Miami's star receiver Malachi Toney suffered a high ankle sprain in practice Wednesday and is expected to undergo surgery ahead of Saturday's game against Notre Dame. Sources told CBS Sports the Hurricanes hope to have him back for a potential College Football Playoff run.
Toney leads Miami with 73 catches, 1,027 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. He accounts for 35.1% of Miami's receptions, 38.6% of receiving yards and 46.4% of receiving touchdowns. His absence against Notre Dame would reshape how the Irish defense operates, as they no longer face the choice between sending extra defenders into the box or keeping help over the top against the passing game.
Cooper Barkate is second on the team with 28 catches for 372 yards and four touchdowns, but doesn't provide the same dynamic playmaking. Without Toney's big-play threat, defenses can focus more on slowing Miami's run game. The Hurricanes rush for 202.5 yards per game with a 5.49 yard average per attempt.
Toney's injury also impacts Heisman Trophy odds. He dropped from +290 to off the board entirely after the surgery news broke. Quarterback Darian Mensah, who was at +170 before the injury, sits at +165 now. Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith moved to +160. Notre Dame's CJ Carr jumped to +550.
Notre Dame moved to a 7.5-point favorite over Miami.