Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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38 OCT. 31, 2026 BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED GAME PREVIEW: MIAMI INTANGIBLES Notre Dame is ranked one spot ahead of Miami, and presuming neither team loses between mid- October and early November, that's unlikely to change before these powerhouses face off. But there's no denying the Hurricanes, albeit with a slightly yet notably easier schedule, have been more statistically impressive thus far. However, there are two intangible factors work- ing in Notre Dame's favor: Weather and revenge. The Canes didn't struggle in cold weather last season; they had no problem blasting Pitt in late November. But there's no denying that South Bend is less comfortable than South Beach at this time of year. Even if it's not necessarily true, "They can't handle the cold" is something the Irish can tell themselves to increase their confidence when they arrive at the stadium. More importantly, though, is the anger. The frus- tration. The rage that the Irish have kept bottled up under the guise of "Leave No Doubt" ever since Dec. 7, 2025. That three-word mantra has guided Notre Dame through the past 11 months by refus- ing to blame anyone but itself, but if you got an honest answer out of Freeman, his coaches and his players would probably tell you they are still furious. The Irish believed they could win a national championship last year. Instead, they saw a green- and-orange "U" pop up on the screen. No one, save for perhaps Kirby Smart, is better at using that anger to motivate his players than Freeman. A ticked-off Freeman team is a danger- ous Freeman team. His pregame speech might put "Save Jimmy Johnson's a-- for me" from the late, great Lou Holtz to bed once and for all. For that reason, Notre Dame won't let itself lose. It's simply not an option. Advantage: Notre Dame Staff Predictions Todd D. Burlage: Notre Dame 30, Miami 20 The irony is obvious, the stakes are high and the similarities are many when these two bitter rivals meet in one of the most anticipated games of the entire 2026 college football season. Miami beat Notre Dame in the season opener last year, and later parlayed that win into a place in the College Football Playoff, while the Irish were left out. With two great teams that are both likely to end up in the postseason playoff — and perhaps even meet again — the backdrop for this game between the last two national runners-up is perfect. Notre Dame exacts its revenge and stays undefeated at home. Steve Downey: Notre Dame 27, Miami 24 This marks just the third time the Hurricanes have made the trek to South Bend in November, with the previous two coming all the way back in 1972 and 1976. The Fighting Irish won both of those games — 20-17 and 40-27, respectively — part of their 9-1 record against the Canes at Notre Dame Stadium. Miami's lone victory in South Bend came during the tail end of the Gerry Faust era, 31-13 in 1984. Miami's run defense — 1.8 yards allowed per carry and 42.6 yards allowed per game during its 5-0 start — will make getting a victory this year a much tougher assignment for the Irish. The goal will be to stay productive enough on early downs to give quarterback CJ Carr manageable passing situations. The Irish offense was humming during its 6-0 start, committing just 1 turnover and allowing only 2 sacks. On the other side of the ball, the Irish defense will aim to limit explosive plays and make Miami, which was averaging 8.2 yards per offensive snap, sustain drives. Last year's game ended with a late field goal by the Hurricanes. This time around, the Irish return the favor. Eric Hansen: Notre Dame 31, Miami 30 Somewhere, Lou Holtz is watching and smiling and giving an ethereal, fiery locker room sermon that current Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman is likely to channel, all except the Jimmy Johnson part. It feels like 1988 all over again, because the Notre Dame-Miami rivalry has evolved back to that point in terms of both football excellence and vitriol. The biggest difference is that while the clash at Notre Dame Stadium 38 years ago turned out to be the de facto national championship game, this Nov. 7 meeting could very well be Chapter 1 of a two-part grudge match, with the sequel unfolding on a neutral field in the College Football Playoff. So much of the November showdown points to a lower-scoring game in the 20s. But the retro vibe wins out, and so do the Irish. History repeats itself. Tyler James: Notre Dame 38, Miami 35 Notre Dame finally meets an offense that can truly test the Irish defense. Fortunately for Notre Dame, this Miami defense isn't as good as the one that gave the Irish problems in quarterback CJ Carr's first career start. Expect plenty of points in prime time from both these teams. Big plays will be plentiful. But the Irish have enough firepower and a more confident plan of attack to outlast the Hurricanes this time around. Kyle Kelly: Notre Dame 30, Miami 27 The first marquee win of the Marcus Freeman era ended with fans storming the field after the Irish beat the No. 5 team in the country, Clemson, on Nov. 5, 2022. Four years to the weekend later, I expect a similar scene to unfold Nov. 7. The Irish have undoubtedly had this game circled on their calendar since Dec. 7 when Miami leap- frogged them in the final College Football Playoff rankings. Notre Dame has already proved it belonged in the CFP last year, and it will make that case again this year by avenging last year's loss. Mike Singer: Notre Dame 30, Miami 27 This will be one of the craziest, most Super Bowl-like atmospheres in Notre Dame football history with so much expectation and importance on this game. I like Notre Dame to win and avenge last year's loss and snub. The composure and experience of CJ Carr, Leonard Moore, Drayk Bowen, Anthonie Knapp and others will be crucial in this contest. Miami will gain plenty of yards, but Notre Dame's defense will deliver timely stops and force turn- overs. Jack Soble: Notre Dame 31, Miami 21 Miami is an extremely good football team. Darian Mensah is awesome. Malachi Toney is awesome. Damon Wilson II is awesome. If these two teams meet in the College Football Playoff, the result could be different. But on Nov. 7 in South Bend, never bet against an angry Marcus Freeman team. All the rage Notre Dame felt on Dec. 7, 2025, will come storming out with a vengeance. Senior Damon Wilson II, a transfer from Missouri, led the Canes in quarterback pressures (20) through Week 6. PHOTO COURTESY MIAMI ATHLETICS