No. 11 Notre Dame puts itself in driver's seat for playoff spot after knocking off No. 1 Miami

When Notre Dame showed up at No. 11 in the initial College Football Playoff rankings, it was a pretty clear sign that the committee saw it as a team on the bubble. 

Certainly in the race. 

Potentially deserving. 

But still needing to prove itself to really cement its status. 

Still needing a big-time, signature, resume-building win. 

The Fighting Irish took a big step toward that on Saturday night by knocking off No. 1 Miami, 31-24, in one of the most anticipated matchups of the season.

Notre Dame puts itself in driver's seat for playoff spot

Notre Dame critics will point to the fact Miami did not have it best playmaker in wide receiver Malachi Toney for this game, and while that may be true, it was still a strong performance from the Irish, especially as they jumped out to a 24-3 lead early in the second half. 

But while Toney's absence may have been felt at times for Miami's offense, its defense had plenty of issues stopping Notre Dame's offense.

Specifically quarterback CJ Carr.

Carr played one of the biggest games of his Notre Dame career on Saturday, completing 29-of-40 passes for 319 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions. He and the passing game picked up the slack for a ground game that had trouble gaining traction, finishing the game with just 93 yards on 29 carries (only 3.2 yards per carry). 

He found Micah Gilbert for two of those scores, including an 18-yard pass just before halftime to help Notre Dame open up a two-score lead.