win
That is probably the strangest part of tonight.
Miami are not travelling to Clemson hoping to prove they belong.
They are going there expected to win.
Comfortably, according to the spread.
State of The U’s latest SP+ breakdown has Miami fifth nationally overall, including eighth on offence and eighth on defence, while Clemson sit considerably lower.
Miami are scoring more than 43 points per game and allowing fewer than 10.
On paper, the Hurricanes have the edge almost everywhere.
But this is the loudest and most difficult environment Darian Mensah has faced in a Miami shirt.
The bigger test might not be whether Miami are good enough.
It might be how they handle expectation.
For a deeper look at tonight’s matchup, read our full Miami at Clemson preview.
The Last Word from Across the Pond
This is the first game of the season that really feels like a national statement opportunity.
Miami are No. 4, unbeaten, 2-0 in the ACC and walking into Death Valley as heavy favourites.
That says plenty about how much expectations have shifted.
Lucas potentially returning strengthens a defence that has already been excellent, while Fletcher’s expected return gives Miami more options offensively.
But none of it matters once the ball is kicked off.
Clemson will have the crowd, the atmosphere and every reason to treat this like their biggest game of the season.
Miami need composure, physicality and a complete four-quarter performance.
Win tonight and the Hurricanes are 5-0, 3-0 in the ACC and the conversation gets a lot bigger.
And for those of us over here, yes, it is another 12:30am UK start.
