Notre Dame vs Miami Match-Up: Analysis, Bets, Forecast

Notre Dame and the Miami Hurricanes are set to square off in an exciting Sunday night clash, with the Fighting Irish being the 2.5-point favourites according to consensus odds. This highly anticipated game marks a significant home opener for Miami as they aim to establish themselves among the nation's elite.

Riley Leonard, who has completed his eligibility for Notre Dame, will be backed by redshirt freshman CJ Carr, who won a tightly contested quarterback competition against third-year sophomore Kenny Minchey. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes will be led by Carson Beck, a transfer from Georgia who passed for 7,426 yards and 52 touchdowns with 18 interceptions over the past two seasons.

Notre Dame's defense, which was elite last season, leading the nation with 33 takeaways and ranking fourth in both scoring defense and passing yards allowed, will undoubtedly be a deciding factor in this game. On the other hand, Miami's defense struggled last season, allowing more than 30 points on six occasions, including 42 in their last two games.

The game is predicted to be a lower-scoring affair, with Notre Dame's defense expected to hold Miami's breaking-in receiving threats in check while leaning heavily on their ground game with a young quarterback on the road in prime time.

Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame's starting running back and an NFL prospect, scored at least one touchdown in 13 consecutive games last season. He is prepared for an increased workload as Notre Dame tries to take pressure off their young quarterback.

In the prop bets at DraftKings, Love has the second-most popular prop bet, with odds of -190 for him to rush over 70 yards. Beck, on the other hand, has the most popular prop bet, with odds of +104 for him to pass over 250 yards.

Miami lost No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward from the 2024 team and replaced him with Beck. Akheem Mesidor, a sixth-year defensive end for Miami, had 5.5 sacks last season and is looking forward to the top-10 matchup against Notre Dame.

Notre Dame is ranked 6th in the 2025 college football season, while Miami is ranked 10th. The moneyline action for the game is nearly split, with 51% of the bets on Notre Dame (-145) and 41% of the money on Miami (+120). At BetMGM, 73% of the spread-line bets are on Notre Dame, and 66% of the spread-line money is also on Notre Dame.

Predictions suggest that Notre Dame will edge out Miami in a close game, with a score of 24-23. This highly anticipated matchup promises to be an exciting display of college football, with both teams eager to prove their mettle.