No. 11 Notre Dame hosts No. 1 Miami at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday night in the highest-ranked meeting between the programs since the 1988 "Catholics vs. Convicts" classic. The game carries major College Football Playoff implications, with the Irish sitting as the last team in the CFP field and a loss potentially eliminating them from contention.
CFP Rankings and Stakes
The CFP selection committee placed Miami atop its first rankings while slotting Notre Dame at No. 11, seven spots lower than the AP poll. Committee chair Hunter Yurachek emphasized that the Irish lack a signature win and have a prime opportunity to earn one against the top-ranked Hurricanes. Miami defeated Notre Dame 27-24 in last year's season opener, and the committee flipped the two teams in its final rankings, placing Miami ahead.
Key Injuries Reshape Matchup
Notre Dame will be without leading tackler and defensive signal-caller Drayk Bowen (ankle), while Miami loses star receiver Malachi Toney (ankle surgery). Toney ranks among the national leaders in receptions (73), receiving yards per game (128.4), and receiving touchdowns (13). His absence leaves a significant void in the Hurricanes' passing attack.
Quarterback Contrasts
Miami's Darian Mensah leads the FBS in completion percentage (80.7%) and pass efficiency (202.7) with 25 touchdowns against one interception. Notre Dame's CJ Carr has been efficient overall (18 TDs, 1 INT) but struggles against ranked opponents: 2-3 record, 60.9% completion, 6.6 yards per attempt, six touchdowns and five interceptions.
Historical Trends and Discipline
Notre Dame is 10-1 at home against Miami, with the home team winning the last eight on-campus meetings. The Irish are the most disciplined team in the FBS (28.9 penalty yards per game), while Miami ranks 82nd (58.8). However, Notre Dame's red-zone defense ranks 108th nationally, allowing points on 88.9% of possessions; Miami scores on 92.9% of its red-zone trips.
Viewing Information
Date: Saturday, Nov. 7 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET | Location: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Indiana | TV: NBC | Live stream: Fubo.
Betting Odds and Expert Picks
Notre Dame opened as a 4.5-point favorite and is now laying 5.5 points, with the total at 57.5. SportsLine's model and a panel of analysts are split: five pick Miami against the spread, three take Notre Dame. Straight-up picks favor Notre Dame 6-2. The consensus lean is Miami +5.5, citing Toney's absence and the Irish's red-zone defensive struggles.
