One Foot Down
A never-ending discussion about Notre Dame and the greater CFB landscape
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Will Miami’s Malachi Toney play against Notre Dame with a bad ankle?
Miami’s sophomore wideout Malachi Toney, a Heisman contender with 73 catches for 1,027 yards and 13 touchdowns, is listed as questionable for Saturday’s must‑win clash against Notre Dame after battling a likely high‑ankle sprain. Despite recent ankle concerns and a grueling stretch against Florida State and North Carolina, Miami officials have dismissed rumors that he’ll sit out, and a coach hinted he’ll play if the pain is manageable. The cold field at Notre Dame adds uncertainty, but fans can expect Toney to suit up unless the injury worsens.
2026 NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL: Irish VS Miami Hurricanes
Notre Dame enters its showdown with No. 1 Miami as a must‑win, hoping to avenge last season’s loss and prove its national‑championship worth. Despite the CFP committee ranking the Irish at No. 11 and Miami atop the poll, both teams are slated as a top‑5 clash, with Notre Dame listed as No. 4 in various odds. The game will be streamed live, with ESPN’s College Gameday heading to South Bend, and fans can track weather, injury reports, and betting lines ahead of kickoff.
Making sense out of Notre Dame’s No. 11 ranking by the CFP committee
The CFP Committee’s first rankings drop Notre Dame from a perceived No. 4 to No. 11, sparking criticism that the panel favors SEC powerhouses like Alabama and Texas. Author Jack Larsen notes he predicted a top‑10 spot but calls the move a “con job,” echoing ESPN’s David Hale. He argues the committee applies a harsher standard to the Irish and questions the relevance of early‑season playoff polls, suggesting the rankings are a farce that fuels the push for a 24‑team playoff.
CFP rankings 2026: Notre Dame ranks 11th in first playoff rankings
The College Football Playoff releases its first 2026 rankings on November 3, placing Notre Dame at #11—a surprise dip for the Irish. The team must finish the season ranked #12 or higher to secure a spot in the final 12‑team playoff, and a loss in their upcoming Saturday game could jeopardize that chance. Odds from FanDuel list the Irish at -340 to make the playoff and +500 to win the national title. With the 12‑team format concluding this year, the Irish’s position remains precarious as the season unfolds.
Notre Dame Football announces future series with the Illinois Fighting Illini
Notre Dame football has locked in a two‑year series with the Illinois Fighting Illini for the 2027 and 2028 seasons. The Irish will host Illinois on Sept. 4, 2027, and travel to Champaign for a Sept. 2, 2028 matchup, replacing Purdue on the schedule. Notre Dame leads the all‑time series 11‑0‑1, including a perfect 5‑0 record at home and a 6‑0‑1 road advantage. The teams' last meeting was a 58‑8 Notre Dame win in 1968, and game times and broadcast details will follow.
Notre Dame VS Purdue is put on “pause” by the Boilers for 2027
Purdue announces a pause in its historic rivalry with Notre Dame, replacing the Irish with West Virginia on the 2027 non‑conference slate. The move aligns with the upcoming 24‑team College Football Playoff expansion, which requires Power‑5 matchups, and comes as Purdue’s athletic director Tommy McClelland emphasizes strategic scheduling. Notre Dame now faces a gap in its 2027 schedule and may need to add a 12th opponent, with Texas Tech hinted as a possible candidate. The exact date of the Notre Dame–Purdue series remains undecided.
When, Where, and How to Watch No. 4 Notre Dame VS No. 1 Miami
College football’s biggest showdown lands Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7:30 PM EST on NBC: No. 4 Notre Dame hosts No. 1 Miami at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend. The Fighting Irish honor Lou Holtz with former captains serving as flag presenters and a halftime tribute, while FanDuel lists Notre Dame as a 5.5‑point favorite and the game’s over/under at 57.5 points. This primetime matchup will heavily influence the first playoff rankings released Tuesday.
WEATHER REPORT: No. 4 Notre Dame Fighting Irish VS No. 1 Miami Hurricanes
Notre Dame's No. 4 Fighting Irish host No. 1 Miami Hurricanes this weekend, and fans can expect pleasant fall weather rather than a snowstorm. Forecasts call for daytime highs around 51°F under partly sunny skies and a 41°F evening during game time, perfect for tailgating amidst vibrant foliage. The article highlights the novelty of a southern team braving northern conditions, but reassures that the chill will mainly affect kickers and not the crowd.
Predicting where Notre Dame will be in the first set of College Football Playoff rankings
The article previews tonight’s first College Football Playoff rankings on ESPN, emphasizing how this season’s 12‑team format makes each game crucial. It advises Notre Dame fans not to obsess over a “two‑loss” scenario, noting that a win over Miami on Saturday would likely secure the Irish a CFP spot. The author then lists his predicted top‑20 order, placing Miami, Georgia, and Utah ahead of Notre Dame, who sits at sixth, followed by teams like Indiana and BYU.
The Hate for Miami Runs Strong (and Across Continents): My Unique Experience with the 2010 Sun Bowl
The author recounts Notre Dame’s 2010 Sun Bowl win over Miami—a historic first meeting in 20 years—while traveling with his high‑school marching band in London for a New Year’s Day parade. He describes the freezing El Paso weather, the classic “Catholics vs. Convicts” rivalry, and how his dad hunted down a live CBS feed before the author later re‑watched the entire game on TiVo. Highlighting running back Cierre Wood’s touchdown and the Irish’s triumph against a middling Miami squad, the piece blends personal anecdotes with the lingering hatred for the Hurricanes that endures even across continents.
NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL: Injury report and depth charts for Miami Hurricanes
Notre Dame releases its latest injury report and depth charts ahead of a prime‑time showdown with No. 1 Miami on Nov. 2 in South Bend. The Irish enter the game after a 35‑13 win over Navy, but lose starting linebacker Drayk Bowen (ankle) for the matchup. Defensive tackles Francis Brew (knee) and Jason Onye (knee) are listed as questionable, while several defensive backs and linemen, including CB DJ McKinney (ankle) and DL Tiki Hola (right knee), are out. Key offensive starters remain healthy, with QB CJ Carr and RB Aneyas Williams slated to lead the attack. The depth chart details every position, highlighting the depth challenges Notre Dame faces against the nation’s top offense.
Notre Dame 35, Navy 13: Online Overreactions
Notre Dame defeats Navy 35-13 in a Halloween showdown at Gillette Stadium, shaking off a shaky first half to pull away in the second. The post highlights the early defensive lapses that sparked a wave of online criticism—calls to fire head coach Marcus Freeman, fire coordinators, and even dismiss Chris Ash and Mike Denbrock. Despite the backlash, the Irish rallied, ending the game decisively. The article examines the social‑media overreactions and puts the criticism in perspective as Notre Dame secures a comfortable win.
Is there a uniform change coming for Notre Dame in the game against Miami?
Notre Dame’s football accounts posted a tribute video to Coach Holtz ahead of the Saturday night showdown with No. 1 Miami, and fans spotted a mysterious uniform alteration—likely beyond a simple patch—on the team’s home kit. A tweet from Cal Swarbrick, a key Under Armour liaison, hinted at a bigger design change, fueling speculation about new collar or cuff details. With the high‑stakes “green out” atmosphere and a massive game looming, the Irish appear set to debut a special look, though details on the entrance music and stadium vibe remain unanswered.
How Notre Dame’s opponents fared in WEEK 9 of the CFB season
Notre Dame’s 2026 schedule has largely lived up to expectations, with the Irish winning seven of their first nine games. Highlights include a 42-13 season‑opener over Wisconsin, a 52-0 shutout of Rice, a 58-7 demolition of Stanford, and a 35-13 victory at Navy. Their only setbacks are a 28-24 loss to BYU and a 37-26 win over North Carolina that exposed some rain‑soaked struggles. Upcoming: a prime‑time clash against No. 1 Miami in South Bend. The article also lists each opponent’s current record, showing most remain below .500 despite Notre Dame’s dominance.
Three Things We Saw in Notre Dame’s Win Over Navy
Notre Dame edged Navy 31‑24 in a gritty Foxborough showdown, overcoming a first‑half surge that saw the Midshipmen dominate the clock and briefly take the lead. Coach Chris Ash’s defense and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock were criticized for slow adjustments and a hesitant run game, but both made pivotal changes at halftime, allowing the Irish to exploit their physical edge. The offensive line paved the way for a 7‑yard‑per‑carry rushing attack, while quarterback Carr recovered to limit Navy’s pressure. Despite the win, key defensive injuries raise concerns ahead of Notre Dame’s upcoming marquee home game.
Notre Dame Football Stats: Week 9 Review of Win over Navy
Notre Dame breaks out of its bye week with a 35-13 victory over Navy in Week 9, shutting out the Midshipmen after a tight first half. The Irish posted 426 total yards (222 passing, 204 rushing) and held Navy to just 13 points. QB CJ Carr completed 19 of 29 passes for 210 yards and two TDs, while rookie running back Nolan James Jr. rushed for 107 yards and two scores. Wideout Jerome Bettis Jr. caught six passes for 78 yards and a TD. The win lifts Notre Dame’s season average to 40.3 points scored and 13.4 allowed per game, with a 27-point differential per contest.
Not much movement for Notre Dame in the latest AP Top 25 and Coaches Poll
Notre Dame remains steady in the latest College Football rankings, holding No. 4 in the AP Top 25 and No. 5 in the Coaches Poll as the CFP rankings approach. Despite a dominant 35‑13 victory over Navy, the Irish saw no movement, but an upcoming showdown with No. 1 Miami could boost their CFP chances and shake up the top‑5. Analyst predicts the team will stay in the top 10 but likely slip out of the top five when the playoff committee releases its final list.
Notre Dame Women’s Basketball: Irish were too much for Villanova to handle in Rome
No. 13 Notre Dame women’s basketball launches its season with a 99-75 triumph over Villanova in a historic tip‑off in Rome. Three‑time All‑American Hannah Hidalgo erupts for 32 points (11‑19 FG) while sophomore Leah Macy adds 27 points and 14 rebounds, scoring 15 in the fourth quarter. Transfer Madison St. Rose contributes 17 points, and freshman Jenica Lewis chips in 11. The Irish lead by as many as 21, never trailing below a 17‑point margin, and finish 1‑0 before hosting Stonehill on Nov. 6. The game showcases an offensive explosion that sets a high bar for the season.
Notre Dame Men’s Basketball: Irish comeback to down Villanova in Rome
Underdog Notre Dame rallies from a 10‑point second‑half hole to beat Villanova 74‑72 in the Eternal City Tip‑Off in Rome. The Irish spark a 14‑4 run in the final 3:37, highlighted by Braeden Smith’s clutch free throws (10‑of‑11) and Logan Duncomb’s first career three‑pointer. Smith and Brady Koehler each finish with 16 points, while the defense forces 20 turnovers and grabs 18 offensive rebounds for 16 second‑chance points. Coach Micah Shrewsberry lauds the comeback as the team’s first win of the season, moving to 1‑0.
WOMEN’S CBB GAME THREAD: Notre Dame VS Villanova in the Eternal City Tip-Off
The No. 13 Notre Dame women’s basketball team heads to Rome for the Eternal City Tip‑Off, facing Villanova on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 12 PM EST in the Palazzo dello Sport. Coach Niele Ivey leans on star forward Hannah Hidalgo, while the rest of the squad’s cohesion will shape the season. Notre Dame enters as an 8.5‑point favorite with a 143.5 over/under, and the game streams on FS1. A live game thread invites fans to discuss the action beyond 280‑character limits.
MEN’S CBB GAME THREAD: Notre Dame VS Villanova in the Eternal City Tip-Off
Notre Dame opens its 2026 men’s basketball season in Rome, Italy, facing Villanova at the Palazzo dello Sport on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 9:30 a.m. EST, live on FOX. The Irish enter as 7.5‑point underdogs (FanDuel) with an over/under of 147.5, and analysts warn they’ll likely be outmanned throughout the year. The post includes a game‑thread for fans to discuss the matchup beyond Twitter and Bluesky, plus a reminder to check The Feed for live updates and highlights.
The 2026 CFB season was always going to be about Notre Dame VS Miami
The author predicts Notre Dame will slip from No. 5 to No. 7 in the AP poll and land a No. 7‑8 spot in the initial CFP rankings, but the season’s real test is the upcoming showdown with Miami. After two straight Miami wins—one aided by officials—the Hurricanes head to South Bend as likely No. 1, with ESPN’s College Gameday in tow. The writer insists a Notre Dame victory is essential for a playoff run, arguing that beating Miami eclipses all other outcomes. The article frames this clash as the defining game of the 2026 college football season.
Notre Dame’s Catholic Guilt Keeps Forcing this Navy Game Every Year
The author argues that Notre Dame’s reluctant continuation of its annual football game against Navy is driven more by tradition and “Catholic guilt” than genuine rivalry. Citing the recent October 31, 2026 loss at Gillette Stadium, he highlights repeated injuries caused by Navy’s alleged dirty play—such as illegal cut blocks and unsportsmanlike conduct—that have sidelined several Irish defenders. Despite 99 meetings and a historic V‑12 connection, the piece contends the series is unnecessary and should be dropped, questioning why a school like Stanford would keep such a matchup.
Pope Leo IV isn’t on Notre Dame’s side against Villanova
At a Vatican audience on Oct. 31, 2026, newly elected Pope Leo IV — a Chicago native and former Villanova graduate — receives a basketball from delegations of Villanova and Notre Dame. While both schools' men’s and women’s teams face off on All Saints’ Day, the Pope announces he will remain neutral, despite his known fandom for the Chicago White Sox and Bears. The quirky moment highlights the unexpected sports tie‑in of the first American pontiff.
ESPN announces College Gameday will be in South Bend for Notre Dame VS Miami
ESPN announces that College GameDay will broadcast live from South Bend on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, ahead of the Notre Dame vs. Miami showdown. The road show follows Notre Dame’s 35‑13 victory over Navy, and while Miami still faces North Carolina, the South Bend game could serve as a de‑facto playoff decider for a top‑five spot. Expect a full day of hype, analysis and fan excitement as the marquee matchup approaches.
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