4 Takeaways: Notre Dame’s Miami Win Showcases Moore and Carr

A rivalry with recent stakes

Miami and Notre Dame have a fierce rivalry, though it lacks the history or prestige of Ohio State-Michigan or Texas-Oklahoma. The teams have also featured elite NFL talent.

Miami’s win over Notre Dame in last year’s season opener was often cited as a reason the Hurricanes reached the College Football Playoff while the Irish missed out. Their rivalry also recalls the “Catholics vs. Convicts” era of the 1980s, when both programs regularly competed for national championships.

Moore changes the defense

Moore recorded four tackles in the win after missing the previous week with an injury. The cornerback’s absence was felt: Miami receiver Cooper Barkate caught two second-half touchdowns, one on a corner fade and another on a quick slant.

Moore returned and quickly made his presence felt, using his coverage skills and awareness to read developing routes. Over nearly 1,000 coverage snaps across three seasons as a starter, he has seven interceptions and has been beaten for five touchdowns.

Before the game, he had allowed eight receptions this season, none for a touchdown. The article’s author ranks him third on a personal Top 50 Big Board and views him as a strong candidate for a top-five draft pick and future All-Pro.

Carr shows NFL strengths

Carr passed for 319 yards and three touchdowns, helping Notre Dame reach an 8-1 start. The article describes him as one of the season’s best deep-ball passers and highlights his ability to work through progressions and deliver intermediate throws.

Carr plays behind one of college football’s best offensive lines, but does not have the elite receiver speed and playmaking ability attributed to some other highly rated quarterbacks. The article also points to his quiet confidence and composure, as well as his experience growing up around football as the grandson of former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr.

His 21 career starts leave him relatively inexperienced, and his reads can sometimes become careless. He may also throw off his back foot, which can reduce accuracy and velocity.

Mensah keeps Miami in it

Mensah threw for 276 yards and three touchdowns in Miami’s loss, along with one interception. His strong second half helped make the contest a close, back-and-forth game. The article compares Mensah favorably with Carr in receiver speed and playmaking options, while noting that Carr’s protection is a major advantage. Both quarterbacks showed flashes in a game that ended with Notre Dame on top.