With Notre Dame's new partnership with the ACC, some traditional rivals such as Michigan and Michigan State will be discontinued. While that is too bad to see two schools whose history is linked with Notre Dame, another rivalry hopefully will be restored.
It was on Saturday and although the game wasn't close, you just get the sense that these two teams are meant to play each other. In the 80s, this was THE GAME. Often it would decide the national championship and the two teams just did not like each other. They had some memorable games that were often decided in the last minute.
With Notre Dame being unbeaten and Miami coming in with just one loss, this game suddenly had that feel to it again. Unfortunately for the Hurricanes, the Fighting Irish were just too much for them. It didn't look like it early though as Miami star receiver Phillip Dorsett dropped two sure touchdowns on the opening drive on two perfect passes from Stephen Morris.
Then in a surprise move Tommy Rees started the game as apparently Everett Golson was in violation of team rules. However, after Rees went three and out and the Fighting Irish got helped with a roughing the kicker penalty, Golson came in and retook his spot as the starting quarterback.
He moved the team right down the field with both his arm and his legs before giving way to Theo Riddick for a one yard touchdown run. Overall, Golson had his best day as he finished 17-22 for 186 yards. Most importantly, he had no turnovers. What is even more impressive was that most of those stats game in the first half. He only threw a couple passes in the second half and really just handed off to a rushing attack that was most impressive.
As a team Notre Dame finished with 376 rushing yards compared to only 84 for Miami. Cierre Wood and George Atkinson both had over 100 yards and they had three touchdowns between the two of them. Golson himself pitched in with 51 yards. Even Cam McDaniel had 55 yards and a touchdown. The guy that got lost in the shuffle was Riddick as he was hardly seen after his early score. What is really impressive is that Miami knew they were running and they still couldn't stop them.
Now looking at the defense, what needs to be said really? The Hurricanes failed to capitalize on the early opportunities they had and you can't do that against a defense like this. For the third straight game, the Fighting Irish did not give up a touchdown. To get an idea of just how good this defense is, it would be considered a good defensive game if your team surrenders just four field goals and 12 points.
How good does that make you if you do that in three games? What is even more impressive is that in 12 trips to the red zone this season, they only surrendered two touchdowns. Both of which were to Purdue. Those are just ridiculous stats. What is even more scary is that the defense just seems to get better each week.
The Hurricanes who had been consistently putting up 30+ points managed just three points. In Miami's defense, they have many freshmen and sophomores playing. As expected with a young team, unforced mistakes really contributed to the lopsided score. But even with the game being a blow out, these two teams looked as though they are meant to play each other and those who watched really could sense an old rivalry being renewed.
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