When Miami and Notre Dame collide, national championship hopes and decades of bad blood often have a way of making the stakes feel bigger than the game itself.
Their clashes during the 1980s helped define an era of college football, producing iconic moments, lopsided beatdowns and one of the sport’s most legendary showdowns: the 1988 “Catholics vs. Convicts” game.
But the rivalry’s most memorable chapters extend beyond that golden era. Last season’s Week 1 thriller was proof, as Miami escaped with a 27-24 victory before advancing to the national championship game, while Notre Dame finished 10-2 and missed the College Football Playoff.
With the No. 1 Hurricanes (8-0) and No. 4 Fighting Irish (7-1) set to meet again Saturday (7:30 p.m. ET/NBC), let’s revisit the five greatest games in a series that Notre Dame leads 18-9-1 and has rarely lacked for drama, controversy or championship implications.
5. Notre Dame 29, Miami 20
Oct. 20, 1990, at Notre Dame Stadium
Why it ranks fifth: No. 6 Notre Dame defeated No. 2 Miami in a high-stakes clash between national championship contenders, delivering a painful blow to the Hurricanes’ title hopes. The Irish pulled away late, with quarterback Rick Mirer connecting with Rodney Culver for a decisive touchdown. Notre Dame finished 9-3, while Miami went 10-2, making this another memorable chapter in a rivalry defined by national championship implications and bad blood.
4. Miami 24, Notre Dame 0
Nov. 28, 1987, at the Orange Bowl
Why it ranks fourth: No. 2 Miami delivered a dominant defensive performance against No. 10 Notre Dame, shutting out the Irish and limiting Heisman Trophy winner Tim Brown’s impact. The Hurricanes controlled the game and strengthened their case as the nation’s best team, eventually finishing 12-0 and winning the program’s second national championship after beating Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl. Notre Dame finished 8-4, but the result set the stage for the even more consequential rematch the following season.
3. Miami 58, Notre Dame 7
Nov. 30, 1985, at the Orange Bowl
Why it ranks third: Miami delivered one of the most lopsided beatings in the rivalry’s history, overwhelming Notre Dame behind quarterback Vinny Testaverde, who threw for 356 yards. The Irish were already reeling after coach Gerry Faust announced his resignation earlier that week, and the Hurricanes showed no mercy in a blowout that intensified the animosity between the programs. The victory capped a 10-2 regular season for Miami, while Notre Dame finished 5-6.
2. Miami 27, Notre Dame 10
Nov. 25, 1989, at the Orange Bowl
Why it ranks second: Miami ended No. 1 Notre Dame’s 23-game winning streak in a showdown between two national championship contenders. The No. 7 Hurricanes had a remarkable third-and-43 conversion, when quarterback Craig Erickson connected with Randal Hill for 44 yards, as part of a 22-play, 80-yard drive that drained 10 minutes, 47 seconds off the clock. Miami went on to finish 11-1 and beat Alabama in the Sugar Bowl to win its third national championship, while Notre Dame finished 12-1.
1. Notre Dame 31, Miami 30
Oct. 15, 1988, at Notre Dame Stadium
Why it ranks first: The “Catholics vs. Convicts” game is without a doubt the rivalry’s signature game. No. 4 Notre Dame handed No. 1 Miami its only loss of the season in a legendary matchup featuring a disputed goal-line fumble, a frantic Miami comeback and a decisive two-point conversion attempt that failed with 45 seconds left. Notre Dame went on to finish 12-0 and win its ninth — and most recent — national championship. Miami finished 11-1.
Every campus. Every tradition. Every fan. Sign up for the Student Section Newsletter
READ MORE: Then & Now: Miami football from the Orange Bowl to Hard Rock Stadium
READ MORE: How Miami’s Turnover Chain tradition started — and where it went
READ MORE: The ultimate road trip for ACC football fans: Five stadiums, five weekends
READ MORE: How Notre Dame’s ‘Play Like a Champion Today’ sign became a lasting tradition
READ MORE: The 5 Notre Dame legends who became No. 1 overall NFL draft picks
Mike Garbett is a content specialist working with McClatchy’s Content Innovation Lab.