Undefeated Miami face biggest test at Notre Dame without star receiver Malachi Toney

Miami has passed every test to start this season, but this is arguably the biggest test of the entire year for them. They come into the game at 8-0, and their opponents Notre Dame are 7-1.

Miami's unbeaten run has been built on very strong quarterback play from Darian Mensah. For the season, Mensah has thrown for 2,425 yards and 25 touchdowns with just one interception.

But 13 of those 25 touchdowns have gone to Malachi Toney, who is missing this game with an ankle injury. He is getting surgery on the ankle as well, so someone has to step up in a big way.

Miami has so far beaten Stanford, Florida A&M, Wake Forest, Central Michigan, Clemson, Florida State, Pittsburgh, and North Carolina. They did have a scare against Florida State, winning in a somewhat controversial way in double overtime.

But Miami's schedule has not been very impressive. Notre Dame is the only team on the schedule that is ranked, and therefore will be the first ranked team they play.

Notre Dame comes into the game with a 7-1 record, having lost against BYU two games ago. That was also a controversial loss, but either way, the loss is on their record.

Their other wins this season were against Wisconsin, Rice, Michigan State, Purdue, North Carolina, Stanford, and Navy. None of these games were particularly close. They have won all of them by at least two scores.

Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr has put together a really strong season, throwing 18 touchdown passes, and unlike Miami, he is spreading the ball around the field.

Notre Dame, under head coach Marcus Freeman, has faced questions about consistency. They are not in a conference, so they can pick whoever they want to play, but their performances in big matches have drawn criticism.

This was one of the most anticipated games of the season a few weeks ago. Without Toney, Notre Dame does get a bit lucky. Playing Miami, even at home, will still be a challenge, but without their best offensive weapon, it should be easier for the Fighting Irish.

The match carries major College Football Playoff implications. The winner will take a big step towards the playoffs, while the loser's path will become much harder.

Analysts expect a very close game, with both teams playing patiently. Notre Dame are expected to load the box to stop Miami's running game, while Miami will look to make Notre Dame run the ball.