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The absence of Malachi Toney has cast a shadow over No. 1 Miami's upcoming clash with No. 11 Notre Dame, but head coach Mario Cristobal and his squad are not dwelling on the loss. Instead, they are rallying together and preparing to secure a victory in South Bend, driven by a desire to win for their Heisman-frontrunner teammate.
Here are three key storylines to monitor as the Hurricanes and Fighting Irish square off in this historic matchup.
No Toney, No Problem?
Statistics reveal that Miami's offense experiences a significant drop-off without Toney on the field. However, when a player of his caliber is present, the ball naturally finds its way to him. The pressing question is how the Hurricanes will adjust their attack in his absence. Quarterback Darian Mensah must stretch the field to open up the running game, and vice versa. As the consensus No. 1 team, Miami's offense is now under intense scrutiny. Can they prove their top ranking against a Notre Dame team desperate to keep its playoff hopes alive?
Can Miami's Defense Regain Pre-Bye Form?
Before the bye week, Miami's defense was dominant, ranking among the top five in scoring and total defense. When the offense struggled against Clemson, the defense kept the team in the game, and once the offense clicked, everything fell into place. Now, with more film available on the Hurricanes and defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman, opponents are beginning to exploit weaknesses. Linebackers, safeties, and the middle of the field will be targeted by Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr and his supporting cast. These adjustments must be made, as the defense will be counted on heavily against the Irish on the road.
College Football Playoff Implications
Notre Dame is fighting for its playoff life. With a win, the Irish would likely rise in the polls after defeating the No. 1 team in the country, even without one of the nation's best players. Conversely, Miami has a different motivation: they want to secure a bye week to get their superstar back as quickly and healthily as possible. If the Hurricanes lose, how far will they drop in the rankings, and does the margin matter? A close loss might keep them inside the top 10, but they cannot afford another defeat for the rest of the season. They must win out and reach the ACC Championship Game if they fall to the Fighting Irish.