Malachi Toney sets Miami’s single-game receptions record as Darian Mensah throws four touchdowns in another dominant offensive performance.
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Hurricanes remained undefeated Saturday afternoon at Hard Rock Stadium, defeating Pittsburgh 52-23 behind a historic performance from wide receiver Malachi Toney and four touchdown passes from quarterback Darian Mensah.
Miami opened the scoring with a 40-yard field goal from Jake Weinberg before Mensah connected with Toney on a 19-yard screen pass to give the Hurricanes a 10-0 first-quarter lead.
Freshman running back Javian Mallory extended the advantage to 17-0 with a 16-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter. Pittsburgh responded with a 5-yard rushing touchdown from Damon Ferguson Jr., cutting the deficit to 17-7.
Mensah answered with a 53-yard touchdown pass to Toney before Miami’s defense created another scoring opportunity. JJ Dunnigan forced a fumble by Pittsburgh quarterback Holden Geriner, which Justin Scott recovered at the Panthers’ 32-yard line.
The turnover led to a five-play scoring drive capped by Mensah’s 3-yard touchdown pass to G. Mueller, marking Mueller’s first career touchdown and giving Miami a 31-7 halftime lead.
The Hurricanes continued rolling in the second half as Mark Fletcher Jr. scored on a 2-yard run. Pittsburgh answered with a 36-yard touchdown reception by Censere Hicks before Mallory added his second rushing touchdown, pushing Miami’s advantage to 45-14 entering the fourth quarter.
Mensah connected with Toney for an 11-yard touchdown early in the fourth, their third scoring connection of the afternoon. Pittsburgh added a safety and a late touchdown to bring the final score to 52-23.
Toney’s Historic Afternoon
Toney recorded 16 receptions for 194 yards and three touchdowns, setting a Miami single-game receptions record. He also surpassed 2,000 career receiving yards during Saturday’s matchup.
Mensah completed 31 of 37 passes for 387 yards and four touchdowns without an interception, while Miami’s rushing attack added three scores.
Miami’s Top Performers
- Darian Mensah (QB): 31-of-37 passing, 387 yards, 4 touchdowns.
- Malachi Toney (WR): 16 receptions, 194 yards, 3 touchdowns.
- Javian Mallory (RB): 7 carries, 47 yards, 2 touchdowns.
- Mark Fletcher Jr. (RB): 13 carries, 41 yards, 1 touchdown.
- JJ Dunnigan (DB): 5 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble.
- Justin Scott (DL): 2 tackles, 1 fumble recovery.
Miami improves to 7-0 overall and 5-0 in ACC play and will travel to Chapel Hill to face North Carolina on Saturday, October 31, at 7:30 p.m. ET, looking to extend its winning streak to eight games.
