CJ Carr leads 29-completion drive to 319-yard victory over No. 1 Miami
Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr secured a 31-24 win over the Hurricanes and moved to the top of the Heisman Trophy odds.
By Lorenzo Patterson ·
Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr transformed his performance on Saturday, leading the Irish to a decisive 31-24 victory over the No. 1 Miami Hurricanes in South Bend, Indiana.
The win marks a stark contrast to Carr's 2025 season opener against the same opponent. Carr recalled his father, Jason, noting that a boy played in that game, whereas the current starter delivered a career-best effort against elite competition. The Irish, previously 2-3 against ranked teams, snapped a long drought by defeating a top-16 team for the first time since their 2024 championship run.
Carr completed 29 of 40 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns while throwing no interceptions. His 29 completions set a career high, and his 319 yards represent his most against a ranked opponent. His efficiency rating against top-tier teams rose from 122.6 to 130.5 in a single game.
The Heisman Trophy odds shifted after Carr's final drive of the first half. He completed six of seven passes for 79 yards, including an 18-yard touchdown to Micah Gilbert. Las Vegas oddsmakers subsequently moved Carr to the favorite position, dropping Miami quarterback Darian Mensah to second place.
Miami mounted two rallies, scoring 14 points in the third quarter. Mensah connected with Elija Lofton and Cooper Barkate for touchdowns. Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman acknowledged the expected struggle, stating that the team knew Miami would fight and that the offense needed to maintain composure during the storm.
The game turned in the fourth quarter when Carr found Nolan James Jr. on a 36-yard wheel route to Miami's 7-yard line. James scored on a 1-yard run to extend the lead to 31-17 with 12:55 remaining. Miami's final drive ended when safety Luke Talich broke up a fourth-down throw in the end zone.
Miami coach Mario Cristobal disputed the officiating decision, calling the call "bullshit" and expressing disappointment that Lofton's touchdown was negated. The Hurricanes had not lost since the 2025 national championship game. Notre Dame now holds a 92.7 percent chance of making the College Football Playoff.
