Miami have reached the bye at 5-0, ranked No. 4 in the country and sitting in an excellent position in the ACC.
But right now, the rankings are not the biggest thing to watch.
It is the health of the offensive line.
Starting right guard Max Buchanan has become the main concern after a photograph posted from hospital raised questions about his availability for the second half of the season.
The important bit, though, is what we do not know.
Miami have not publicly confirmed a diagnosis.
And there is still no official return timeline.
Miami’s offensive line depth could be tested again
Buchanan and right tackle Matthew McCoy both required attention during Saturday’s 41-13 win at Clemson before returning to the game.
That Miami were able to keep functioning despite the disruption says plenty about the depth Mario Cristobal has tried to build.
It might now be tested further.
Buchanan had posted a photograph of himself in hospital accompanied by a message indicating he would return.
The post was later deleted.
Naturally, that has created concern.
But a hospital photograph is not an injury diagnosis.
Until Miami or Cristobal provide more information, anything beyond that would be guesswork.
What we do know is that Miami have options.
Freshman Ben Congdon made his first career start at left guard against Clemson, while SJ Alofaituli provided cover when Buchanan left the field.
The Hurricanes have spent plenty of time developing those younger linemen.
They may now need them sooner than expected.
The bye has arrived at a useful time
Buchanan is not the only player Miami will be monitoring.
Marquise Lightfoot also picked up an issue against Clemson, while McCoy played through discomfort.
Cristobal has also spoken positively about Xavier Lucas and Ezekiel Marcelin moving closer to returning.
That is encouraging.
But, again, neither should be treated as cleared for Florida State until Miami actually say so.
For now, the simple priority is recovery.
Miami do not play this weekend.
That gives the Hurricanes another valuable week to get bodies healthier before rivalry week begins.
Friday night gives Miami a look at Florida State
There may be no Canes game this weekend, but UK fans still have a useful bit of scouting available.
Florida State travel to Louisville on Friday night.
Kick-off is 7pm ET, which means midnight Friday into Saturday in the UK.
The Seminoles come into that game after beating Virginia 38-7, with quarterback Ashton Daniels producing five rushing touchdowns.
His mobility will certainly give Miami’s defensive staff something to study.
And with the Hurricanes sitting at home this weekend, they get the luxury of watching their next opponent play before beginning full preparations.
Miami host Florida State on Saturday 17 October, also at midnight UK time.
That one will feel a little less relaxed.
The Last Word from Across the Pond
Miami have earned their 5-0 start, but injuries are becoming an increasingly important part of the story.
Buchanan’s hospital photograph has understandably caused concern, although there is still no confirmed diagnosis or return date.
That distinction matters.
The encouraging part is that Cristobal has spent considerable time building depth, and players such as Congdon and Alofaituli have already been asked to step in.
This is exactly why the bye matters.
Recover. Reassess. Get as many players healthy as possible for FSU
