No. 4 Miami at Clemson could be affected by weather delays

Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney greets players before the game against University of North Carolina Tar Heels Memorial Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

No. 4 Miami at Clemson could be affected by weather delays

By Alan Rubenstein | Last updated Oct 2, 2026 5:38 PM ET

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Clemson beat reporter Chapel Fowler from The State Newspaper in Columbia, South Carolina, reported on Friday that the Tigers are "monitoring potential inclement weather" for their game against the No. 4 Miami Hurricanes on Saturday.

Fowler reported that heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast for the scheduled 7:30 p.m. EST kickoff.

No changes to the kickoff time are anticipated, but Fowler reported that Clemson will announce any changes. Miami at Clemson is being broadcast on ABC in their featured prime-time game. Clemson's last two home games had lightning delays.

If Miami at Clemson gets delayed on Saturday night, ESPN has several other games on its networks at similar times. Tenth-ranked BYU is at TCU on ESPN, and Arkansas is at Texas A&M on ESPN2 with 7 p.m. EST kickoffs and Temple is at South Florida with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff on ESPNU.

If Miami at Clemson is delayed, expect Arkansas at Texas A&M to be shown on ABC. According to AccuWeather, there is a 96 percent chance of precipitation on Saturday night in Clemson, with a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms and rain expected to accumulate to half an inch over nine hours.

Per Clemson: The school is "monitoring potential inclement weather" for Saturday's game vs. No. 4 Miami, as heavy rain and thunderstorms are in the forecast. There are NO changes to kickoff time as of now (still 7:30 p.m. Saturday), but if anything changes, they'll announce it
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) October 2, 2026

Rain could benefit Miami

Miami enters the game against Clemson 20th nationally, averaging 225.75 rushing yards per game, 10th, posting 6.32 yards per carry and tied for 18th with 11 rushing touchdowns. If Memorial Stadium is affected by the weather, Miami will be able to lean on the run.

Clemson is tied for 97th nationally with Rutgers, allowing 157.75 rushing yards per game. The Tigers are 102nd nationally, permitting 4.44 YPC and 68th with opponents rushing for five TDs. Expect Miami to establish the run against a weak Clemson defense regardless of the weather on Saturday night.

Miami is used to weather delays and soggy fields. Thunderstorms are commonplace in South Florida. The balance Miami has offensively through its first four games in 2026 allows them to alter their game plan to how their opponent plays defensively. Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson will be ready for the weather at Clemson.

Alan Rubenstein

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