Miami Tech Upsets No. 4 Notre Dame, 28-23: A Shocking Start to the Season
The 2023 college football season kicked off with a major upset, as the Miami Hurricanes pulled off a stunning 28-23 victory over the No. 4 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Soldier Field in Chicago. The victory marked a significant statement for the Hurricanes, who were picked to finish last in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Coastal Division.
A Slow Start for the Irish
Notre Dame, led by the highly-touted quarterback Sam Hartman, looked out of sorts early on. The Irish offense sputtered, committing multiple turnovers and failing to establish any rhythm. This allowed Miami to build an early 14-0 lead.
Key takeaways from the first half:
- Miami's defense was dominant: They forced three turnovers, including two interceptions of Hartman, and kept the Irish offense off balance.
- Tyler Van Dyke's return: The Miami quarterback, who struggled last season, looked sharp and confident, throwing for two touchdowns in the first half.
Notre Dame Fights Back
The second half saw a more determined Notre Dame side. Hartman settled in and the Irish offense started to click, putting up 20 points in the third quarter alone. This included a 45-yard touchdown run by Audric Estime, cutting the deficit to 21-20.
However, Miami responded with a field goal, extending their lead to 24-20.
A Thrilling Finish
The final quarter was a nail-biter. With the game tied at 23-23, Miami kicker Andres Borregales stepped up and drilled a 50-yard field goal with just over two minutes remaining.
Notre Dame had one final chance to tie the game, but Hartman's pass intended for the endzone fell incomplete, sealing the victory for Miami.
Key Moments That Defined the Game:
- Miami's early defense: The aggressive and opportunistic defense set the tone early and kept the Irish offense off balance.
- Van Dyke's strong performance: The Miami quarterback threw for 278 yards and two touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to lead the offense.
- The game-winning field goal: Borregales' clutch kick with under two minutes remaining proved to be the difference maker.
Looking Ahead
This stunning victory sends a clear message that Miami is not to be overlooked this season. It also raises questions about Notre Dame's ability to compete for a national championship.
The victory will give the Hurricanes a major boost of confidence, while the Irish will need to regroup and learn from their mistakes.
This game proved that anything can happen in college football, and it will be exciting to see how both teams progress throughout the season.