No. 11 Notre Dame hosts No. 1 Miami on Saturday night in a Week 10 matchup with major College Football Playoff implications. The Fighting Irish seek revenge for a 27-24 loss at Miami last season that kept them out of the 12-team playoff field, while the Hurricanes aim to solidify their No. 1 ranking and showcase Heisman candidate Darian Mensah.
Quarterback
Notre Dame's CJ Carr has struggled with downfield accuracy over the past two games, completing just 4 of 24 passes traveling 15+ air yards after going 21 of 39 in the first six games. Miami's Darian Mensah leads the nation in passing efficiency and completion percentage (80.7%) and has topped the CBS Sports QBPR for several weeks. Edge: Miami.
Skill Talent
Miami's Malachi Toney will miss the game after ankle surgery, but Duke transfer Cooper Barkate and tight end Elija Lofton provide reliable options. Notre Dame's Jordan Faison is on pace for a career year, making the receiving groups roughly equal. Miami holds a slight edge at running back with Mark Fletcher Jr. and breakout freshman Javian Mallory outperforming Notre Dame's trio of Nolan James Jr., Jonas Walton, and Aneyas Williams. Edge: Miami.
Offensive Line
Notre Dame leads the FBS with only two sacks allowed and a 19.1% pressure rate allowed (second nationally). Miami has surrendered 10 sacks with a 25.5% pressure rate. Both units excel in run blocking, averaging over 5 yards per carry, but Notre Dame's pass protection is superior. Edge: Notre Dame.
Front Seven
Miami's front seven has lost some fierceness without 2026 NFL Draft first-round picks Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr., dropping to 26th nationally in pressure rate (35.5%) from fourth last year. Notre Dame sits at 34.2% with less blitzing. Both rank in the top 10 in yards allowed per rush attempt. Edge: Even.
Secondary
Opposing passers have a 134.7 efficiency rating against Miami compared to 119.0 against Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish allow 6.2 yards per pass attempt with eight interceptions; Miami allows 7.1 yards per attempt with four interceptions. Notre Dame's secondary gets the edge, though Miami's passing attack will be the toughest test yet. Edge: Notre Dame.
Coaching
Marcus Freeman led Notre Dame to three playoff wins in 2024 before a national title game loss, while Mario Cristobal guided Miami to a title-game appearance last season. Hurricanes offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson has been elite, scheming innovative ways to utilize playmakers. Edge: Miami.
Final Tally
Notre Dame holds advantages in offensive line and secondary; Miami leads in quarterback, skill talent, and coaching; the front seven is even.
