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Miami Hurricanes at Notre Dame, One Fan’s Experience

By Daniel Nordwall

Oct 29, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; The Miami Hurricanes flag flies during the first quarter of the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; The Miami Hurricanes flag flies during the first quarter of the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Michael Jackson (28) celebrates after recovering a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 4th quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame defeats Miami 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Michael Jackson (28) celebrates after recovering a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 4th quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame defeats Miami 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Failed to Finish

At this point, as a fan, you start to feel confident in the swing of momentum. Then, the unthinkable happens. Notre Dame muffs a punt and the ‘Canes score a touchdown to take the lead 27-20.  Irish fans around me tremble in fear in disbelief of losing yet again to go 2-6 on the year.

In the back of my head, I remember the Florida State loss and how Miami was unable to finish the game. My conscience proved me right, sadly.

On a broken play and missed tackle by Miami Defensive lineman Chad Thomas, Notre Dame ties the game less than 56 seconds of play after the muffed punt. Irish fans go crazy, and I implement a face palm to the forehead.

“At least our offense has a chance,” I said subconsciously. Horrified, I see the I-Formation yet again, and the ‘Canes try to run the ball into a brick wall. Miami is put in a third and long situation and does not convert. Not surprising by any stretch of the imagination.

Notre Dame drives down the field with under two minutes to go. Suddenly, it is third and goal. Miami has a shot to get a stop and a field goal. I see the play and develop, and I yell “ball!”. A scramble of Miami and Notre Dame players mesh to pick up the fumble by the Notre Dame tight end. At this point, I wish I could’ve seen a replay, but Notre Dame does not have replay or video board. Notre Dame recovers and kicks a field goal

A scramble of Miami and Notre Dame players mesh to pick up the fumble by the Notre Dame tight end. I wish I could’ve seen a replay while at the game, but Notre Dame Stadium does not have replay or video board. Notre Dame recovers and kicks a field goal to take a 30-27 lead.

The Miami offense has another chance to tie or win the game with 30 seconds left on the clock. We all know how this ended. Kaaya takes a sack on third and two. Without any timeouts left the clock runs out. Notre Dame fans cheer amongst themselves and I sat there sadly watching the celebration occur, but not surprised. Another loss of three points or less.

Notre Dame fans cheer amongst themselves and I sat there sadly watching the celebration occur, but not surprised. Another loss of three points or less.

Next: Miami Hurricanes Bowl Projections

Silver lining

All and all, the ‘Canes fought valiantly to defeat the deficit. A Miami fan could find a sense of happiness in that. Yet, a loss is a loss. Although, I would do all again for this experience in South Bend, Indiana for Miami and Notre Dame.

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