The Hurricanes were trying to get the ball to Malachi Toney all night because they knew he was just a play away from popping.
Through 3 quarters, nothing popped. Toney couldn’t find any space, be it as a rusher or a receiver. But he delivered at the best time. With 5 minutes and 4 seconds to go, Toney caught a little screen pass from Carson Beck and raced 36 yards for a touchdown that put Miami up 24-19.
Ole Miss had done well all night to contain the dynamic freshman. He had 2 carries for 11 yards. Prior to his touchdown catch, he had 4 catches for 45 yards, with 19 being his longest reception.
The touchdown was Toney’s ninth receiving score of the season.
He had been held in check through Miami’s first 2 College Football Playoff games. Texas A&M limited Toney to 22 yards on 5 catches. Ohio State limited him to 16 yards on 5 catches.
But Toney delivered the only touchdown of the first-round win over the Aggies, and he came through in the clutch again on Thursday night for the Hurricanes, who are looking to make an appearance in the CFP National Championship Game.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
