While Texas vs Ohio State may be the main headliner for Week 1 of college football, Miami's matchup with Notre Dame appears to be one of the best (in addition to LSU vs Clemson). Let's take a look at the history between these two storied programs.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Miami Hurricanes have met 27 times on the football field, with Notre Dame holding an 17–8–1 series advantage (Notre Dame has one vacated win). The rivalry began in 1955, but soared in intensity during the 1970s and 1980s before being paused after 1990. From 1955 through 1980, the Irish dominated the matchup, compiling a 12–1–1 record against Miami. Miami’s lone win during that span came in 1960, and the tie occurred in 1965, a 0‑0 deadlock.
Beginning in 1971, the rivalry became annual (except in 1986) and produced a dramatic shift. Miami won four of five contests between 1983 and 1987, including a notorious 58–7 rout in 1985 that fueled animosity on both sides. In 1987, Miami shut out Notre Dame 24–0, marking the crescendo of their turnaround.
Perhaps the most memorable game came on October 15, 1988, dubbed “Catholics vs. Convicts.” It featured No. 1 Miami’s 36‑game regular‑season win streak and a fierce showdown in South Bend. Notre Dame prevailed 31–30, sealing the game on a failed two‑point conversion by Miami. The bold slogan and physical play made it one of college football’s most iconic matchups.
Miami responded in 1989, ending Notre Dame’s 23‑game winning streak with a 27–10 win. The rivalry culminated in 1990 when No. 4 Notre Dame defeated No. 2 Miami 29–20 in their final regular‑season meeting. Notre Dame exited the series amid mounting tensions and declining willingness to schedule the matchup.
The schools next met in postseason play at the 2010 Sun Bowl in El Paso, where Notre Dame won 33–17 behind freshman QB Tommy Rees and three interceptions from safety Harrison Smith. That marked the rivalry’s first postseason bowl game meeting and Notre Dame’s first bowl win under coach Brian Kelly.
Their most recent meeting occurred in 2017, when Miami handled Notre Dame decisively 41–8 in South Bend. Since then, the teams haven’t played again, setting the stage for present day. Notre Dame comes off a national championship appearance and Miami just barely missed the CFP last season. Both teams project to compete for a spot in the playoff and this game — one that renews the storied, yet inconsistent rivalry — hopes to be another addition to the tale between the Fighting Irish and Hurricanes.
- October 7, 1955 – Miami Gardens, FL – Notre Dame 14, Miami 0
- November 12, 1960 – Miami Gardens, FL – Notre Dame 21, Miami 28
- November 27, 1965 – Miami Gardens, FL – Notre Dame 0, Miami 0 (tie)
- November 24, 1967 – Miami Gardens, FL – Notre Dame 24, Miami 22
- October 9, 1971 – Miami Gardens, FL – Notre Dame 17, Miami 0
- November 18, 1972 – South Bend, IN – Notre Dame 20, Miami 17
- December 1, 1973 – Miami Gardens, FL – Notre Dame 44, Miami 0
- October 26, 1974 – South Bend, IN – Notre Dame 38, Miami 7
- November 22, 1975 – Miami Gardens, FL – Notre Dame 32, Miami 9
- November 20, 1976 – South Bend, IN – Notre Dame 40, Miami 27
- December 3, 1977 – Miami Gardens, FL – Notre Dame 48, Miami 10
- October 28, 1978 – South Bend, IN – Notre Dame 20, Miami 0
- November 24, 1979 – Tokyo, Japan (Mirage Bowl) – Notre Dame 40, Miami 15
- October 11, 1980 – South Bend, IN – Notre Dame 32, Miami 14
- November 27, 1981 – Miami Gardens, FL – Notre Dame 15, Miami 37
- October 9, 1982 – South Bend, IN – Notre Dame 16, Miami 14
- September 24, 1983 – Miami Gardens, FL – Notre Dame 0, Miami 20
- October 6, 1984 – South Bend, IN – Notre Dame 13, Miami 31
- November 30, 1985 – Miami Gardens, FL – Notre Dame 7, Miami 58
- November 28, 1987 – Miami Gardens, FL – Notre Dame 0, Miami 24
- October 15, 1988 – South Bend, IN – Notre Dame 31, Miami 30 (the famed “Catholics vs. Convicts” game)
- November 25, 1989 – Miami Gardens, FL – Notre Dame 10, Miami 27
- October 20, 1990 – South Bend, IN – Notre Dame 29, Miami 20
- December 31, 2010 – El Paso, TX (Sun Bowl) – Notre Dame 33, Miami 17
- October 6, 2012 – Chicago, IL – Notre Dame 41, Miami 3 (ND win later vacated due to ineligible players)
- October 29, 2016 – South Bend, IN – Notre Dame 30, Miami 27
- November 11, 2017 – Miami Gardens, FL – Miami 41, Notre Dame 8