Notre Dame vs Miami: Matchups That Matter For The Irish Offense

Even though they will be breaking in a first time starter at the quarterback position, the Notre Dame offense will be tested early and often in their season opener against the 10th-ranked Miami Hurricanes on the road. Miami returns some impact talent on defense and will be looking to take a massive step forward from a season ago under new defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman who came over from Minnesota.

The Hurricanes have added some pieces through the portal and have some key players returning from last season. We've broken down the top players to watch on the defensive side of the ball for Miami ahead of Notre Dame's season opener and it begins with their game-changing edge rusher up front.

Defensive End #4 Rueben Bain Jr.

Bain wrecked havoc on opposing offensive lines during his freshman season in 2023 totaling 45 pressures which led the team. He also recorded 19 hits plus sacks on the quarterback. He took over as the full time starter after the second game of the season and had a breakout year. The Miami native was looking to build on his explosive first year, but an injury kept him sidelined for four games in 2024 limiting his production. Despite missing some time, Bain managed to put together an extremely productive season.

He was third on the team in total pressures generated last season with 28 and ended the year with eight hits plus sacks on the quarterback. He also finished with 23 total tackles and 5.5 tackles for a loss. The 6-3, 275-pound edge rusher is now healthy and looking to build on his performance from last season. Bain has also been listed on the Lombardi Award Watch List which recognizes the nation's best lineman.

Matchup To Watch: The offensive tackles for the Irish last season struggled in pass protection throughout the season. Left tackle Anthonie Knapp and right tackle Aamil Wagner led the team in pressures allowed with 60 total pressures allowed between the two of them in 16 games. Bain will likely lineup across both tackles throughout the game; Wagner and Knapp will have to give their redshirt freshman quarterback time to make plays in the pocket.

Defensive Tackle #5 Justin Scott

Scott is stepping into the starting lineup this season for the Hurricanes along the interior of their defensive line after the departure of Simeon Barrow. Scott played in 11 of Miami's games a season ago including their bowl game against Iowa State. He didn't have the most productive year, but he's a space eater that can eat up gaps in the run game. He finished the season with seven total tackles, 2.0 tackles for a loss and 1.0 sack.

The 6-4, 300-pound defensive tackle played several positions along the defensive line in 2024 and has the ability to play on the edge this season however, he does his best work on the interior of the defensive line. Scott is entering his sophomore year and is looking to build on his freshman season.

Matchup To Watch: Notre Dame's interior offensive line struggled last season with larger interior players. At times, Georgia Tech's, Georgia's, Penn State's and Ohio State's defensive tackles would give them fits. The interior of their offensive line this season is more athletic and slightly bigger than they were a season ago with Billy Schrauth returning to the lineup, Ashton Craig returning from injury and either 6-7, 335-pound Guerby Lambert or 6-8, 327-pound Sullivan Absher stepping in at right guard.

Linebacker Mohamed Toure

Toure was an extremely productive player during his time with Rutgers. He transferred to Miami in the spring portal window and is looking to boost the play of the Hurricanes linebacking corps. He didn't play in 2024 due to a torn ACL which was the second ACL tear of his career; the first occurred in 2022. The New Jersey native is now healthy and ready for his sixth and final year in college to be an impactful one.

In 2023, his last year in the starting lineup, he finished with 92 total tackles, led the team with 9.5 tackles for a loss, led the team with 4.5 sacks and recorded an interception. Toure has also played on big stages, so Sunday night's game won't be anything new for him. He's lined up against Iowa and Penn State on the road and Ohio State at home in 2023. The 6-2 linebacker is poised for a strong year in Miami's front seven.

Matchup To Watch: In the run game, the Notre Dame offensive line and tight ends will have to be sound moving up to the second level to block Toure. He's strong at the point of attack and has proven his ability in block destruction. The Irish receivers and tight ends will have to win their matchup in the pass game as well. In 2023, Toure gave up 23 receptions and three touchdowns on 31 total targets.

Cornerback #9 OJ Frederique Jr.

Frederique is the lone returning starter in the Hurricane's secondary. The other four starting positions are being held down by portal players picked up in the winter and spring windows. The Fort Lauderdale native played in all 13 games for Miami last season and started in nine of them. He finished the season with 620 snaps of experience, 27 total tackles, seven passes defended and one interception.

He was a steady cornerback for them last season, but had a rough performance against Syracuse where he was penalized three times and gave up 100 receiving yards and one touchdown on four receptions. Over the course of the season, however, Frederique was targeted 38 times and only allowed 14 receptions. He's a sure-tackler at the cornerback position and only missed two tackles in 2024.

Matchup To Watch: The outside receivers for Notre Dame will have to make plays Sunday night. Virginia transfer Malachi Fields, junior Jordan Faison, junior Jaden Greathouse and Wisconsin transfer Will Pauling will have to win their matchups against the experienced sophomore. He has decent size at 6-0, 180-pounds, but players like Fields and Greathouse will have the size advantage on the St. Thomas Aquinas alum.

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