Renewing a Rivalry

The Notre Dame-Miami rivalry is one of epic proportion. It was easily one of the best rivalries in the late 1980s, as it pitted two annual powerhouses with two legendary coaches in Lou Holtz and Jimmy Johnson.

The series climaxed in 1988 when #4 Notre Dame beat #1 Miami 31-30 at Notre Dame Stadium in the game known as "Catholics vs. Convicts." The win propelled the Irish to the 1988 National Championship, and kept Miami from what could have been three national titles in three years - Miami won the 1987 and 1989 National Championships.

Over twenty years since their last meeting, Notre Dame and Miami will renew this storied series at the Sun Bowl with their 24th meeting. Coincidentally, these two were already slated to renew the series in 2012 with a neutral site game at Soldier Field in Chicago. Nonetheless, a lot has changed since then. Notre Dame enters the bowl game with a 7-5 record, but are winners of the past three. It will be the first Irish bowl game under new head coach Brian Kelly - the 4th head coach for ND since Lou Holtz retired following the 1996 season. Miami enters the bowl game with a 7-5 record, but are losers of the their last two. That ultimately led to the firing of head coach Randy Shannon, Miami's 4th head coach since Jimmy Johnson left to become head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.

Two teams that were once on the top, are now struggling to gain momentum moving forward. Notre Dame could use a victory for a number of reasons. One, a final record of 8-5 looks much better than 7-6 (the Irish last reached eight wins in 2006). Two, a victory over a notorious Florida program would bolster ND's brand name in Florida. Kelly has already lost three Florida recruits to the likes of Florida and Florida State. Three, ending with a four game winning streak over quality opponents will bolster recruiting efforts, as well as motivate players in the off season. Four, the Irish could be ranked heading into next season.

Miami is looking at posting a victory for many of the same reasons, but also have the lame duck head coach factored against them. Interim head coach Jeff Southland is looking to make a splash in the coaching world not only for himself, but also his players and the future of the program. Need I remind Notre Dame fans of the strong output from Irish players (see Tuck, Justin) when Kent Baer led the Irish to the Insight.com bowl in 2004 following the firing of Ty Willingham. For this reason alone, the Irish should have the advantage heading into the game.

That being said, Miami remains a very talented and athletic squad. While they have questions at quarterback surrounding the health of QB Jacory Harris, Miami utilizes a balanced ground attack featuring Damien Berry (865 yds, 5 TDs) and Lamar Miller (633 yds, 6 TDs). Also, the Irish secondary might be up against the best receiver they've seen all year in big-target Leonard Hankerson (1085 yds, 12 TDs). The Miami D is 21st in the nation in points allowed at 19.7. The D is quick and athletic, stocked with 5-star talent, and led by LB Sean Spence.

If they want to win, the IRISH will have to stick to what they've been doing best - playing solid defense, running the ball, and converting on 3rd down. If they want to win big, Tommy Rees will have to avoid another multi-turnover day for the Irish. Here's to a new streak of consecutive bowl VICTORIES and the rebirth of an old rivalry.

-DH