Notre Dame overcomes slow start to defeat Miami (Ohio) 28-3
- Riley Leonard accounted for 297 total yards and three touchdowns in the game.
- Notre Dame's defense effectively contained Miami's offense, preventing them from scoring after the first quarter.
- The victory solidifies Notre Dame's position in the Top 20, despite their initial struggles.
In a game held on Saturday in South Bend, Indiana, No. 17 Notre Dame overcame a slow start to secure a 28-3 victory over Miami (Ohio). The Fighting Irish struggled offensively in the first half, trailing 3-0 after a field goal by Miami's Dom Dzioban. However, Riley Leonard led a strong response, scoring two rushing touchdowns and throwing for another, finishing with 297 total yards. His eight-yard touchdown run in the second quarter marked the beginning of Notre Dame's scoring surge. After halftime, Notre Dame's offense initially faltered again, fumbling and punting on their first two possessions. A pivotal interception by Christian Gray shifted momentum back to the Irish, leading to a 15-yard touchdown run by Jeremiyah Love. The defense played a crucial role, preventing Miami from capitalizing on early opportunities, including a key interception by Junior Tuihalamaka that halted a RedHawk drive deep in Notre Dame territory. Boubacar Traore, in his first career start, made a significant impact on defense with two sacks and a forced fumble, showcasing the depth of talent on the Irish roster. Despite the early struggles, Notre Dame's ability to adapt and execute in critical moments highlighted their resilience. Looking ahead, Notre Dame is set to host No. 19 Louisville, while Miami (Ohio) will seek their first win against UMass. The Fighting Irish are expected to remain in the Top 20 rankings, although their performance against a struggling Miami team may limit their upward movement in the polls.