Depth has been a major issue for the Miami Hurricanes on defense this season, and that problem got a little worse Monday when the team announced LB Ramon Buchanan suffered a season-ending injury on Saturday against Bethune-Cookman.

Nothing boosts the confidence of a fanbase like losing a two-year starter to injury the week before a crucial conference matchup against rival Virginia Tech.

Miami coach Al Golden would not say which body part Buchanan injured in the first quarter, but speculation centers on his right knee based on tape of Miami's win over BC-U.

"It's going to be season-ending surgery," Golden offered, declining to say when.

If all that sounds too withholding, at least Golden didn't say Buchanan is suffering from a "lower extremity" injury, the way his predecessor Randy Shannon would have.

Regardless, the loss of Buchanan puts the Canes in a bind. He is a fourth-year senior and had been starting at middle linebacker, the keystone of Miami's 4-3 defense.

He started all four of Miami's games thus far, notching 18 tackles, two for losses, and a blocked field goal against Kansas State.

Taking Buchanan's place on the depth chart is Jimmy Gaines, who had been starting at left outside linebacker. Gaines' spot on the outside will be filled by either senior Jordan Futch or sophomore Kelvin Cain.

"All those guys have to step up," Golden said. "Right now we're trying them all...Whoever moves around, practices well, we move them."

Buchanan is expected to seek a medical hardship waiver, which would grant him an additional year of eligibility in 2012.