Miami opened its football season with a 45-6 victory over Stanford on Friday night. Receiver Malachi Toney set a program record with 12 receptions for 234 receiving yards, breaking Eddie Brown's previous mark of 220 yards set in 1984. Toney also caught three touchdowns.
Quarterback Darian Mensah, a transfer from Duke, completed 27 of 30 passes for 401 yards and five touchdowns in his Miami debut, establishing new program records for both categories in a first game.
Toney said of his record-breaking performance: "It means a lot, knowing how many greats played at this university."
The two connected early and often. On Miami's opening play, Mensah and Toney linked up for a 48-yard pass. Toney's 47-yard touchdown came in the second half. Both were removed in the third quarter as Miami built a commanding lead.
Cristobal praised Mensah's performance. "His skill set really fits what we do," the Miami coach said. "His ability to read the field and his ability to digest concepts and to continue to evolve is really, really impressive. Sky's the limit."
Toney acknowledged the fans who traveled for the game. "Them fans traveling six hours," he said. "I just wanted to at least let them feel me, touch my hand."
Another Duke transfer, receiver Cooper Barkate, caught four passes for 67 yards and one touchdown.
Mensah's transfer was part of Miami's offseason strategy of acquiring proven quarterback talent. Quarterbacks Cam Ward and Carson Beck transferred to the program in the two previous seasons.
