On national tv, in front of a sold out Hard Rock Stadium, Miami mercilessly embarrassed Notre Dame. It was supposed to be the David vs Goliath battle in college football. Another chapter added to a hated and historic rivalry. Instead it was beat down reminiscent of Miami’s 58-7 bludgeoning on Notre Dame back in 1985.
The Miami Hurricanes were underdogs, ranked #7 in the nation, but a ranking many felt was a little generous. Notre Dame was ranked #3 and Miami was just an obstacle in the way of their quest for a college playoff game. A mere bump in the road that many felt Notre Dame would run over easily, however; on this day, the good Lord wasn’t on Notre Dame’s side and neither was luck.
The intensity of this game was palpable, reverberating through the tailgaters and all the way into the stadium. The raucous Hurricane fans filled Hard Rock Stadium and from before kickoff until the clock ran out, their energy swirled through the stadium like a leaf in the autumn wind.
Hurricane players, who were normally jovial and boisterous in warm-ups, were dialed in with laser focus. Intensity filled their eyes. They knew what was at stake. Their pride, their respect and their chance to be considered one of the best teams in the nation. When all was said and done Miami would have all that and then some.
The game played out like a dream come true to long suffering Hurricanes fans. The team played fast and efficient. The Hurricanes defense with their speed neutralized all the advantages Notre Dame thought they had. And with each turnover the Hurricanes defense produced the “Turnover Chain” made its cameo to the delight of players and fans alike.
It might have been one night, but it felt like the start of something. It felt like the old Orange Bowl. It felt like Miami Hurricanes football has finally made it’s presence felt.
Notre Dame’s season wasn’t the only thing that died on the field that night. The national disrespect of the Miami Hurricanes died as well. For a night at least, the U was back and that mere thought was enough to send shock waves across the landscape of college football.
