Miami broke a seven-year losing streak to Florida State in dramatic fashion Saturday afternoon, pulling off a victory that vaulted the Hurricanes up to No. 11 in the latest AP Top 25. However, moving forward, they'll be without one of their stars.
Running back Mark Walton was carted off late in the 24-20 victory over the Seminoles, and Miami announced Sunday that the junior will undergo season-ending surgery on his right ankle.
"It'll be a season ending surgery,'' Richt said, according to the Miami Herald. "I think that's pretty clear. I know it's the type of surgery that guys that have had it have recovered 100 percent and never had an issue with that type of thing again. That's the good news on that type of deal, but I don't know what we're going to do yet. We've got some guys that are already playing running back that are doing well."
Walton was a big reason the 'Canes jumped out to a 4-0 start in 2017.
The rusher toted the rock 56 times for 428 yards and three touchdowns this year, providing a major insurance policy for Richt as quarterback Malik Rozier settled into the starting quarterback role. An established star, Walton rushed for 1,117 yards and 14 touchdowns a year ago.
Sophomore Travis Homer picked up for 29 yards against the Seminoles and will likely move to the top of the depth chart for the Hurricanes. Behind Homer, Trayone Gray could receive more carries, and David Lake of 247Sports reports that Richt is considering moving wide receiver Deejay Dallas to running back.
Miami hosts Georgia Tech Saturday afternoon at Hard Rock Stadium.
