(Photo: AJ Houk/Fighting Irish Preview)
The Irish faithful stormed the field, and what a glorious sight it was.
Notre Dame entered Saturday night ranked No. 11 in the College Football Playoff rankings, still smarting from last season’s heartbreaking loss to Miami. The Irish desperately needed a signature victory to strengthen their playoff résumé, and they got one.
Notre Dame knocked off No. 1 Miami, 31-24, proving the Irish have the talent, toughness and resilience to compete with the nation’s best. CJ Carr delivered. The playmakers stepped up, the defense made the stops it needed, and Marcus Freeman’s team didn’t fold when Miami made its push.
CJ Carr Makes His Heisman Statement
He completed 29 of 40 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception. Carr was poised in the pocket, trusted his receivers and didn’t force plays. Miami brought pressure but never sacked him. Notre Dame continues to lead the nation in protecting its quarterback, having surrendered just two sacks all season.
His connection with Micah Gilbert was especially impressive. Gilbert finished with nine catches for 98 yards and two touchdowns.
Graham hasn’t been as much of a factor this season as Notre Dame fans hoped, but his three catches for 32 yards were a reminder of the talent he brings to this offense.
Carr struggled against BYU earlier this season, but he didn’t let that performance define him. Against Miami, he showed he can lead Notre Dame against a team with championship expectations.
Carr has now moved to the top of the Heisman odds, and after Saturday, there’s no reason he shouldn’t be there.
The Running Backs Give Notre Dame More Options
Notre Dame averaged just 3.2 yards per carry against Miami, but context matters. The Hurricanes entered Saturday with one of the best run defenses in the country.
Nolan James Jr. and Jonaz Walton both showed their value to this offense. James’ 36-yard reception on fourth down was a perfect example of his versatility.
Walton continues to impress. He’s only a freshman, but his ability to make plays as both a runner and receiver gives Notre Dame another weapon in the backfield.
James brings physicality, while Walton provides explosiveness. Notre Dame doesn’t need its running backs to carry the offense every week, just make defenses respect the run and capitalize on their opportunities.
Notre Dame’s Defense Delivered When It Mattered Most
The BYU loss exposed some issues with Notre Dame’s defense, and Miami presented a major test against one of the nation’s most explosive offenses.
One of the night’s biggest moments came at the goal line. With Miami at the one-yard line, Jaiden Ausberry and Boubacar Traore helped keep the Hurricanes out of the end zone, forcing them to settle for a field goal.
Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa also brought a physical presence to the middle of Notre Dame’s defense, making his impact felt around the line of scrimmage.
Luke Talich has been one of Notre Dame’s most impressive defenders all season. His interception and late pass breakup against Miami were game-changing plays.
Marcus Freeman’s Team Passed a Major Test
The biggest takeaway from Saturday might be how Notre Dame responded when Miami made things difficult. The Hurricanes weren’t going to disappear just because Notre Dame built a lead. When Miami started gaining momentum, the Irish didn’t panic. The offense found a way to extend the lead, and the defense came through when it needed to finish the job.
Freeman said it was “as good of a win as I’ve been a part of.” The crowd at Notre Dame Stadium deserves credit, too. The LED wristbands, light show and energy throughout the stadium made Saturday night special. The Irish fed off that atmosphere.
Freeman said, “What a night, what a moment for this program, for this university.” These are the kind of Saturday nights players choose to play at Notre Dame for. The crowd wasn’t just watching a big game. It was part of the experience, and Miami had to deal with that environment all night.
Freeman’s teams have shown they can respond when adversity hits. In 2024, Notre Dame lost to Northern Illinois before winning 13 straight games and reaching the national championship game. Last season, the Irish lost to Miami and Texas A&M before winning 10 straight to close the regular season. Now, after the loss to BYU, Notre Dame has responded by taking down the No. 1 team in the country.
This isn’t a coincidence. Freeman has built a team that doesn’t let one loss define its season. The Irish take a punch, regroup and get back to work.
Now Notre Dame Has to Finish the Job
The Irish entered the first College Football Playoff rankings at No. 11, and the committee said they still needed a signature win against an elite opponent. Beating the No. 1 team in the country gives Notre Dame exactly that.
But one win doesn’t guarantee anything. Notre Dame still has to win out, and there is no room to overlook anyone left on the schedule. The next College Football Playoff rankings will give a better idea of how much Saturday’s result changed the committee’s view of the Irish.
Notre Dame has put itself right back in the championship conversation. Now it has to finish the job.
Notre Dame didn’t just take down the No. 1 team in the country.
It played like a champion.