COACH … “They all improved and showed they could play some winning football for us"

Sept. 28, 2026 - Miami dominated an over matched Central Michigan squad, 52-3, on Saturday night at the ROCK.

On Monday morning, head coach Mario Cristobal made his weekly in-season appearance on The Joe Rose Show on WQAM. He reflected on the performance of his team and the upcoming test at Clemson on Saturday.

Miami head coach Mario Cristobal…

On the interior line rotation…

Miami returned to a rotation of Max Buchanon, SJ Alofaitull, Ben Congdon and Jamal Meriweather on the interior line.

“They all improved and showed they could play some winning football for us," Cristobal said. "We are going to do whatever we can do to make sure we play who gives us the best chance to win.”

On the play of Jackson Cantwell at left tackle…

“His natural home is tackle and he did a really good job for us at tackle," said Cristobal.

On the approach taken by Darian Mensah…

“I love his approach to the game. It is attack, attack, attack!”

On the play of true freshman RB Javian Mallory…

“He is a strong runner and has great contact balance," said Cristobal. "He has really tightened up his protection. He continues to get better and better and when he touches the ball, he makes the most of his opportunities.”

On WR Malachi Toney’s blocking…

“I don't think he gets enough credit for his blocking. I think he is one of the best in all of college football. He is an excellent blocker.”

On Miami’s penalties in the game…

“The ones that are inexcusable are the pre-snap penalties…We did really well with penalties until Saturday. We can't rationalize it with our players at all. We have to get a better result.”

On the injury situation…

As a precautionary measure, RB Mark Fletcher and DT Ahmad Moten were held out of the game. Both are expected back for the Clemson game, said Cristobal.

On the Clemson Tigers…

“They had a tough first game and since then they are 3-0. They are allowing 12 points per game and they haven't allowed a touchdown in the last three games. They are outscoring opponents 42-6 in the second half of the last three games.”

Miami takes on Clemson this Saturday night in Death Valley. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, with coverage on ABC-TV and WQAM.

GO CANES!