Michigan State Football: 3 Reasons Spartans will upset Miami

3. Miami is Dealing With Key Injuries

While Miami got out with a win over App State last weekend, it was not at full strength. The Hurricanes lost running back Don Chaney Jr for the season with a knee injury and starting linebacker Keontra Smith for at least a month. To make matters more complicated for Miami, the other primary backup running back Jaylon Knighton was suspended for four games before the start of the season.

These guys might not be household names, but they are a big deal for the Hurricanes. Starting back Cam’Ron Harris has not taken a step forward like some thought and the two backs behind him are redshirt freshman Thad Franklin and true freshman Cody Brown. Both Franklin and Brown don’t have much experience but are going to be needed on Saturday.

The bigger injury will be the loss of Smith on defense. Miami does not have good depth at linebacker and if Waynmon Steed is starting on Saturday, you can bet that Michigan State is going to run right at him. These injuries could prove to be a big deal on Saturday.