# Notre Dame Holds Off Miami 31–24 Behind Carr’s Three Touchdowns

The Irish handed Miami its first loss Saturday night, with Luke Talich breaking up a late fourth-down pass in the end zone.

By Will Langan | 24X7 News
Published: 2026-11-08T05:04:13.960Z
Updated: 2026-11-08T05:07:00.645Z
Section: Sports
Format: News
Canonical: https://24x7news.us/articles/notre-dame-miami-football-final-november-7-2026

Notre Dame defeated Miami 31–24 on Saturday, November 7, in South Bend, Indiana, building a large lead before stopping a late Hurricanes comeback at Notre Dame Stadium.

Both teams finished the night at 8–1. Miami entered unbeaten and ranked first in the initial College Football Playoff standings; Notre Dame was 11th in those rankings. The result changes those records, while future playoff placements remain undecided.

CJ Carr completed 29 of 40 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns. Micah Gilbert caught nine passes for 98 yards and two scores, and Jordan Faison caught Carr’s other touchdown pass.

Notre Dame led 17–3 at halftime and stretched its advantage to 24–3 early in the third quarter. Miami then scored two touchdowns to make it a one-score game before the Irish answered with a fourth-quarter touchdown run by Nolan James Jr.

Luke Talich contributed an interception and a decisive late pass breakup. With Miami attempting to convert on fourth down, Talich knocked the ball away from Elija Lofton in the end zone, denying a potential touchdown and returning possession to Notre Dame.

Darian Mensah threw three touchdown passes for the Hurricanes, including two to Cooper Barkate and one to Lofton. Miami twice reduced its deficit to seven points after falling behind by 21, but never took the lead.

The win reversed the outcome of the teams’ 2025 meeting, which Miami won 27–24. Notre Dame’s official report credited Saturday’s result as the program’s 10th victory over a team ranked No. 1.

Sources:
Notre Dame Athletics — Official Game Report.
Associated Press — Independent College Football Report.

## Sources
- Notre Dame Athletics — Official Miami Final Report: https://fightingirish.com/news/2026/11/8/irish-triumph-over-miami-fl-31-24
- Associated Press — November 7 College Football Results: https://apnews.com/article/090686d59488acbcfca0e98ffb33c2ee
- Archive Photograph — Derek Jensen (Tysto), March 30, 2005; Public Domain: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Notre-dame-stadium.jpg
- Photograph Permission — Public-Domain Dedication: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Notre-dame-stadium.jpg