Mark Walton got off to a hot start and Braxton Berrios was a key part of the passing game in the second half as the Miami Hurricanes earned a 52-30 victory over Toledo.
Walton and Berrios were two of the five Miami Hurricanes players that spoke to the Media after the win over Toledo on Saturday. Walton spoke about his injuring his ankle, the level of pain it caused and returning later in the game. Berrios spoke about his first 100 game, his versatility and the touchdown he scored.
Walton was exceptional on the first two Miami Hurricanes drives. The Junior running back had 140 yards on his first four carries of the game. Walton ran 45 yards for a touchdown on the first drive of the game for Miami. He followed that up with a career-long 82-yard run to set up a field goal on Miami’s second drive of the game.
That gave the Hurricanes a 10-0 lead. That was the score after one-quarter. Walton suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter. It would sideline him for about a quarter. It took the Hurricanes offense about that long to recover.
Walton was asked what happened.
"“Just rolled my ankle . . . I’m not sure what happened. I know when I was on the ground I thinksomebody landed on it, I’m not sure.”"
The information seemed to fluctuate from the media about whether or not Walton would be able to return. He discussed what he was thinking in relation to whether or not he would be able to return to the game.
"“I didn’t think I was going to come back in the game. I just got frustrated on the sidelines, I started crying a little bit and trusting Vinny [Scavo] (Miami trainer) and his staff to get me back. We tried different types of taping styles…as one of the leaders of the offense and I’m out. I knew if I can try to go I’m going to go out there and do what I can do for my team and that’s what I did tonight.”"
Walton credited the offensive line and tight end Chris Herndon for doing a get job blocking and setting up the holes for him to thrive.
"“It was a great performance by me. More so, the o-linemen did a great job and Chris Herndon did a great job when he was at fullback. And Coach Richt and coach [Thomas] Brown believed in me when I got back.”"
Berrios was the Miami Hurricanes most explosive receiver on Saturday. He had a career-high 105 yards on five receptions and a touchdown. His first 100-yard career game as a Senior meant a lot to him.
"“This is my first 100-yard game here, and I’d be lying to you if I didn’t say it felt incredible”."
Miami Head Coach Mark Richt spoke about Berrios’ versatility in his post-game press conference. Berrios can play all three wide receiver positions and he is the Hurricanes primary punt returner. Berrios also discussed his versatility post game.
"It always helps. The season is long, especially this 10, 11, 12-game stretch we are about to go on. You never know what could happen and football is a violent game. If somebody goes down or somebody is tired, it helps me when I can go in and I can plug in where they need me”"
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Berrios had a key touchdown in the second half. It extended at 24-16 Miami lead to 31-16. Berrios discussed the play in the post game.
"“It felt good, to say the least…Malik (Rosier) gave me a chance on a ball and I went up and made a play. It always feels good, especially with this game.”"
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Berrios and the Juniors and Seniors get a chance to return to one of the most improbable victories in school history on Friday night. Miami will play at Duke. The Hurricanes won on an improbable multilateral kickoff return in Durham two years ago.