Last updated: November 7, 2026, 8:31 p.m. ET
A 10-3 lead and two crucial goal-line stops have put No. 11 Notre Dame in front of No. 1 Miami in one of college football's biggest games of the season. Playing at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, the Fighting Irish have disrupted Miami's normally explosive offense and taken advantage of a Hurricanes receiving corps missing star Malachi Toney. With both programs facing significant College Football Playoff implications, every possession carries enormous weight.
The Result
Notre Dame leads Miami 10-3 in the reported live-game snapshot from their Week 10 college football matchup on Saturday, November 7, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana.
The contest brings together the nation's No. 1 team and a Fighting Irish program ranked No. 11 in the supplied live coverage. Miami entered undefeated at 8-0, while Notre Dame stood at 7-1 after suffering a 28-24 defeat against BYU the previous month.
For Notre Dame, the stakes extend beyond beating a historic rival. The Fighting Irish need a signature victory to strengthen their College Football Playoff prospects after their earlier loss. Miami, meanwhile, is trying to protect its perfect record and maintain its position among the country's leading championship contenders.
How the Match Unfolded
Notre Dame established its defensive authority early, limiting Miami's opportunities to sustain drives. The Hurricanes struggled to find their usual passing rhythm without Toney, who was sidelined after suffering an ankle injury during practice.
Miami's offense faced another setback when Notre Dame defensive end Boubacar Traore brought down running back Mark Fletcher Jr. for a five-yard loss on third down, forcing another punt. The Irish also pinned Miami deep with an impressive punt that was downed at the Hurricanes' 3-yard line.
Quarterback CJ Carr helped Notre Dame escape that difficult field position. He connected with Micah Gilbert on third down before finding running back Jonaz Walton on a short pass that produced another first down.
The breakthrough came through the Irish passing game. Carr delivered a back-shoulder throw into the end zone, where Jordan Faison made an impressive toe-dragging catch for a touchdown. The 26-yard scoring connection gave Notre Dame a 10-point advantage.
Miami eventually generated a promising response. Cooper Barkate produced a 24-yard catch-and-run, while Vandrevius Jacobs added a 22-yard reception to move the Hurricanes into Notre Dame territory.
However, the Irish defense delivered one of the game's defining sequences. After a pass-interference penalty helped Miami reach the 1-yard line, Notre Dame stopped the Hurricanes twice near the goal line. Miami coach Mario Cristobal eventually settled for a short Jake Weinberg field goal, bringing the score to 10-3.
Those goal-line stops demonstrated why Notre Dame's defensive performance has become such a significant part of this matchup. Rather than allowing Miami to turn a promising drive into a touchdown, the Irish forced the Hurricanes to settle for three points.
Standout Performances
CJ Carr, Notre Dame: The quarterback supplied the game's most important offensive highlight with his accurate back-shoulder touchdown throw to Faison. His earlier completions to Micah Gilbert and Jonaz Walton also helped Notre Dame move away from its own end zone.
Jordan Faison, Notre Dame: Faison provided the finishing touch on Carr's touchdown pass, making a difficult end-zone catch with impressive footwork. His 26-yard reception gave the Fighting Irish a valuable cushion.
Jonaz Walton, Notre Dame: Walton helped sustain the Irish offense with productive runs and a useful reception. His ability to gain first downs contributed to Notre Dame's control of important possessions.
Cooper Barkate, Miami: With Toney unavailable, Barkate took on a larger receiving responsibility. His 24-yard catch-and-run offered Miami one of its most productive offensive plays in the reported coverage.
Notre Dame's defensive unit: The Irish defense deserves particular recognition for stopping Miami twice at the 1-yard line. That sequence prevented a potential touchdown and forced the Hurricanes to settle for a field goal.
What the Result Means
The matchup has major consequences for the College Football Playoff conversation. Miami entered the game unbeaten, with an 8-0 overall record and a 6-0 mark in Atlantic Coast Conference play. Protecting that record is important as the Hurricanes pursue a strong position in the postseason selection process.
Notre Dame has a different challenge. Despite its 7-1 record and national reputation, the loss to BYU has complicated its playoff prospects. A victory against the nation's top-ranked team would provide a significant improvement to its postseason case.
The opening stages also expose an important tactical issue for Miami. Without Toney, quarterback Darian Mensah must distribute the ball among alternative receiving targets. Barkate, Jacobs and Daylyn Upshaw are among the players who could become increasingly important as the game develops.
For Notre Dame, maintaining defensive discipline and protecting its advantage are essential. The goal-line stops show that the Irish can make Miami work for every scoring opportunity, but the remaining possessions will determine whether that defensive effort produces a major victory.
What Comes Next
The immediate priority is the remainder of the Miami-Notre Dame contest. The available live coverage does not establish a final score, so neither team can yet be declared the winner.
Miami's next scheduled opponent is Duke on November 14 at Hard Rock Stadium. Notre Dame is scheduled to face Boston College on the same date. Both programs will need to assess the physical and competitive consequences of this important November matchup before turning their attention to the next game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the score of Miami vs. Notre Dame?
The supplied live coverage reports Notre Dame leading Miami 10-3. This is a live-game snapshot, not a confirmed final result.
Why is Miami vs. Notre Dame important?
Miami entered undefeated at 8-0, while Notre Dame was 7-1. The result has significant implications for both teams' College Football Playoff prospects.
Why is Malachi Toney missing the Miami game?
Toney was unavailable after suffering an ankle injury during practice earlier in the week.
Who scored Notre Dame's touchdown?
Jordan Faison caught a 26-yard touchdown pass from quarterback CJ Carr.
When do Miami and Notre Dame play next?
Miami is scheduled to host Duke on November 14, 2026. Notre Dame is scheduled to play Boston College that day.