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There are more than a few teams and players that fall under the category of arch villain for Notre Dame football, but on Thursday ESPN named Miami as the biggest one of the Irish this fall.
USC would have made perfect sense, as would Ohio State (who Notre Dame could face for the fourth-straight year if they meet in the College Football Playoff, but is not currently a scheduled opponent), but Adam Rittenberg went with the Hurricanes. The last time these two faced off against each other was in 2017, with a convincing Miami win, 41-8.
Both teams have CFP hopes this season, and there is some drama surrounding the two. Miami’s starting quarterback is now Carson Beck, who was one the sidelines as the Irish defeated his former team, the Georgia Bulldogs in the CFP quarterfinals, out with an injury. Rittenberg thinks that he’s “talented enough to villainize a Notre Dame defense replacing standouts Xavier Watts, Jack Kiser, Rylie Mills and others and appearing in its first game under new coordinator Chris Ash.”
Rittenberg isn’t off his rocker with his assessment, but remember, Beck is coming off an injury, while he’s also learning a new offense and working with new skill position players. His play regressed from 2023 to 2024, throwing for less yards, a lower completion percentage and doubled the amount of interceptions thrown. Not exactly awe inspiring progression from Beck.
Now, Rittenberg does make another solid point, as head coach Marcus Freeman has a history of September losses, as every one of his three years has seen one happen. Personally, I would have picked USC, as there is always drama on the field, and this year it’s off it was well with the Trojans potentially wanting to end its rivalry with the Irish. Both are good choices, and we will see how it all plays out soon.
Source link : https://fightingirishwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/fighting-irish/football/2025/07/10/college-football-preview-espn-notre-dame-archvillan-miami-hurricanes/84535070007/
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Publish date : 2025-07-10 16:03:00
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