In a game that lived up to the hype of one of college football’s most storied rivalries, the Miami Hurricanes knocked off the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in dramatic fashion, escaping with a 27–24 victory at Hard Rock Stadium. It was a statement win for head coach Mario Cristobal’s program, proving Miami has both the talent and toughness to compete on the national stage in 2025.
A Game of Momentum Swings
The Hurricanes jumped out early thanks to a poised performance from quarterback Carson Beck, who completed 20 of 30 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns. His chemistry with freshman sensation Malachi Toney was on full display, as Toney hauled in six receptions for 82 yards and a score, giving Miami a reliable playmaker in clutch moments.
Notre Dame, ranked No. 6 entering the contest, didn’t go quietly. Trailing 24–10 in the fourth quarter, the Irish mounted a furious comeback. A pair of late touchdowns tied the game at 24–24 with just over two minutes to play.
But with the game on the line, Miami’s resolve never wavered. Beck calmly guided the Hurricanes into field-goal range, setting the stage for kicker Carter Davis, who split the uprights from 47 yards out with just 1:04 remaining.
Defense Delivers in Crunch Time
The Miami defense, led by sophomore standout Reuben Bain Jr., shut the door on Notre Dame’s final possession. Bain’s relentless pressure forced Irish quarterback mistakes, including an intentional grounding penalty that effectively ended the game. Bain finished with three tackles, a half-sack, and a critical interception earlier in the contest—a performance that underscored his importance to Miami’s defensive front.
Key Performers
- Carson Beck, QB – 205 yards, 2 TDs, calm leadership in crunch time.
- Malachi Toney, WR – 82 yards, 1 TD, dynamic freshman debut.
- Reuben Bain Jr., DL – Sack, interception, and game-sealing pressure.
- Carter Davis, K – Drilled the game-winning 47-yard field goal.
What the Win Means
For Miami, the victory is more than just a notch in the win column—it’s a signal of intent. Entering the season ranked No. 10, the Hurricanes now have a top-ten win that immediately boosts their College Football Playoff résumé. More importantly, it gives Cristobal’s young squad confidence heading into a challenging ACC slate.
“This was about belief,” Cristobal said postgame. “Our guys stayed together, executed when it mattered most, and showed the fight this program is built on.”
Notre Dame, meanwhile, leaves Miami with questions. Despite their late surge, the Irish struggled to stop Miami’s balanced attack and failed to capitalize on early opportunities. Head coach Marcus Freeman now faces the challenge of rallying his team before a critical road matchup at Texas A&M next week.
Conclusion
Miami’s 27–24 win over Notre Dame had everything fans could hope for—explosive plays, late-game drama, and a clutch finish. For the Hurricanes, it was more than just a rivalry win. It was a defining moment that could shape the trajectory of their season and mark their return to national prominence.
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