MIAMI GARDENS – The Notre Dame Fighting Irish made a trip to South Florida and simply came up short.
In what was previously known as the Catholics vs. Convicts rivalry game, Miami Hurricanes put it all together in a 41-8 blowout win on Nov. 11. Notre Dame, which came into the game with a much-touted rushing attack by quarterback Brandon Wimbush and running back Josh Adams, was limited to a combined 143 yards and no touchdowns on the ground.
Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly did not see this coming, as his team was unable to get into a rhythm with their offense.
“Miami was the better team today and they deserved to win,” Kelly said. “We did not see that coming, obviously. We felt like we were prepared to play at a high level, but we did not.”
With the loss, Notre Dame drops to 8-2 and maybe even out of the College Football Playoff conversation. As for Miami, it improves to 9-0 and remains the only unbeaten team in the ACC.
Miami head coach Mark Richt was happy with how his team’s game plan was executed, dominating in all three phases of it – offense, defense, and special teams).
“Exciting night, obviously,” Richt said. “What a wonderful night for our fans, for our players, and every single person who’s a part of this program.”
Miami had a season-high attendance of more than 65,000 fans throwing up their ‘U’s and roaring after every big play, specifically after every turnover. The program’s Turnover Chain has become a movement, as it was passed around four times throughout the game.
Three of those defensive turnovers were interceptions, which included a 65-yard pick-six by freshman defensive back Trajan Bandy.
“I saw the quarterback look to that side, and we were doing that play over and over in practice,” Bandy said. “Once he threw the ball, I saw green grass and took it to the house.”
Bandy’s defensive touchdown helped Miami get a 27-0 halftime lead.
Miami legends such as Ed Reed, Michael Irvin, and Clinton Portis watched the game from the sidelines. Speaking of Reed, his presence was very much felt throughout the nationally-televised prime time tilt.
“A spirit of us [former UM players] is always here,” said Reed, who holds the school record for interceptions with 21, five of which was returned for touchdowns. “We expect nothing less from Miami.”
Miami has an excellent shot at making the Top 4 of the latest College Football Playoff rankings, which will be revealed on Tuesday (Nov. 14).
Is it safe to say that Miami is back? We’ll find out soon enough.
PHOTO CREDITS: Keith Forde
