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Miami getting three starters back for Florida State

Deejay Dallas, Michael Pinckney and Jeff Thomas set to play Saturday

Virginia v Miami Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images

When Miami lost Deejay Dallas in the first quarter of the Georgia Tech game, it felt like the offense took a hit before sophomore running back Cam’Ron Harris stepped in and had a career game in a 28-21 overtime loss.

Dallas then traveled with the team to Pittsburgh, but didn't play in the game. Manny Diaz said Monday during his press conference that he is “optimistic” about getting Dallas back, along with another key member of this Hurricanes team.

Michael Pinckney is expected to return Saturday at Florida State to take over the weak-side linebacker spot that was filled in by Zach McCloud this past week. The senior is second on the team with 7.5 tackles for loss and is fourth in tackles despite missing a game and a half.

Georgia Tech v Miami Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Wide receiver Jeff Thomas has also completed his two game suspension that caused him to miss the Georgia Tech and Pittsburgh games. The junior has had his ups and downs throughout his Miami career, but is undoubtedly one of the most explosive playmakers in the country when the ball is in his hands.

As far with the team last week, no injuries were suffered according to Manny Diaz.

With everybody back in one of the biggest rivalry games across the sport of college football, it is lining up to be a really good matchup in Tallahassee against a Florida State team that seems to be turning the corner from where they were in the beginning of the year.

“Probably their best performance this past Saturday,” Diaz said. “They have been hard to beat at home since the opener. Four straight wins at home so, look, I think they're in year two were in year one. I think were both kind of starting to wait for that kickstart to get things going. But I know this — I know they’ve got outstanding personnel. I know they got game winning type players that can beat you alone on them, so they’ll have our full attention. We don't really pay attention to what their record is and it certainly should not affect us and our record.”

Miami will take on Florida State at 3:30 p.m. this Saturday and the game will be aired on ABC.