The University of Miami Hurricanes football team did numerous things when they dominated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, however, the number one thing that they did was wake up the doubters, especially in the College Football Playoff committee.
Malik Rosier threw for a touchdown and ran for another, Travis Homer ran for 146 yards, Deejay Dallas had a pair of touchdown runs, however, the turnover chain was barely put away, Miami’s defense forced four turnovers for the fourth consecutive week and handed the Irish their second-worst loss 41-8 in the history of the Miami-Notre Dame series.
Only the 58-7 Miami route in 1985 was more convincing. The last 40 seasons in Miami the fighting Irish are 0-6, Miami has outscored the Fighting Irish 207- 40 in those home games.
“We did not see this coming,” Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly stated.
Did the bling from the turnover chain blind Notre Dame? It is now four straight games with four takeaways for Miami. Hurricanes’ plus 15 turnover Margin this season is the best in the power 5. The win extends the nation’s longest winning streak to 14 games and they are off to their best start since 2002.
The Hurricanes we up 27-0 at halftime. Everywhere you look, it is the turnover chain that has taken the nation by storm.
“It is connecting everybody. It is connecting our fan base.” Jaquan Johnson shared. “All our teammates. All of our coaches. Everybody gets excited when the chain comes out.”
Johnson has a point. It is hard to decipher are the cheers greater for a touchdown or a turnover these days on their home field.
“People have different ways to celebrate a turnover, we are not the first ones to do that.” Miami Coach Mark Richt stated. “We just have the best one. We have the one that draws the most attention. We have the best way to celebrate a turnover.”
Miami clinched its first trip to the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game. The Hurricanes wrapped up the Coastal Division title before kickoff when Virginia’s loss to Louisville went final, giving Miami a berth against Clemson in the ACC title matchup on Dec. 2 at Charlotte. Five bowls sent representatives to the game and there were at least 12 NFL teams with scouts at the game.
Ed Reed was at practice every day leading up to the game. The defense was the best I have seen all season. The defensive line dominated. It was unreal to see the speed Miami had. The hitting from Miami was bigger than I have ever also.
I did not expect this dominant of a performance. Wide receiver Lawrence Cager caught a deep pass at it’s the highest point over a defender on 4th down to give the Hurricanes huge confidence, however, Trajan Bandy had the play of the game with a 65-yard pick six for the hurricanes in the first half.
“It was great, that was my first time getting the chain. Guys on the team told me to be patient it is going to come.” Trajan Bandy stated. “I was patient I saw the quarterback throw the ball and caught the ball I saw green grass and I went into the end zone with it.”
Bandy delivered the first defensive touchdown for The U this season.
I predict the Hurricanes will be ranked second in the college playoffs third the lowest when they are released Tuesday night. At 9-0, the college football AP and Coaches Poll have the hurricanes ranked no. 2.
The U is not back yet. They need a ring first. They are moving in the right direction but I did not think this quick in Richt’s second season. Defensive coordinator Manny Diaz has done a phenomenal job that may lead to his phone ringing with job offers. His defense stymied an amazing running game Notre Dame had coming in.
Hurricanes play their final home game of the season when they host Virginia on senior day.
