By
Miami Hurricanes Upset Notre Dame with Gritty 27–24 Victory
In a clash of college football heavyweights, the Miami Hurricanes outlasted the favored Notre
Dame Fighting Irish 27–24 in a rain soaked, physical battle that came down to the final seconds.
Behind a resilient defense, a gritty performance by quarterback Carson Beck, and a game
winning kick from Carter Davis, Miami proved it has both the talent and swagger to compete
with the nation’s best.
Notre Dame entered the game as the favorite, anchored by a sensational front seven that had
dominated opponents throughout the season. But Miami came out swinging literally behind a
powerful ground game that gave the Irish defense problems right out of the gate. The Hurricanes
offensive line imposed its will early, consistently creating lanes and keeping the Notre Dame
pass rush at bay.
Miami’s defense matched that physicality with an aggressive, back to basics approach that paid
dividends. Fast, physical, and unafraid to hit, the unit controlled the tempo and dictated much of
Notre Dame’s offensive game plan. Defensive lineman Ruben Bain Jr. emerged as a standout,
tallying an interception and wreaking havoc in the trenches. His disruptive presence confirmed
what many suspected he’s the real deal.
Quarterback Carson Beck delivered a steady, if sometimes erratic, performance. His first
touchdown pass to Malachi Toney wasn’t a highlight reel throw, but it got the job done in less
than ideal conditions. Beck's footwork and pocket awareness were perhaps more impressive than
his stat line, as he repeatedly sensed pressure and moved efficiently to keep plays alive. Despite
clear discomfort in the first half several passes appeared to slip out of his hands in the wet
weather Beck’s composure and leadership were evident.
Notre Dame, on the other hand, struggled to establish rhythm. Freshman quarterback CJ Carr
looked every bit the redshirt freshman, appearing rattled by Miami’s relentless pass rush. His
timing and decision making were off for much of the game, and without running back Jeremiah
Love making an impact, the Irish offense stalled. Miami’s defensive front controlled the line of
scrimmage, forcing Notre Dame to play from behind the chains.
Coach Marcus Freeman acknowledged postgame that Notre Dame’s four man rush failed to
disrupt Beck, and that more complex blitz packages may have been needed. By the time Notre
Dame adjusted with quicker passes to neutralize Miami’s pass rush, the damage had largely been
done.
Still, there were bright spots for the Irish. Wide receiver Jordan Faison flashed elite athleticism
and next level explosiveness, while CJ Daniels Jr. made what many are calling the "catch of the
year" in a critical moment. But ultimately, Notre Dame let Miami’s defense dictate the flow of
the game something Freeman admitted was a key factor in the loss.
Miami's victory, however, wasn't without its flaws. The Hurricanes’ offensive play calling came
under scrutiny, especially during key stretches where they repeatedly ran inside zone plays and
vertical routes against a Notre Dame defense that was stacking the box and playing man
coverage. These decisions stalled several drives and nearly allowed Notre Dame to claw back
into the game.
Defensively, Miami showed promise but still has room for improvement in situational awareness.
Missed assignments and poor spacing in key moments nearly cost them the lead. Still, their
ability to tighten up when it mattered most helped seal the win.
With the game tied late in the fourth quarter, kicker Carter Davis calmly stepped up and drilled a
47 yard field goal to secure the 27–24 victory. The celebration that followed was a testament to
the Hurricanes' growing belief in themselves.
Swagger, speed, and toughness Miami brought all three to South Bend and walked away with a
defining win. For Notre Dame, the loss raises questions about quarterback play, offensive
identity, and whether this team can respond when it’s not the one setting the tone. For Miami, it’s
a win that could spark a surge toward national relevance.
Written by: Blake Korn
Post a Comment