Luck of the Ibis: Miami Hurricanes knock out Notre Dame

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Miami, Florida – It all came down to Carter Davis’ 47-yard field goal as the 10th-ranked Miami Hurricanes outlasted sixth-ranked Notre Dame 27-24. With just over a minute left to play, the Florida Atlantic transfer kicked it through the goalposts for the eventual game winner. Davis was two for seven in field goal attempts for FAU last year, making the achievement all the more special. The former Owl nailed both field goals and all three point-after attempts Sunday night.

CAUGHT THE UPSET DUB 🔥

Carter Davis makes the 47-YD field goal to give Miami the lead before @Akheem_Mes & @ruebenbainjr recorded the sack to secure the win@CanesFootball |@MiamiHurricanes | #ItsAllAboutTheU | @cpisecurity pic.twitter.com/9LSBA0IdDe

— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) September 1, 2025

The Week 1 marquee matchup proved to be a battle between heavyweights in front of a record-setting sold-out crowd of 66,793. 17-year-old freshman Malachi Toney recorded UM’s first touchdown reception of the season, a 28-yard pass from quarterback Carson Beck on 3rd and 10 early in the second quarter. The Fighting Irish responded later in the period, but the Hurricanes retook the lead thanks to an impressive one-handed catch by CJ Daniels for the 20-yard strike just before halftime.

Touchdown Toney™️

The first of many TDs from @MALACHITONEY2 🙌 pic.twitter.com/x4bv3z5vHT

— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) September 1, 2025

Miami kept up the momentum in the third courtesy of CharMar Brown, who muscled his way for the five-yard rushing TD. The Irish, however, never went away, battling back with 17 points in the fourth. CJ Carr completed a TD toss to Jordan Faison and then later honed in on an open Eli Raridon for the 65-yard gain, eventually carrying it himself, tying it with 3:21 remaining. Notre Dame ran out of time, unable to get off the last snap. It’s Canes’ first win against a Top 10 opponent since 2017. The last time the Fighting Irish won in Miami was 1977. Justin Scott and Rueben Bain Jr. came up with two crucial turnovers, keeping the visitors in check.

CJ. DANIELS.

Hey @SportsCenter, you might want to take a look at this one 🤯🔥 pic.twitter.com/2u7iPPB0dr

— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) September 1, 2025

Beck completed 20 of 31 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Toney led the receivers, recording six receptions for 82 yards and a TD. Daniels caught five for 46 yards in addition to his circus catch. Mark Fletcher Jr. and CharMar Brown each had 15 carries. Fletcher rushed for 66 yards while Brown chalked up 54 and a score.

Impressions: Muddy and bloody

A critical turnover that may very well decide the outcome of this game. #GoCanes || #ItsAllAboutTheU pic.twitter.com/dUioVrosHZ

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) September 1, 2025

This was coach Mario Cristobal’s biggest win in his tenure at Coral Gables. The Cardiac Canes defeated a team coming off a dominant year that included a CFP Championship appearance. Marcus Freeman achieved the most wins in a single season in program history, finishing 14-2. Throw in the Catholics vs. Convicts rivalry, and it vastly improves Cristobal’s resume. The defense held down the Irish for most of the game. They bent but never broke, coming out strong on the final drive.

Notre Dame’s first possession saw a march into Miami territory that stalled. Keionte Scott nearly came up with an interception on 2nd and 9. Afterward, Bain and Marquise Lightfoot hurried the opposing QB, forcing him to throw it away on third down, resulting in a punt. Scott logged Miami’s first turnover via a forced fumble recovered by Jakobe Thomas. It almost set up UM’s first points, but special teams botched the 28-yard field goal due to a bad snap.

17-year-old Malachi Toney is now in the presser.#GoCanes || #ItsAllAboutTheU pic.twitter.com/BrsCgPrWIz

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) September 1, 2025

Jadarian Price’s 30-yard escape was one of the few times the defensive line was caught sleeping. UM was mostly clean with the penalties during the first half; Samson Okunlola’s holding penalty sunk Miami’s fourth possession. However, they got sloppy after halftime; granted, some of those were bad calls. The Irish pounced on the penalties, allowing the Faison TD. Fortunately, Rueben Bain ended Notre Dame’s surge, managing the crucial interception on the deflection by Scott intended for Faison.

More of Akheem Mesidor and Reuben Bain Jr post game#GoCanes || #ItsAllAboutTheU pic.twitter.com/PRquMcoQfI

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) September 1, 2025

Unsurprisingly, it came down to a field goal, nearly predicting the final score. Malachi Toney is no longer a secret, and I can’t wait to see how he does the rest of the season. Daniels’ incredible catch was a needed jolt for the Hurricanes. At that point, they had little to show for ending the half on a high note. The attack was rather balanced, dominating time of possession (24:52-34:04). Last but certainly not least, I thought Carson Beck did fine in his Hurricanes debut. Beck didn’t commit any mistakes and made some tremendous plays with his teammates. Overall, I give Miami’s Week 1 victory a B+.

Carson Beck's first postgame presser. It's a very special moment for the Canes QB.#GoCanes || #ItsAllAboutTheU pic.twitter.com/HjSKTjrM6z

— Gabriel Garcia (@Gabewritesports) September 1, 2025

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