The Miami Hurricanes react after defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Hard Rock Stadium. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Takeaways from No. 10 Miami's close win over No. 6 Notre Dame

By Zach Wadley | Last updated Aug 31, 2025 11:52 PM ET

One of college football's best rivalries produced another classic Sunday night as No. 10 Miami defeated No. 6 Notre Dame, 27-24.

Both teams entered the season with plenty of question marks, but here are three takeaways from the season opener.

The Hurricanes defense showed up when it needed it most

Miami's defense flew around the field, made big plays and wreaked havoc on Notre Dame's offense through much of the first three quarters.

Miami forced a fumble and picked off CJ Carr, helping the Canes to a 21-7 lead midway through the third. However, in the fourth quarter Carr engineered a 75-yard drive in three plays that knotted the game at 24, capping a 17-point quarter.

It looked as though Miami's defense had folded, but the Hurricanes sacked Carr twice to end the game and secure the win.

Straight out of a video game

The Hurricanes come up with the INT! pic.twitter.com/exia1fBxgh
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 1, 2025

Both teams are set up well at quarterback

Carson Beck was paid handsomely to quarterback Miami and he delivered on the hype. He completed 20 of his 30 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns. He did not throw an interception and completed 12 straight passes at one point.

After throwing 12 interceptions last season, including 10 against SEC ranked opponents and rivals. In a big game with the spotlight on him, it was encouraging for Miami to see him play a clean game.

Meanwhile, Notre Dame turned to Carr and the early returns are that Carr can keep Notre Dame rolling. Yes, he threw a pick and took a a handful of sacks, but he finished 19-for-30 for 221 yards and two touchdowns. He seemed comfortable as Notre Dame came back in the fourth. Though a season-opening loss is never good, it appears Carr can keep the Irish in the College Football Playoff conversation.

CATCH OF THE YEAR NOMINEE

CJ DANIELS REELS IT IN pic.twitter.com/GLh8APSRsb
— ESPN (@espn) September 1, 2025

The Irish couldn't get the running game going

Notre Dame dominated on the ground in 2024. Save for the national title game against Ohio State, the Irish eclipsed 117 yards rushing in their other 15 games, including eight games with 200 or more rushing yards.

That was not the case Sunday night. Miami limited Notre Dame to 93 yards on the ground and held Jeremiyah Love to 33 yards on 10 carries. Perhaps most concerning was that Carr rushed more times (11) than Love. Jadarian Price had a little more luck, rushing for a team-high 45 yards on six carries.

It's not something that's cause for concern, but Notre Dame will need to be better Sept. 13 against No. 19 Texas A&M.

Zach Wadley

Zach Wadley's sportswriting career began at the age of 12 when he started covering Little League games for his local newspaper. Since then, he's worked in the sports information field where he merged his love of writing, social media, and broadcasting. He is a graduate of Anderson University (IN).

More must-reads: