By Andres Cruz
Last Night, The Miami Hurricanes annihilated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 41-8. The Decades long rivalry dates back to the late 1980s, when the outcome of each game against each other resulted in a large rise or drop in ranking for both sides. Together, numerous fights that would break out on the field, constant trash talk, and the infamous “Catholics vs. Convicts” slogan, blended to produce one of the most polarizing rivalries in college football. This time around, however, the Fighting Irish didn’t stand a chance.
Right from the commencement of the first kick-off, the well-prepared Miami defense stopped the Fighting Irish’s offense dead in their tracks. Although Notre Dame’s Quarterback Brandon Wimbush was able to convert on a couple of third downs, the defense remained blocking their running game from catching any significant yardage.
On offense, the Hurricanes displayed little to no trouble in moving up the field against an unstable Notre Dame defense. Their explosiveness in the beginning of the game was incredible, contrary to the slow starting Miami offense that’s been shown throughout most of this season. After getting deep in the red zone, Hurricanes Quarterback Malik Rosier made an impressive touchdown pass to Wide Receiver Braxton Berrios.
At around two minutes left in the first quarter, the Miami defense pulled off their first of four turnovers of the night with an interception. This brought out the now nationally iconic Cuban Link “Turnover Chain”, which is given to a defensive player anytime they get a turnover. The interception led to another offensive touchdown by the Canes, this time ran all the home Malik Rosier. At the end of the quarter, the Canes already had an impressive 14-0 lead.
TURNOVER CHAIN#NDvsMIA pic.twitter.com/9Y5YYhLKNB
— Bleacher Report CFB (@BR_CFB) November 12, 2017
Fourth forced turnover of the game for @CanesFootball.
Fourth turnover chain appearance. #NDvsMIA pic.twitter.com/AqYSB8wvNl
— NCAA Football (@NCAAFootball) November 12, 2017
At the start of the second quarter, Miami once again scores early with a field goal, now leading 17-0. Throughout the quarter, Miami continues to boss around the fighting Irish and their distressed offense, owning them at first and second downs. With six minutes left in the half, Miami comes up with their second pick of the game, once again bringing out the turnover chain.
After abusing Notre Dame’s offensive line even more, Miami’s defensive linemen forced Wimbush to throw an interception right into the hands of Miami defender, Trajan Bandy, who ran it all the way into the end zone for a pick six. Miami Leads 27-0 at the end of the first half.
“It was a game- changing moment. I couldn’t be more excited to take it to the house”, said Bandy on his pick six play after the game.
The third quarter was pretty settle, as both teams frequently exchanged punts. Miami’s defensive line continued to break into the Fighting Irish’s backfield as they’ve down throughout the entire game. The Hurricanes on offense had good drives down the field, eventually leading to an outstanding leaping touchdown by Miami’s running game.
At the end of the quarter, Notre Dame finally scored with a touchdown pass. In an attempt to decrease Miami’s strong lead by two more points, the Irish successful pulled off a two-point conversion with Wimbush rushing into the end zone. The Irish ended the quarter with eight points, which would end up being the only points they’d score the rest of the game.
Once the fourth quarter came around, the game was basically in the record books. Notre Dame was obviously out of it, especially their with their offense. Once again, late in the last quarter, Miami came up with a fourth and final turnover, this time it being a strip sack. For the remainder of the last minute, the Miami Offense simply ran the clock out. Miami would go on to win, what was arguably their biggest game this season, 41-8.
It’s loud.
Like.
Really. Really. Loud. pic.twitter.com/xalu1KQfkK
— Miami Hurricanes (@MiamiHurricanes) November 12, 2017
Awesome mural down in Wynwood.🔥 #GoCanes #Catholicsvsconfidence pic.twitter.com/n21uNiaMhj
— Andres Cruz (@AndresCruz___) November 10, 2017
Not only was the win significant in their rivalry with Notre Dame, but also for their College Playoff ranking. Ranking at No. 7, many UM fans and players alike have felt disrespect from the polls due to such a low ranking for an undefeated team. However, this is completely understandable.
Proud to be #MiamiHurricanes fan..Mark Richt and his staff had this team well prepared and ready to play. Go Canes!
— Jimmy Johnson (@JimmyJohnson) November 12, 2017
Miami has had a horrible schedule, playing all unranked teams until their win against Virginia Tech last week. Also, even though The U has come out on top, their last four games before playing Virginia tech were closely contested, which should have easily have been blowouts for Miami such as last night’s game. However, after destroying Virginia Tech, their first ranked opponent all season, and now with an impressive blowout against the No. 3 Ranked team in the Nation, Miami has sealed a spot in the top four.
To add onto the Canes’ list of accomplishments this season, Miami has also earned a spot in their first ever ACC championship game against Clemson on December 2nd in Charlotte, North Carolina.
When asked about ACC championship, UM Quarterback Malik Rosier stated: “It’s not over. We’re not back until I have a ring on my finger”.
The new power rankings that were released earlier today suggest that Miami is now at No.2 in the power rankings. This is great news for Miami fans everywhere, but there’s still more work to be done to stay in the top four and clench a possible national championship. With all being said, it’s clear that the U is well on its way to be back.
