Notre Dame football will enter halftime trailing Miami 14-7, after the Hurricanes scored with just a few seconds remaining before the break to take the lead.
It’s not how the Irish imagined that going, especially considering that they’ll get the ball back when the third quarter starts. Notre Dame hasn’t played its best, which is the encouraging aspect of the current score, so there is plenty of hope that they can make the proper halftime adjustments and get back into the game.
Advertisement
Below, you’ll find three assessments from what we have seen from Notre Dame in the first half of its 2025 season opening game against Miami.
Notre Dame surprisingly is losing the trench battle
Aug 31, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; The Miami Hurricanes take the field before the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Not many teams can hang with Notre Dame in the trenches, but it looks like Miami was up to the challenge. Former Notre Dame recruit Justin Scott forced a fumble, while Rueben Bain was constantly in the backfield. On defense, the line struggled to get pressure on Miami quarterback Carson Beck, but did have a few good moments like when Jared Dawson battled down a third-down attempt, which led to Miami attempting a field goal, which they botched. This unit has to play better in the second-half.
Advertisement
Too much throwing from CJ Carr
Aug 31, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr (13) drops back to pass against the Miami Hurricanes during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
It was Carr’s first start in college, but offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock didn’t call the plays like it was. The Irish came out slinging the ball, as Jeremiyah Love would only get four carries through the first four drives, with Jadarian Price not touching it once. Play to your strengths, which is the best running back room in the country. They need to have a lot more touches as the game goes on, but they could be limited due to losing the line of scrimmage battle. Carr did have a highlight reel play for Notre Dame’s first touchdown of the season, but you can’t rely on him to do that throughout the year.
Mixed first-half bag for Notre Dame
Aug 31, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Micah Gilbert (14) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Hurricanes during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The defensive played well, especially following the turnover by the offense. They didn’t allow points, but did give up a touchdown later. The offense finally got going late in the first half, giving some hope that they could get it going after the break. This game is far from over, even down 14-7, and Notre Dame just needs a few big plays to take control of it.
Advertisement
Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Mike on X: @MikeFChen
This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame football: Three observations at halftime
