On Saturday, we have an epic showdown between the #3 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the #7 ranked Miami Hurricanes. This game harkens back to the 1980’s when these two powerhouses battled it out for college football supremacy. Who can forget the “Catholics vs Convicts” battle? It’s an exciting time to be fans of these two teams and of college football.
The Fighting Irish will travel down to Miami for the first time since 2010 and they are hoping to remain in the hunt for a CFP spot. A win over Miami will definitely help those wishes come true. The Hurricanes are on a collision course with Clemson for an ACC championship battle. If Miami can pull off a win this weekend and win the ACC title, they are definitely a CFP team. Kickoff inside the Hard Rock Stadium is at 8 PM ET.
These two teams have played 8 times since 1985, but it’s their battles in the 80’s that have kept their historic rivalry alive. It was in 1988 that we witnessed the Catholics vs Convicts game. And, in 1989, we saw #7 Miami upset #1 Notre Dame at the end of the season. That’s also the last time these two teams were both ranked in the Top 10 when playing each other.
Last year, these teams squared off, but it didn’t have the same feel because of their mediocre season. But, with both teams fighting for a CFP spot, this is definitely a game worthy of their old-school rivalry. Notre Dame has won the last 4 games in this series, including their last trip to Miami in 2010.
The Fighting Irish (8-1) are coming off a 48-37 win over Wake Forest. ND was up 41-16 before putting it in cruise control and almost let Wake Forest come all the way back. ND totaled over 700 yards that game and won with a juggernaut offense and timely defense. This weekend, they look to stay in the top 3 by beating a tough Miami team on the road.
The Hurricanes (8-0) handled their business last weekend with a big ACC victory over the previously #13 ranked Hokies. Miami won 28-10, which was their highest point total since September. Miami looks to keep their undefeated season alive and improve their chances of making the CFP.
The spread opened with Miami getting 1.5 points. Currently, the spread has gone up and Miami is now getting 3 points. The Over/Under opened at 57 points and it has gone up slightly to 57.5 total points.
I remember those games form the 1980’s where these two teams captured the college football world. It was a stark contrast in players, teams and schools. But, it was a lot of fun to watch. And, I think this game will be fun to watch for 3 quarters, before Notre Dame pulls away. Better yet, before Notre Dame “runs away” with this game.
The Irish are #5 in the country with almost 325 rushing yards per game. Running back Josh Adams has nearly 1,200 yards on the season and averages roughly 132 yards per game, which is good for 9th in the country. Even quarterback Brandon Wimbush is a running threat as he averages about 80 rushing yards per game. In total, ND amasses 495 ypg and 41.3 ppg. That’s going to be very difficult for Miami to handle.
Despite the Hurricanes, being a solid defense that allows only 17.6 PPG, and nothing over 24 points since September, they are prone to giving up plenty of yards on the ground. They are coming off a win where they only allowed 102 rushing yards against Virginia Tech last week, but that was a perfect effort of which I don’t think they can duplicate.
Against other powerful running teams, Miami allowed the following: Syracuse for 264 yards, GT for 226 yards, Seminoles for 203 yards and UNC for 176 yards. I see Notre Dame getting near 300 rushing yards in this one and that will be the difference in the game.
The Fighting Irish’s only loss on the season came against the current #1 ranked team in the nation – the Georgia Bulldogs. And, ND lost that game 20-19 as Georgia kicked a late game field goal to take the lead and hold on. That was also ND’s worst running performance of the season. I would love to see what would happen if both teams played again.
As for Miami, I’m not sold on their team. They’ve had some close calls that could’ve resulted in losses. Other than Georgia, Notre Dame has blown out every other team by double digits including ranked opponents: USC, NC State and Michigan State.
ND is more battle tested and a better overall team. I believe they will go into Miami and win this game 34-21.
The Fighting Irish are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games, 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games as a favorite, 7-2 ATS in their last 9 non-conference games and 4-1 ATS after 2 or more consecutive SU wins.