(Photo credit: AJ Houk)
Ever since Notre Dame wrapped up its epic 2024 season, the hype started to build for the 2025 opener—and for good reason. The Miami game looked to be the toughest test on Notre Dame’s schedule. Well, the pundits got that one right. On a rainy Sunday night at Hard Rock Stadium, the Hurricanes slipped past the Irish by three points, leaving Notre Dame at 0–1.
That’s not exactly a shock, but one thing is clear: 2025 Notre Dame cannot start 0–2.
Bye Week Brings Opportunity
Fortunately for the Irish, a bye week comes before No. 19 Texas A&M visits South Bend in two weeks. That gives Marcus Freeman and his staff time to regroup and fix some glaring issues.
Offensive Line Struggles
The most obvious concern from Sunday night was the offensive line. Miami’s defensive front was every bit top-ten caliber, but Notre Dame did itself no favors. Redshirt freshman Guerby Lambert, making his debut at right guard, looked out of position much of the night, and the Irish tackles were beaten too often in pass protection.
The result? Three sacks allowed, a rushing attack that showed only flashes late, and no sustained rhythm on the ground. Any early Heisman buzz for Jeremiyah Love needs to be shelved for now. Offensive line coach Joe Rudolph has work to do before this unit can become the strength it was projected to be.
Other areas of concern: defensive tackles getting pushed around and last year’s playoff breakthrough Jaden Greathouse, zero catches.
Bright Spots on Offense
Despite all that pressure, quarterback CJ Carr delivered a strong first collegiate start. The RS-freshman completed 19 of 30 passes for 221 yards, tossed two touchdowns, ran for another, and threw just one interception. More importantly, he handled a hostile environment with poise and composure, showing the accuracy and toughness that made him such a prized recruit.
Carr looks like a gunslinger—and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, who called a conservative game, needs to open the playbook and let him sling it.
Oh, and Malachi Fields, despite the early fumble, is a genuine pass catching, man.
A Rising Star on Defense
On the other side of the ball, defensive end Boubacar Traoré made his presence felt. The sophomore recorded six tackles, one sack, and one tackle for loss, proving disruptive against both the run and the pass. Traoré’s explosiveness and motor give every indication he’s a star in the making.
Beyond his performance, credit new defensive coordinator Chris Ash with making adjustments that helped the unit finally settle in after a shaky start. Special teams also contributed with steady kicking and solid returns, keeping the Irish within reach all night.
The Big Picture
Context matters. Before the days of the 12-team playoff, an opening-game loss would devastate championship hopes. Now, a Week One loss on the road to another contender is, forgivable.
But make no mistake: the margin for error is now thin. Notre Dame is 0–1, and while that’s survivable, the narrative for 2025 will go negative really fast, unless the Irish beat Texas A&M.