Miami and Notre Dame Set for Top-Five Showdown
No. 1 Miami and No. 4 Notre Dame will renew their rivalry in South Bend on November 7, with Notre Dame teasing a possible tribute to Lou Holtz.
Miami and Notre Dame meet under the lights at Notre Dame Stadium on November 7, nearly four decades after their famous 1988 matchup. The Hurricanes are ranked No. 1 and the Fighting Irish No. 4 in the latest AP poll, setting up one of the season’s most anticipated games between two top-five teams.
The teams last met in the opening game of the previous season, when Miami won 27-24. That result helped the Hurricanes reach the College Football Playoff, while Notre Dame missed out. The teams’ playoff fortunes had also become a point of tension after Miami was ranked ahead of Notre Dame in the final standings the previous December.
Notre Dame has added to the anticipation with a social media video saying the program will continue to honor former coach Lou Holtz’s life and legacy. The clip appears to show clothing, prompting speculation that the team or coaches may wear gear inspired by Holtz. No specific tribute has been confirmed. Holtz led Notre Dame to its last national championship in 1988.
Miami coach Mario Cristobal has urged his players to focus on preparation rather than the attention surrounding the game. Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman, meanwhile, praised Miami receiver Malachi Toney as a game-changing player and a major challenge for the Irish defense.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in South Bend. The matchup gives both programs a chance to add a consequential new chapter to their rivalry.