Prior to the 2017 season, Miami’s running game was considered the strength of the offense. With inexperienced quarterback Malik Rosier being named the starter, junior running back Mark Walton was expected to provide stability and identity to the offense. Unfortunately, Walton’s season and Miami career ended abruptly when he sustained an ankle injury against Florida State that required surgery. Consequently, Miami had to scramble to prepare Travis Homer for a leading role and find ways to provide depth behind him in what was one of the thinnest positions on the entire team.
Mark Richt and Thomas Brown managed through the adversity, and while Miami’s running game wasn’t a large impediment to the team’s success, it was clear that Walton’s impact was missed.