MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Local 10 News spoke to Miami freshman wide receiver Malachi Toney, who said he knows opposing defenses are now keying on him because of his early-season success.

The Hurricanes are regrouping after T.J. Harden scored on a 1-yard run in overtime to lift SMU to a 26-20 upset of then-No. 10 Miami this past Saturday at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas.

The loss was Miami’s second in three weeks and dealt a setback to the Hurricanes’ playoff hopes.

Miami (6-2, 2-2 ACC), now ranked No. 18, returns home Saturday to host Syracuse.

Toney, who was recently named one of 14 semifinalists for Freshman of the Year, has 52 catches for 632 yards and three touchdowns this season.

He said he’s noticed teams adjusting their coverage to try to slow him down.

“My mindset coming into the game is to just control what I can control and dominate, try to impose my will on the other team,” Toney said. “It’s really not too much about what other people do. It’s about what I can do and just control what I control and stay focused on the detail.”

Syracuse, who sits at 3-6 overall and 1-5 in ACC play, would have to win out just to become bowl eligible.

The Orange handed Miami one of its most damaging losses a year ago, snapping a six-game skid against the Hurricanes with a 42-38 win to close out the regular season.

That defeat knocked Miami out of the College Football Playoff chase and ended its bid for a spot in the ACC title game.

Kickoff for the Hurricanes vs. Orange is set for 3:30 p.m.

Toney speaks on drawing more defensive attention as Hurricanes look to bounce back vs. Syracuse

About The Author

Ryan Mackey