Miami vs. Notre Dame: A Historic College Football Rivalry

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The spotlight is on as No. 1 Miami is set to face No. 11 Notre Dame in a much-anticipated match this Saturday. Scheduled for broadcast on NBC and Peacock, the game promises significant College Football Playoff consequences. Both teams bring a rich history to the field, making it a must-watch event.

The Storied Rivalry

Notre Dame and Miami’s rivalry dates back to their first clash in 1955, where Notre Dame claimed a 14-0 victory. Over the decades, this contest grew intense, especially from the 1970s to the late 1980s. Initially, Notre Dame dominated the matches, but by the 1980s, Miami started gaining ground.

Key Rivalry Moments

The 1988 game, known as the ‘Catholics vs. Convicts’ game, remains iconic. Notre Dame led the rivalry 18-9-1; however, Miami’s aggressive style changed the dynamics over time.

Understanding ‘Catholics vs. Convicts’

The name arose from a Notre Dame student’s T-shirt slogan during their 1988 matchup. It highlighted differences between the disciplined Notre Dame team and Miami’s bad-boy image—a team with past controversies.

The 1988 Showdown

The ‘Catholics vs. Convicts’ game was filled with tension from start to finish. Miami, ranked No. 1 at the time, intended to extend its winning streak. Notre Dame, entering as rank No. 4, aimed to triumph at home.

The game came down to a crucial moment where Miami’s attempt to score two points for a win was thwarted, giving Notre Dame a narrow 31-30 victory.

Memorable Games

1988: Notre Dame 31, Miami 30
1985: Miami 58, Notre Dame 7
1989: Miami 27, Notre Dame 10
1987: Miami 24, Notre Dame 0
1990: Notre Dame 29, Miami 20

Recent Matchups and Upcoming Game

The last encounter took place on August 31, 2025, with Miami winning 27-24. The upcoming game is set for Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana.