HURRICANES OUTLAST IRISH: ONE-HANDED MAGIC AND A LAST-SECOND KICK
Updated: Oct 31
MIAMI GARDENS (Fla.) — The setting was perfect for a marquee season opener: heavy heat, intermittent rain, and a Hard Rock Stadium buzzing like the golden days of college football in South Florida. On Sunday night, No. 10 Miami earned a statement victory by defeating No. 6 Notre Dame, 27–24. A win sealed in dramatic fashion by a 47-yard field goal from Carter Davis with just over a minute left.
The game had all the makings of a true measuring stick for two ambitious programs. For Mario Cristobal’s Hurricanes, it was about proving that 2025 could finally be the year of their long-awaited return to prominence. For Marcus Freeman’s Fighting Irish, the first career start of freshman quarterback CJ Carr was meant to mark the beginning of a new offensive chapter after the offseason transition. The result was a thriller that lived up to the billing.
CJ Carr: A debut full of promise… and lessons
All eyes were on CJ Carr. Grandson of a Michigan coaching legend and a headline recruit, the freshman quarterback was thrust into the spotlight for the opener. And despite the loss, he delivered.
Carr showed poise early, completing his first four passes. He finished 19 of 30 for 221 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while also adding a rushing touchdown that tied the game at 24–24 late in the fourth quarter. His chemistry with tight end Eli Raridon stood out, particularly on a 65-yard strike that set up his touchdown run.
But inexperience showed at the wrong time. With Notre Dame trailing 21–14 but gaining momentum in the fourth quarter, Carr opted for a screen on 2nd-and-2. The ball was tipped, batted around three times, and eventually intercepted by defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. Miami turned the mistake into three points—the final margin.
“Tonight wasn’t good enough out of me, specifically. On the pick, I should have just given the ball to Love. I’ve got to get a better feel for what the offense needs in the moment,” Carr admitted after the game.
A candid confession, and a reminder: Notre Dame has a special talent under center, but one still in the learning process.
Catch of the Year?
If one image defined the night, it came courtesy of CJ Daniels. Just before halftime, the LSU transfer extended fully and hauled in a one-handed touchdown grab from 20 yards out, ripping the ball away from safety Adon Shuler. A highlight-reel play that gave Miami a 14–7 lead at the most critical psychological moment.
Daniels finished with five catches for 46 yards and a touchdown, but it was that single play that will be replayed all season. Alongside him, true freshman Malachi Toney exploded in his college debut with six receptions, 82 yards, and a touchdown, proving Miami may already have its next big-play duo.
Beck’s steady hand guides Miami
Coming over from Georgia, Carson Beck didn’t need to be flashy to win his Hurricanes debut. He was efficient (20/31, 205 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT), spreading the ball around and avoiding costly mistakes. He benefited from a sturdy offensive line that didn’t give up a sack until the final quarter.
The ground game did the rest. Mark Fletcher Jr. (66 yards) and CharMar Brown (54 yards, 1 TD) provided balance and helped Miami control the tempo. Their 75-yard touchdown drive to open the second half—chewing up half of the third-quarter clock—was the very definition of statement football.
“I don’t even know where to start… but tonight was just an awesome night for this program. We showed toughness and made plays when it mattered,” Cristobal said, relieved to finally snap Miami’s eight-game skid against Top-10 opponents.
Notre Dame fights back
Though the Irish left with a loss, they showed heart. Down 21–7 in the third quarter, Notre Dame’s defense stiffened. They held Miami to a field goal after the interception, then forced a critical three-and-out late in the game. That stop set up Carr’s game-tying 7-yard rushing touchdown.
Eli Raridon emerged as the primary weapon with 97 receiving yards, while Jordan Faison and Micah Gilbert each scored their first career touchdowns. On defense, Jalen Stroman led the team with nine tackles, and Boubacar Traore marked his return with a sack and six tackles.
But the numbers told the story: the highly touted backfield of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price was held to a combined 78 rushing yards. Not enough to swing the game.
Carter Davis delivers the dagger
A transfer from FAU, Carter Davis was not expected to be the hero. Before Sunday, he was just 4-for-11 in his career on field goals. But under the bright lights, he went 2-for-2, including the decisive 47-yarder with 1:04 left.
“I get one play — I just have to capitalize on it,” Davis said. Mission accomplished.
On the ensuing possession, Miami’s defense slammed the door with back-to-back sacks by Bain and Akheem Mesidor. The clock ran out, and the Hurricanes celebrated a program-defining win.
Takeaways:
Miami now owns a signature victory for its Playoff résumé. In an ACC slate that does not include Clemson, this Top-10 win could prove decisive in December. The Toney-Daniels duo looks like an instant answer at receiver, and Beck’s steady presence gives Miami the stability it lacked a year ago.
Notre Dame has plenty to clean up: more dominance at the line of scrimmage, a more consistent ground attack, and sharper decision-making from its young quarterback. But the fightback from down 14 points shows this team has resilience—and potential.
Key Stats:
Notre Dame
QB CJ Carr: 19/30, 221 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT; 1 rush TD (7 yds)
TE Eli Raridon: 5 REC, 97 yds (long 65)
RB Jadarian Price: 6 CAR, 45 yds (long 30)
RB Jeremiyah Love: 10 CAR, 33 yds
S Jalen Stroman: 9 tackles (team-high)
Miami
QB Carson Beck: 20/31, 205 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT
WR Malachi Toney: 6 REC, 82 yds, 1 TD
WR CJ Daniels: 5 REC, 46 yds, 1 TD (one-handed grab)
RB Mark Fletcher Jr.: 15 CAR, 66 yds
K Carter Davis: 2/2 FG (long 47), 3/3 XP
HIGHLIGHTS:
