The matchup between the Miami Hurricanes and Notre Dame pits two of the nation’s top seven teams. Miami and Notre Dame are both balanced. The game could just come down to a battle of wills.
Notre Dame enters the game seventh in the nation in scoring and 18th in scoring defense. The Miami Hurricanes are 44th in scoring and 12th in scoring defense. Notre Dame has played one more game. Miami had their game against Arkansas State canceled due to Hurricane Irma.
The Fighting Irish have played the nation’s fourth toughest strength of schedule, while Miami’s is 39th. The Miami Hurricanes scoring average was likely hurt by not playing Arkansas State. It helps Miami’s strength of schedule. The game against FCS Bethune-Cookman in the season opener greatly hindered Miami’s strength of schedule.
The Fighting Irish bring one of the nation’s most prolific offenses to South Florida. The run offense has been particularly prolific. Notre Dame is fifth in the country averaging 324.8 rushing yards per game.
The Miami run defense has struggled at times this season. The Hurricanes give up 170 yards per game and 3.92 yards per carry. They are stingy allowing opposing running are 67th nationally allowing to get into the end zone. The Hurricanes have allowed just four rushing touchdowns all season.