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How To Watch: No. 11 Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs No. 1 Miami Hurricanes
- Story byRoundtable Sports
- How To Watch: No. 11 Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs No. 1 Miami Hurricanes
(USA TODAY Sports)
The 11th-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-1) host the No. 1 team in the nation, the Miami Hurricanes (8-0), in a primetime battle that will dictate the outcome of Notre Dame's 2026 season. Win and handle your business the rest of the way, you're in the College Football Playoffs. Lose and your CFP hopes look bleak and barring a barrage of unprecedented chaos, your playoff likelihood is out the window. This is the biggest regular season game of Marcus Freeman's career.
Where: Notre Dame, Ind. - Notre Dame Stadium
When: 7:30 PM ET
Television: NBC/Peacock - Noah Eagle (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (analyst), Kathryn Tappen (sideline)
Radio: Tony Simeone (play-by-play), Mike Golic Sr. (analyst); SiriusXM 84
Line: Notre Dame -5.5; O/U 57.5
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WHAT TO KNOW: NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH
After ripping off 16-straight games by double digits, Notre Dame lost to BYU in Provo back on October 17 which put the program in a position where this matchup on November 7 would strongly dictate their playoff outlook. After the committee ranked them 11th in the country, the Irish are in a 'win or go home' type of situation this weekend. Thankfully, they get to play this game on their own terms, on their home turf under the lights. This matchup draws allusions back to their iconic game in 1988 when the No. 1 visiting Hurricanes came to South Bend.
Offensively, Mike Denbrock and CJ Carr have to be prepared to do whatever they have to to win the game. Defensively, they have to take advantage of the opportunities they're presented. When they have the opportunity to get off the field, they need to capitalize. If they can make Darian Mensahuncomfortable, make him. This is a big-time matchup for both sides of the ball. Defensively, the Irish will be short-handed with middle linebacker Drayk Bowensidelined with an injury. In the secondary, they'll also be without cornerback DJ McKinneyfor the second game in a row and safety Brauntae Johnsonfor the 8th game in a row.
WHAT TO KNOW: MIAMI HURRICANES
After losing in the national title game to Indiana, the Hurricanes started off their season rattling off eight-straight victories. Head coach Mario Cristobalhas this program rolling, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Unfortunately, they'll be without star wideout Malachi Toneywho is sidelined with an ankle injury for an undetermined amount of time. Still this unit remains exceptionally talented with players like quarterback Darian Mensah, running backs Mark Fletcherand Javian Malloryand receivers Cooper Barkate, Daylyn Upshawand tight end Elija Lofton.
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Defensively, coordinator Corey Hethermanis going into year two. Hetherman has exceptional talent to work with on the defensive line and in the secondary. Their linebackers are more run-stoppers first and leave a lot to be desired as pass defenders. But their defensive line's ability to get after the passer is noteworthy behind players like defensive end Marquise Lightfootand defensive tackle Ahmad Moten. Their secondary has had to shuffle pieces around all season. Sophomore Bryce Fitzgeraldhas played three different position this season. If there's one area of Miami's defense that's vulnerable right now, it's their secondary.
Notre Dame leads the all time series with Miami 18-9-1 but have not beaten the Hurricanes since their upset win in 2016. Miami has won the last two meetings in 2017 (41-8) and 2025 (27-24). The heat of this rivalry began in the late 1980's and early 1990's with stellar games played between both sides in that time frame.
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