Toney seeks career milestone against Notre Dame's elite defense

Malachi Toney has accumulated 182 receptions since the start of last season, a total that currently leads all of college football. The Miami Hurricanes wide receiver will have the chance to increase that number when he faces the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday night at Notre Dame Stadium.

Toney is currently tied with Mike Harvey for the second-most catches in Miami history. His next successful reception will give him sole possession of that spot on the school record book. He remains 18 catches behind Xavier Restrepo, who holds the program record with 200.

The matchup features two players who rank among the best in their respective positions. Toney is the primary target for the nation's best offense, which is attached to the top-ranked Hurricanes. Leonard Moore is the defensive anchor for the Fighting Irish, a team that boasts the No. 1 defense in the country. The 8-0 Miami squad will challenge the 7-1 Notre Dame team in a contest with major implications for the College Football Playoff.

Coaches from both sides have expressed high regard for the opposing player. Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson called Moore as good as there is out there. Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, who first saw Toney play last season, described the receiver as one of one. Freeman noted that Toney improved this year after his college debut against the Irish, a game Miami won 27-24 to secure an at-large playoff spot.

Toney reclassified to enter college a year early, meaning he was still 17 during that initial matchup. He recorded six catches for 82 yards and a touchdown in that game. Freeman said he did not know much about Toney before the contest because the player was not yet well-known on the college level. Freeman now cites Toney's speed, route running, and competitiveness as key attributes.

Moore was a unanimous All-American last season. He has seven interceptions and 23 pass breakups in his career. Freeman explained that these numbers are exceptional because opposing teams rarely test Moore with deep throws. He said Moore has a large toolbox that allows him to play corner, nickel, and potentially safety. Freeman believes Moore is one of the top players in the country.

Toney downplayed the individual nature of the matchup. He told reporters on Tuesday that facing Moore is simply an opportunity to get better. Moore agreed, stating that he is looking forward to matching up with all of Miami's good receivers. Miami quarterback Darian Mensah said he is massively looking forward to the game. He believes Toney has done it all year and that Moore will win some plays.