Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman wanted his players to savor Saturday’s 31-24 victory over top-ranked Miami.
A Special Moment for the Fighting Irish
Freeman called the upset a special moment. While he remains focused on larger goals, he acknowledged the importance of defeating the Hurricanes.
As reported by Bleacher Report – Front Page, Freeman told reporters that the win was big and different from others. He highlighted the extensive physical and mental preparation put into the game and urged his team to enjoy the triumph.
The Fighting Irish built a 24-3 lead in the third quarter before Miami mounted a comeback. The Hurricanes cut the deficit to a single score twice, but Notre Dame held on to secure the victory.
Impact on the Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff
The outcome carries significant implications for the Heisman Trophy race. Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr completed 29 of 40 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns, while Miami quarterback Darian Mensah finished 24 of 43 for 276 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. Carr currently stands as the Heisman betting favorite at +150 on FanDuel Sportsbook.
The College Football Playoff selection committee will also weigh the result. Notre Dame entered the matchup ranked 11th with a 7-1 record, a placement that sparked controversy among CFP voters, though the team now expects to climb significantly.
Addressing the rankings, Freeman stated that rankings do not matter until the final week of the season. He emphasized that the team’s objective was to leave no doubt on the field.
Notre Dame will close out its schedule against Boston College, SMU, and Syracuse.
