Miami Chokes On National Stage, Embarrassed By Irish, 41-3

Oct. 6, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Cierre Wood (20) carries the ball in the second quarter against the Miami Hurricanes at Soldier Field. Notre Dame won 41-3. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-US PRESSWIRE

Notre Dame (5-0) had two running backs that rushed for over 100 yards each against a dismal Miami defense.  RB Cierre Wood and RB George Atkinson each helped to propel No. 9 Notre Dame past Miami (4-2) at Soldier Field.

‘Canes QB Stephen Morris wasn’t half of the QB that we saw against North Carolina State.  Although, in his defense, the Miami receivers failed to help him out any.  One word can be used to sum up the Miami receiving corps: DROP.  Morris passed for a season-low 201 yards and completed 18 of 35 passes.

Miami could only manage 285 total yards against the Irish defense.  In no big surprise, Notre Dame amassed 587 total yards, including 376 rushing yards against Miami.  The ‘Canes are now allowing 510 yards a game against their opponents.

The ‘Canes failed to score on their opening drive as Sophomore WR Phillip Dorsett dropped two deep passes that would have given Miami an early edge.  Following a monster game against the Wolfpack, Dorsett only managed one reception for six yards against the Irish.

Notre Dame dominated on the ground.  RB George Atkinson rushed for 123 yards and one touchdown on ten carries.  Fellow RB Cierre Wood contributed 118 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries.  QB Everett Golson threw for 186 yards, completing 17 of 22 passing attempts.  He also added 51 yards on the ground.

Miami appeared poised during Notre Dame’s opening drive, forcing the Irish to punt.  However, Gabe Terry was flagged for roughing the punter which kept the Irish drive alive.  For there on, Miami failed to gain any momentum.

The ‘Canes were able to score on a Jake Wieclaw field goal, thanks to a 37-yard kickoff return by Phillip Dorsett.  They trailed 7-3.  Miami seemed to still be alive as they went into the half trailing 13-3, following a 22-yard field goal by Notre Dame to end the second quarter.

The second half was all Notre Dame.

The Irish capitalized on a touchdown run by RB Cierre Wood, giving the Irish a 20-3 lead  with just under 12 minutes in the third quarter.  On their next drive, Notre Dame managed to go 86 yards, without throwing a single pass, topping it off with a three-yard touchdown run by Wood.  The Irish led 27-3 and Miami’s hopes faded.

Notre Dame controlled the clock and held the ball for 39:08 minutes, while Miami’s time of possession was 20:52.

Penalties continued to plague the Hurricanes and they were flagged 9 times for 76 yards.

In all, the Irish had 34 first downs.  Miami was held to just 13.