Heading into their Week Eight matchup against the Pittsburgh Panthers, the Miami Hurricanes looked to move to 7-0, remain undefeated, and stay at the top of the AP Poll, ranked the best team in the nation. Although Pittsburgh’s defense made some plays that would have stopped other teams, the Panthers could not stop quarterback Darian Mensah and his favorite target, receiver Malachi Toney, who had a career day on the field. Miami would topple Pittsburgh 52-23 and continue their run as the best team in college football. On Halloween, the Hurricanes will visit Bill Belichick and UNC while the Panthers will host Georgia Tech.
Toney Is Most Versatile Receiver in the Nation
Through halftime, Toney recorded 12 catches for 159 receiving yards and two touchdowns. By halftime, his 159 receiving yards equaled the Panthers’ 159 yards of total offense. Not only is the 19-year-old a cheat code, but arguably the most versatile in the nation. As the season goes on, the debate on who the better receiver is whether that’s Toney or Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith should be answered. Both receivers’ numbers are nearly identical and are easily considered top NFL Draft picks if they were to leave their programs after this college football season. The 2025 ACC Rookie of the Year should absolutely be in the voting and is a strong favorite to win the 2026 Heisman Trophy alongside his teammate Mensah. Toney’s 16 catches on the day are the most by a receiver in Miami’s history. He was one catch away from tying the ACC record of 17 receptions by Ervin Philips in 2017.
Panthers Defense Made Plays, but Gave Up Huge Plays Afterwards
The Panthers’ defense sacked Mensah three times by halftime, looking strong. Yet, pretty much after each sack, the 21-year-old quarterback would gain the yardage back thanks to Toney. Multiple times on third down and long, Pittsburgh would allow the yardage back. During the third quarter, Panthers defensive lineman Jaeden Moore would make a late hit on Miami’s 21-year-old quarterback, costing Pittsburgh a 15-yard penalty. However, the fourth quarter showed Pitt defenders getting a safety and getting another two points on the board. Pittsburgh showed they had the capability to stop Miami defensively at times, but the mistakes on the field cost them severely.
Mensah & Toney Are Elite Together
Today, Mensah finished going 31 for 38 with 387 passing yards and four touchdowns. The 21-year-old quarterback continues to stride towards Bo Nix’s 2023 completion percentage record. Toney put up 194 receiving yards on 16 catches with three touchdowns. These two continue to be the dynamic duo on top of college football and lead Mario Cristobal’s offense to new levels.
