Home Blog Page 105

Takeaways from No. 10 Miami’s 27-24 win over No. 6 Notre Dame

Sebastian Font
-
0
Takeaways from No. 10 Miami’s 27-24 win over No. 6 Notre Dame

Heading into Sunday night’s matchup between Notre Dame and Miami, the Hurricanes had won the last previous six at home.

And while it wasn’t flawless, Miami (1-0), extended that streak to seven in a statement 27-24 win over the No. 6 Fighting Irish (0-1).

“This game, this victory, is for everybody. It’s for our university, our players, our students, alumni, former players,” UM head coach Mario Cristobal said.

The ’Canes took their first top-ten since 2017 and sent a clear message to the nation:

This isn’t the Miami of old

A defense reborn

Miami held all the offensive firepower in the world last season: first in points per game, first in yards per game, all orchestrated by Cam Ward, the 2025 No. 1 draft pick. 

Yet after the defense gave up 42 to Syracuse in the final week of the season, even the high-powered Hurricane offense couldn’t overcome such a deficit, ending the season.

A clear focus on defense ensued as former defensive coordinator Lance Guidry was replaced by Corey Hetherman. However questions arose on how the former Minnesota defensive coordinator could flip the room in such a short period of time.

And while schemes and gameplans clearly play a factor, the simplest fix came from letting his players be athletes.

Throughout the offseason defensive players raved about the simplicity of Hetherman’s style, how “free” they felt in his system.

From swarming every ball carrier to making every tackle with the intent to do damage, the defense showed an edge to itself that hasn’t been seen in years.

Notre Dame’s running back Jeremyiah Love was expected to be the focal point of the game, but was completely neutralized. Love only racked up 33 yards on 10 carries, stuffed in the backfield on multiple occasions. 

Miami wasn’t able to stop anyone last season, let alone a number one option like Love.

“In the words of Coach Hetherman, I was swarming,” said defensive end Rueben Bain when asked about snagging a key fourth quarter interception.

Alongside Bain’s interception, the defense forced two fumbles on the day. And when needed most they stepped up, sacking ND quarterback CJ Carr twice to end the game.

Miami has turned their defense from a liability to a cornerstone of their success, and it could make the difference for the ’Canes playoff hopes.

Credit: Brian Mulvey- Assistant Photo Editor// Miami players put up four fingers as they prepare for fourth quarter against Notre Dame on Sunday, Aug. 31.

The Malachi Toney show

Throughout spring and fall camp, one name consistently received glowing reviews from coaches and onlookers alike—Malachi Toney.

And while always heralded locally and around the university, he announced himself to the college football world Sunday night.

“Malachi Toney, he’s special,” said coach Cristobal. “Been trying to keep him a secret, but it didn’t take long right?”

Toney opened the scoring for the game with a 28-yard touchdown in the second quarter, connecting on a Carson Beck rollout at the front of the end zone. 

For most freshmen, that spark would’ve capped their day. But for Toney it was just the beginning.

He went on to lead the team in receptions and receiving yards, consistently finding space in coverage and fighting for more yards.

“I got the chance to go out there and show my god-given ability,’’ said Toney.

Notre Dame may have overlooked the 17-year-old in their gameplans, remaining teams on Miami’s schedule will have to learn from ND’s mistake if they hope to contain the Hurricanes offense.

The fan factor

For all the narratives that surround the University of Miami and its “lack” of fan turnout at home games, Hurricane fans showed up and brought the energy to Hard Rock Stadium.

66,793 fans donned in orange packed out the sold-out event, and their energy was clear from the get-go.

From chants to crowd pops and everything in between, the Hurricane faithful poured their heart and soul into Sunday night’s affair.

And the players took notice.

“We feed off [the crowd’s energy], there’s no better feeling,” said linebacker Wesley Bissainthe.

Multiple players could be seen swinging their arms to get the crowd amped, and every time the fans delivered.

Quiet simply did not exist on Sunday night, Miami fans made their mark on the game.

Each fumble the Hurricanes forced, the crowd erupted in a sea of orange, cementing the momentum firmly on Miami’s side.

“Just an unbelievable night, an unbelievable night for so many people that poured so much into this,” said Coach Cristobal.

“Just grateful to be in this opportunity and really hungry and driven to get our opportunity at the next one.” 

The fans play more of a role than often given credit for, and if they continue to show up, this Hurricane team will continue to show out.

No. 10 Miami stuns No. 6 Notre Dame in Sunday night thriller, 27-24

Zach Cohen
-
0
No. 10 Miami stuns No. 6 Notre Dame in Sunday night thriller, 27-24

A raucous Hard Rock Stadium, filled in orange, roared as the clock ticked under 30 seconds in the game. 

On their own 30-yard line, redshirt freshman quarterback CJ Carr and Notre Dame’s offense looked to pull off a miracle, trailing by three. 

Carr fielded the snap cleanly, but Miami’s defensive pressure was too much as defensive linemen Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor stormed Carr, forcing the sack and sealing the deal for the Hurricanes. 

The clock hit zero, and UM fans exhaled a sigh of relief as the No. 10 Hurricanes took down the No. 6 Fighting Irish 27-24 in a Sunday night thriller.

“Sometimes domination takes place at the final play of the game, as crazy as that sounds,” Miami head coach Mario Cristobal said following the game.

Senior linebacker Wesley Bissainthe had high praise and confidence in his team following the big play and victory. 

“Bain and Mesidor, they do that every day in practice. I see it all the time,” Bissainthe said. 

“I knew one of them was gonna come clutch, if not both.”

In a matchup of two top-10 teams, a rivalry was renewed after an eight-year hiatus. And despite being the underdog, Miami wasn’t fazed. 

The ’Canes stayed resilient, faced adversity, and fed off the crowd noise.

66,793 fans sold out Hard Rock Stadium, marking a record. The crowd energized the players and made a difference in Sunday night’s victory. 

“This game, this victory, is for everybody. It’s for our university, our players, our students, alumni, former players, Coach [Jimmy] Johnson,” Cristobal said. 

Mario Cristobal stares down his players pregame. Photo Credit: Brian Mulvey

The game was a testament to hard work and great plays, one of which happened just under two minutes left in the game.

After holding a 14-7 lead in the first half, the Irish outscored the Hurricanes 17-3 in the second half. ND tied the game following a 65-yard pass from Carr to Eli Raridon and a seven-yard touchdown run from Carr.

With three minutes remaining, Miami was in search of taking back the lead, hoping quarterback Carson Beck could step up late.

The Georgia transfer marched the Hurricanes down the field on a 10-play drive, putting the team in a fourth and three on Notre Dame’s 29-yard line. 

Cristobal called on FAU transfer Carter Davis to kick the go-ahead 47-yard field goal. Despite the pressure, the senior kicker delivered, splitting the uprights to give Miami a 27-24 lead.

Even though there were worries about Miami’s kickers coming into the game, Cristobal had full confidence in Davis. 

“A lot of confidence here for Carter. In practice, he hits them at 55 plus, actually two 63-yarders,” Cristobal said. “So we have a lot of confidence in him.”

Davis acknowledged that it was a tough journey to get the nod as the starting kicker. 

“It means the world,” Davis said. “ When I found out that I got it, I cried. I’ll be honest. But I was just so ecstatic about that. It meant the world.”

Late in the second quarter, Miami was in search of points of a big score before halftime.

On second down from the Notre Dame 20-yard line, Beck, under duress and off-balance, sent a prayer to receiver CJ Daniels. In between two defenders, the LSU transfer made an incredible one-handed grab in the endzone to give Miami a 14-7 lead.

Daniels finished the night with five receptions for 46 yards, including a touchdown.

Beck distributed the ball methodically today, but usage-wise, 17-year-old true freshman Malachi Toney was his favorite.  

Toney shone bright under the night sky in his collegiate debut, where on second and 10 on Notre Dame’s 28, Beck rolled left and hit Toney in the front of the endzone. 

The touchdown marked Beck’s first touchdown pass as a Hurricane and Toney’s first collegiate touchdown reception.

Toney would finish his debut with six catches for 82 yards and a touchdown.

“Malachi Toney, he’s special. Been trying to keep him a secret, but it didn’t take long, right?” Cristobal said. “And what’s special about Malachi, to me, is his approach to the game. That guy approaches the game as if he’s a 5-6 year NFL veteran.”

It was also a solid night for Miami’s running back room. 

Mark Fletcher Jr. ran for 66 yards on 15 carries and CharMar “Marty” Brown, on the same number of carries, had 54 yards, but his hard-nose runs paid dividends in the end game.

Carson Beck’s supporting cast performed well, but it shouldn’t undermine the Georgia transfers’ Hurricane Debut. He threw for 205 yards and two touchdowns, going 20-of-31 passing. 

“The past eight months have been so hard. I’m just so blessed to be out here to have the opportunity to be out there,” said Beck after the game.

Carson Beck looks around on the sideline versus Notre Dame. Photo Credit: Brian Mulvey

Major talks this offseason included a need for an improved defense. Miami defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman saw improvements in his defense tonight. 

The defense already looked better than it did last year. Bissainthe noted postgame that the difference is night and day. 

“[Corey Hetherman’s] level of teaching, his level of communication, his scheme, his intensity, like he was a game changer for us today, and you can see why the players love him and what he brings to the table makes everybody around him better,” said coach Cristobal. 

They were able to hold the run game under 100 yards. Two of the best running backs in the country, Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, combined for 93 yards.

Carr, the redshirt freshman, did have a good game for the Fighting Irish, throwing for 221 yards and two touchdowns on 19-of-30 passing.

Week one marks the beginning of a long season, but Cristobal was grateful for this opportunity.

“Just an unbelievable night. Unbelievable night for so many people who poured so much into this. Just grateful to be in this opportunity and really hungry and driven to get our opportunity at the next one,” said coach Cristobal.

It’s a one week at a time mentality for Hurricanes football. With Sunday night’s win comes a new opponent to get ready for next week. Miami will be back at Hard Rock Stadium to face Bethune-Cookman at 7 p.m. 

James Brockermeyer readies the snap versus Notre Dame. Photo credit: Brian Mulvey

Hurricanes dominate Buckeyes in straight sets to close ’Canes Classic

Oliver Innes
-
0
Hurricanes dominate Buckeyes in straight sets to close ’Canes Classic

In front of a home crowd that was inspired by a dominant performance from beginning to end, the University of Miami women’s volleyball team defeated Ohio State in three consecutive sets (25–18, 25–16, and 25–21) to earn their first victory of the year. 

The Hurricanes sought redemption after losing by a slim margin to Indiana the previous evening, and their hunger was evident.

Head coach Jose “Keno” Gandara’s starting lineup consisted of:

Outside hitters – Ava Carney, Flormarie Heredia Colon, Jazmin Vergara

 Setter – Ariana Rodriguez

 Middle blocker – Dalia Wilson, Simone Baskin

 Libero – Naylani Feliciano 

The ’Canes established the tone right away when Carney made a defensive stop early on before Vergara and Wilson then joined forces for a crucial block that gave Miami the lead in the first set, which concluded 25–18. 

Miami maintained control throughout the second, opening with a 4-0 run and ending the set 25–16 with incisive hitting and solid blocking. 

The Buckeyes battled to survive in the third and final set, but the Canes’ unity was at its strongest. Feliciano dug out a hard ball and connected with Rodriguez, who then set up Carney for a massive kill that helped secure the 25–21 victory. 

Miami held a clear statistical advantage over Ohio State in every category, including kills (43–32), hitting percentage (.327 to.156), blocks (7-3), digs (42–33), and assists (33–30).

Baskin and Wilson combined for seven blocks to anchor the net. Carney contributed 12, while Heredia Colon led all scorers with 17 kills. Feliciano led the defense with 19 digs, while Rodriguez led the attack with 30 assists. 

The sweep demonstrated Miami’s depth, adaptability, and poise. Ohio State was no match for the Hurricane’s speed and effectiveness, especially at the net.

UM (1-1, 0-0 ACC) will remain in South Florida next week for the upcoming “305 Challenge” where the team will face the likes of Drake, North Texas and UCF.

TMH staff predictions for Miami vs. Notre Dame

Contributing Writers
-
0
TMH staff predictions for Miami vs. Notre Dame

Sebastian Font, Co-Sports Editor

The Hurricanes have won their last six home games against Notre Dame, a streak dating back to 1977. And after Sunday’s matchup, that number will be up to seven.

Both teams match up well across the board, especially in the trenches. Miami boasts the three-headed attack of Mark Fletcher, Jordan Lyle and CharMar Brown, while ND trots out Jeremiyah Love.

And while the run game will be the main focus for both teams, Miami’s passing game could be the difference. Between the likes of Jojo Trader, CJ Daniels and Malachi Toney, Carson Beck has plenty of weapons at his disposal to spread the ball across the field.

Expect one of those three wideouts to lead the way for the ’Canes in front of a sold-out Hard Rock crowd.

Final Score: Miami 31, Notre Dame 20

Jayden Gonzalez, Co-Sports Editor

With both teams testing out new quarterbacks this season and rainy weather in the forecast, expect this game to be won between the line of scrimmage. Notre Dame and Miami pride themselves on elite offensive lines and solid running back groups. 

In order to win the trenches, Mark Fletcher Jr. and Jordan Lyle will have to play big roles, giving Carson Beck a chance to get in rhythm against a very good Notre Dame defense. 

Miami’s new-look defense has to contain Heisman Trophy candidate Jeremiyah Love and force CJ Carr to step up. Defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman will look to make the redshirt freshman quarterback uncomfortable in a loud Hard Rock Stadium environment. 

If Miami controls the clock and makes less mistakes, the Hurricanes will be set up to take victory over the Fighting Irish.

Final Score: Miami 24, Notre Dame 21

Brendan Cafferty, Staff Writer

Ranked sixth and tenth respectively per the AP poll, Notre Dame and Miami come in as two powerhouse programs in the preseason.

With the historic rivalry among them, this will serve as a statement for how the two programs’ seasons will progress.

While ND touts a lockdown secondary, with projected 2027 first rounder Leonard Moore and ESPN ranked 40th overall player Christian Gray at corner, much of their offensive game will be reliant on star running back Jeremiyah Love behind the redshirt freshman quarterback CJ Carr.

Miami features a fresh roster, filling gaps in their defense and holding onto hope that Carson Beck can fill Cam Ward’s shoes in helming their high-octane offense.

With that said, the homefield advantage will play into Miami’s favor as Notre Dame will succumb to the damp conditions.

Final Score: Miami 24, Notre Dame 17

Sophomore running back, Mark Fletcher, Jr. smiles after beating the University of Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on August 31, 2024.

Omar Pinto, Contributing Writer

With heavy rain in the forecast, this top-ten showdown is shaping up to be a gritty, ground-heavy slugfest. 

Expect the trenches to play a big role in this one as Miami’s elite offensive line will look to clear the way for RB duo Mark Fletcher and Jordan Lyle, while Notre Dame will lean on Heisman hopeful Jeremiyah Love to carry the load and ease the pressure on redshirt freshman QB CJ Carr.

Love will certainly have success, but the rough weather and hostile environment will get to Carr, leading to costly mistakes.

On the other side, Miami QB Carson Beck is entering his third year as a starter, and is no stranger to big games. His ability to maintain poise under pressure could be the difference.

Final Score: Miami 28, Notre Dame 24

Anirudh Kannan, Contributing Writer

Notre Dame and Miami may have undergone major roster transformations since the end of the 2024 season, but the rivalry between the two schools remains as heated as ever. 

With a rainy evening on the forecast for this Sunday, their next encounter is sure to be won in the trenches. 

The Fighting Irish arguably have the best running back in the nation with Jeremiyah Love, but Miami’s defensive line is more than formidable and has the potential to shut Love down. Another X-factor in this game is the play of Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr, who will make his college football debut this Sunday. 

Ultimately, Miami’s ability to stop Love on the ground and Carr’s inexperience will be the two key deciding factors in this matchup as UM comes out on top.

Final Score: Miami 28, Notre Dame 23

Olivia Attalla, Contributing Writer

While Notre Dame is being favored for this game, UM will take the upset win. 

Notre Dame has a stronger defensive line, but it won’t be enough to stop Miami’s relentless offense. The Hurricanes have built a great offensive line around their quarterback and can dominate the game from start to finish. 

As long as Miami’s defense can limit ND’s scoring early in the game, the ’Canes should have enough cushion to hold on.

Either way, it’s gonna be a competitive, exciting game and the energy on Sunday night will be electric at Hard Rock Stadium. 

Final Score: Miami 27, Notre Dame 24

The student section cheers on the ‘Canes during the bi-annual football game against FSU at Hard Rock Stadium. Hallee Meltzer // Photo Editor Photo credit: Hallee Meltzer

Hurricanes volleyball falls short to Indiana in season opener

Mary Grace Cardelle
-
0
Hurricanes volleyball falls short to Indiana in season opener

The Hurricanes’ volleyball team (0-1, 0-0 ACC) lost a close 3-2 game against the Indiana Hoosiers (1-0, 0-0 B1G) on Friday night.

The Knight Sports Complex was packed for the team’s first official match of the 2025 season.

The Hurricanes tallied 57 kills, 33 digs, 13 blocks and 12 aces. Their loss came after a hard fought back-and-forth with the Hoosiers.

Offensively, junior Ava Carney led the team with 17 kills, respectively. On the defensive side, sophomore Logan Wiley had nine block assists and senior Naylani Feliciano recorded 13 digs. 

Set one opened with a 4-0 start from Miami with Senior Dalia Wilson behind the serving line. The Hoosiers combated this quickly, eventually cutting the lead to 12-11. 

However, redshirt sophomore Ariana Rodriguez and senior Flormarie Heredia Colon pushed back, recording kills to extend the Hurricanes to an 18-13 score. Miami ended the set with five consecutive points thanks to Heredia Colon’s two aces that ultimately handed the Hurricanes the first set, 25-18.

Indiana started the second set leading 4-2, trying to combat Miami’s set one win. The Hurricanes eventually took over the lead after a 4-0 run, making the score 8-5. The set stayed close, but after back-to-back blocks from Wiley to lead 19-15, the Hurricanes ended up dominating set two 25-17.

In the third set, Carney led the momentum, notching a block kill to lead Miami 9-8. The Hoosiers countered, but Heredia Colon’s seventh kill tied it up at 14-all. Miami came out of set three with the most kills all match, but Indiana eventually came out with the win, 25-19. 

From then on Indiana controlled the match with a late surge of energy following their first set win. 

The Hoosiers took an early 7-3 lead in the fourth set, but Miami was able to bounce back, notching yet another four-point run. Wilson then took back-to-back blocks to increase Miami’s lead 13-11. 

However, it wasn’t enough, as Indiana forced a fifth set with the final score of 21-19.

The Hoosiers sustained their rhythm into the final set, taking complete control leading 10-3. While the Hurricanes tried to bounce back, they fell short with Indiana taking the fifth set 15-11.

Miami hopes to bounce back from this narrow defeat on Saturday as they face Ohio State following the Indiana vs. VCU match.

Redshirt sophomore Ariana Rodriguez prepares to set the ball

Loading Hurricanes: Volleyball, Notre Dame football, and more

Pablo Montekio Brunet
-
0

On Sportscast’s first preview ever, Pablo covers the upcoming volleyball, football, and other sports games coming up soon in Hurricane Athletics.

Miami Women’s Soccer defeats Lipscomb 3-2 in a second-half stunner

Liam Hickey
-
0
Miami Women’s Soccer defeats Lipscomb 3-2 in a second-half stunner

Entering the second half trailing 2-1, University of Miami women’s soccer scored two unanswered goals in the final 45 minutes of play to seal a 3-2 comeback win over Lipscomb. 

The Hurricanes found success on the night through set pieces with all three goals via dead ball plays: two corners and a free kick.

Lipscomb opened the scoring in the 11th minute when All-ASUN midfielder Bella Carapazza played an outside of the boot pass to an overlapping Hailey Johnson on the left flank, who pulled the trigger on goal in a highly congested penalty area. The shot ricocheted in off the leg of a Hurricane defender to give the Bison their first lead of the game. 

Miami immediately answered six minutes later, as Brie Severns bagged her third goal in three games off of a brilliantly executed free kick by Tori Grambo to level the game at 1-1. 

Grambo lofted a beautiful ball over the top where Severns timed her run to the penalty spot and climbed the ladder for a header which found the back of the net. 

But the Bison took the lead once again at the 28 minute mark. 

After several failed clearance attempts from the Hurricanes’ back line, the chance fell to Annessa Shively at the top of the 12-yard box, who calmly slotted it into the left corner to put her side on the front foot going into the break. 

At the outset of the second half, it became clear the ’Canes had flipped a switch. Momentum had noticeably swung in favor of the home side, as Miami tormented Lipscomb for the next 45 minutes.

Total control of possession and midfield supremacy wore down the Bison, who rarely strung together a sequence of passes. Relentless pressure from UM kept the ball firmly in Lipscomb’s defensive third, and it was only a matter of time before the ’Canes found an equalizer. 

Miami’s breakthrough came in the 55th minute by way of a corner kick orchestrated by Nanaka Inaba. The Jacksonville State transfer launched it into the box, pinballing inside the danger area before landing at the feet of Sarah Greiner, who poked it into the side netting to draw the score even at 2-2. 

And in the dying minutes of regulation, UM substitute Allie Serlenga sent Cobb Stadium into delirium. 

Springboarded by another corner kick, Lipscomb’s failure to sort out the danger left it to fall to Serlenga’s left foot from 20 yards out, who made no mistake and rifled a grass-cutting missile inside the right post, beating the goalkeeper and securing the three points for Miami.

The ’Canes (4-1, 0-0 ACC) have now won three straight, handing Lipscomb (2-1-1, 0-0 ASUN) their first loss of their 2025 campaign. 

Miami will look to continue their successful homestand  next week, with showdowns against Princeton and FIU on the horizon. 

Hurricanes’ linebacker Adarius Hayes arrested for fatal car crash that killed three

Daniella Krasney
-
0
Hurricanes’ linebacker Adarius Hayes arrested for fatal car crash that killed three

Miami Hurricanes linebacker Adarius Hayes was arrested on Friday, Aug. 29 for a crash that killed two children and an elderly woman in May.

“On May 10, 2025, at approximately 1:43 p.m., the Largo Police Department responded to a two-vehicle traffic crash with fatalities at the intersection of Orange View Drive and Ridge Road,” said Megan Santo, the public information officer at Largo Police Department.

Two children and one elderly woman were killed and another individual was injured. Hayes is charged with three counts of vehicular homicide and one count of reckless driving with serious bodily injury. His bond is set at $350,000.

After an arrest warrant was issued, the 20-year-old turned himself into the Largo Police Department on Friday at 10:53 a.m. He was transported to Pinellas County Jail and released at 2:18 p.m. with a surety bond and pending court date. 

Largo Police said that Hayes was travelling 78.9 miles per hour in a 40 miles per hour zone at the time of the crash. Santo also said that about five seconds before the crash, Hayes made a “rapid and dangerous maneuver.” 

“Moments later, Hayes abruptly re-entered the curb lane, again crossing all three lanes without signaling. At that point, Hayes’ vehicle collided with the 2017 Kia Soul, which was lawfully executing a left-hand turn westbound onto Orange View Drive,” said Santo.

Prior to this crash, Hayes had numerous other driving incidents — including a speeding ticket and multiple citations for improper lane changes — and had his license briefly suspended in 2023 after failing to complete driving school.

The linebacker remained on the football team while police conducted the investigation and UM gathered more information.

“Following the charges issued today by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, student-athlete Adarius Hayes has been indefinitely suspended from all athletic related activities per athletic department policy. We will have no further comment,” Miami Athletics said in a statement to The Hurricane.

Headshot of Adarius Hayes // Photo Credit: Elijah Heatley via James Knable

The arrest comes just days before UM’s football opener against Notre Dame, a notable rivalry. Although Hayes was not a starter, his arrest may pose a distraction for the team. 

“The investigation concluded that Adarius Hayes’ egregious speed, aggressive and reckless lane changes, and complete disregard for surrounding traffic conditions demonstrated a willful and deliberate disregard for the safety of others, constituting reckless driving,” said Santo. “These actions directly led to the tragic deaths of the three victims.”

This is a developing story. 

Lazaro Chavez, Katie Karlson and Mel Tenkoff contributed to the reporting for this story. 

Sports Brief: The Latest in Hurricane Athletics

Emil Salgado Vazquez
-
0

In our very first episode of TMH Sportscast, Bella covers the latest sports scores and news over the past week, including soccer, volleyball, and the selling out of Notre Dame tickets.

“Catholics vs Convicts”: A Brief History of Miami/Notre Dame

Brendan Cafferty
-
0
“Catholics vs Convicts”: A Brief History of Miami/Notre Dame

“Touchdown Jesus” and the U statue, Sebastian against the Leprechaun…

Yet with all these positive icons and nicknames, the rivalry will always be remembered by one phrase: “Catholics vs Convicts.”

Division I football is filled with historic rivalries: Michigan-Ohio State, Army-Navy, and Alabama-Auburn. Among them rests the matchup of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Miami Hurricanes. . 

Both teams have consistently maintained a bitter rivalry through the years, despite South Bend and Coral Gables being separated by nearly 1400 miles. As the two teams are about to face each other for the 28th time, it’s important to take a look back on the birth of the tension between them.

In the early meetings of both schools, there was a clear favorite coming into every game: Notre Dame. 

With a 12-1-1 record to begin the series against the ’Canes, ND dominated from the beginnings of this rivalry in 1955 through 1980.

The 1980s, however, brought a vitalization of the Miami Hurricanes football program and in turn, competition. Miami’s aggressive offensive nature paired with a lockdown defense fueled a 58-7 win in 1985, raising hostility on both sides.

Coupling the 1985 win with a shutout victory in 1987 for UM, the stage was set for the infamous 1988 game.

“Catholics vs Convicts,” the phrase that pitted two fanbases against each other for years, started out simply on tailgate shirts.

 Former Notre Dame student and basketball player Pat Walsh created the shirts after hearing the slogan from his teammates in anticipation for the ‘88 matchup.

Tensions rose as news of these shirts spread to the UM campus, and the rivalry became much more significant for the Hurricanes. Being labeled “convicts,” held layers of offensive subtext beneath the guise of Miami’s aggressive playstyle. 

ND touted their religious affiliation while reducing Miami to the “bad seed” of the FBS. While Pat Walsh faced consequences from administration at Notre Dame, it was more due to the shirts being unlicensed through the school.

UM players expressed their feelings on the matter, as multiple players on that ‘88 team were Catholic.

“Notre Dame hasn’t cornered the market on Catholic football players,” said Miami Quarterback Steve Walsh.

Miami, then defending national champions, were upset 31-30 in South Bend in a nail-biter that ended on a stopped two point conversion by Notre Dame safety Pat Terrell.

The Hurricanes and Fighting Irish would trade off wins in 1989 and 1990 respectively, but then would not meet for exactly 20 years, fizzling out a once brutal rivalry.

The rivalry was rekindled in 2017 where the Hurricanes stormed through the Fighting Irish in a dominant 41-8 blowout at home. 

This Sunday, another chapter will be written in this historic rivalry as Notre Dame heads down to Hard Rock Stadium for a primetime matchup.

With both teams coming off of competitive 2024-25 seasons, the atmosphere is layered with excitement and trepidation for both ‘Canes and Irish fans.

QB Carson Beck spoke in anticipation of this matchup, displaying confidence in himself and his team.

“It’s just another football game, right? It’s another opportunity to go compete,” said Beck.

The Hurricanes celebrate in front of fans at Hard Rock Stadium following a 41-8 victory over No. 3 Notre Dame Nov. 11, 2017. Photo credit: Hunter Crenian

Maeve McMahon will steal your heart

Gabriel Mena
-
0
Maeve McMahon will steal your heart

Fresh off a summer of travels, festivals, and fearless growth, Miami-based singer-songwriter Maeve McMahon (formerly MAEVE) is stepping into a new season with unstoppable momentum. With her full band in tow, Maeve is set to light up stages across South Florida this fall—bringing fans both the heartfelt folk-pop they know and love, and a taste of bold, brand-new originals.

Maeve’s live shows are something you can’t miss. Whether it’s a festival crowd singing along to her original anthems, or an intimate brewery set filled with covers that keep the energy flowing, Maeve thrives on making audiences move. 

“I was a performer before I was a songwriter,” Maeve said., “So seeing the music come alive on stage is everything. I can’t sit still when I’m performing—and I don’t want the audience to either.”

This season, fans can expect something only Maeve can deliver. She is debuting unreleased songs that lean into an edgier pop-rock-folk sound with a country twang, showing off new layers of her artistry and vocal range. 

Maeve McMahon upcoming show schedule. Photo Courtesy of Maeve McMahon.

These tracks will serve as the foundation of her upcoming album, set to drop next summer. “I want people dancing, feeling free, and seeing a new side of me,” Maeve said.

For those who haven’t seen Maeve live, this is the moment. Her debut EP Traffic Lights—an emotional journey through heartbreak, change, and growth—has already introduced her fearless voice to the world. But on stage, Maeve’s fire burns brighter. Her energy, movementand raw presence transform her songs into something unforgettable.

Between her slew of recent and upcoming gigs and her adventurous songwriting, Maeve is setting out to prove she’s not an artist who can be boxed in. She’s limitless—and she’s inviting her fans to grow, groove and go with her.

Stream Maeve’s EP “Traffic Lights” now on all platforms. Don’t miss her upcoming shows in Miami and watch her new music video. Expect covers, fan favorites and fresh originals that will leave you buzzing for what’s next.

Follow Maeve on Instagram, TikTok, and Spotify for updates, new music and show dates or visit her website.

A rivalry renewed — and sold out: Tickets unavailable 24 hours after release

Hannah Valdivia
-
0
A rivalry renewed — and sold out: Tickets unavailable 24 hours after release

Over the weekend, hundreds of students waited for the Hurricanes’ season opener versus Notre Dame tickets to drop at noon. Those who didn’t join the waitlist right away were disappointed to see tickets had sold out less than 24 hours later.

This Sunday, the Hurricanes are facing the Notre Dame Fighting Irish for the 28th time, a rivalry that was once a yearly spectacle in the 1980s. The last time these two teams faced each other was in 2017, when Miami won 41-8 in dominant fashion. This is the first time student tickets have sold out since last year’s FSU versus UM game in October, due to the teams’ long-standing rivalry. 

With a history filled with decades of drama and hatred, it’s no wonder Hard Rock Stadium is expected to be at full capacity Sunday night after selling 42,000 season tickets, the second most they’ve ever sold, according to Miami Hurricanes Athletic Director Dan Radakovich.

Several students were also upset when they realized they could not purchase guest tickets. This could be due to the University preparing for the frenzy of the first game day of the year.   

Sophomore Daniella Vega was about to score a ticket for the game but did not. She was also relying on a guest ticket for her long distance boyfriend, who she planned to attend the game with. With the restrictions, the only way she’ll be attending the game is if she finds stadium tickets to purchase for the both of them. 

“The problem is now the tickets are so expensive if you’re not getting one from the student section, so I don’t know if I’ll be able to go anymore,” said Vega. 

The first game of the season is one of the biggest and most important events of the year, not just for the players and cheerleaders but for the students as well. With the historic “Catholics versus Convicts” match up, UM fans are excited to see how this game will set the tone for the remainder of this year’s season. 

“I can’t wait to see the stadium filled with UM spirit at the first home game,” shared one freshman student from New York City.

1...104105106...2,127Page 105 of 2,127