Notre Dame’s Leonard Moore Shines In Win Over Miami

Rob Gray-Imagn ImagesNotre Dame defeated No. 1 Miami 31-24 on Saturday night in a game that settled a year-old grudge. To guide the Fighting Irish to victory, Quarterback CJ Carr passed for 319 yards and three scores. The win keeps Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff hopes alive after a tough loss to BYU earlier in the season. Fox Sports reported that the matchup featured elite NFL talent on both sides, with two Heisman contenders facing off at quarterback. His performance against a top-tier passing attack suggests he is the best NFL prospect on the field, even ahead of the quarterbacks. When Moore left the game due to an eye injury, Miami’s offense immediately found a rhythm it lacked before. The Case For Moore As A First-Round PickLeonard Moore is a special talent who checks in at third overall on one expert’s personal Top 50 Big Board. The impact of his absence was clear when Miami wide receiver Cooper Barkate caught two second-half touchdowns. Moore typically shuts down both plays, as one occurred on a corner fade while the other happened on a quick slant. Fox Sports noted that it is rare for a cornerback to earn top billing in a game featuring two potential first-round quarterbacks, yet Moore deserved that spot.Carr’s Redemption And The Draft FutureQuarterback CJ Carr showed a massive difference in his play compared to his first career start at Miami last year. He threw for 319 yards and recorded no interceptions. Carr threw touchdown passes to Micah Gilbert and Jordan Faison. Coach Marcus Freeman said the victory was a special moment he has experienced since becoming head coach. He guided Notre Dame to their 10th win against an AP top-ranked opponent, the second most among FBS teams. Freeman told players to enjoy the moment as they entered the media room, noting that they earned the win against a top-ranked opponent.What This Means For The Playoff RaceThis win prevents a second loss that could have doomed Notre Dame’s national championship hopes. The Irish entered the game as the No. 11 team in the initial College Football Playoff rankings and needed to prove they belonged. Miami leapfrogged Notre Dame for the final playoff spot last season with a 27-24 defeat of the Irish, keeping them out of the field. Following the 31-24 victory, Notre Dame fans rushed onto the field to celebrate. The team stayed true to its 2026 mantra, which was born from the frustration of missing the playoff field a year ago. They left no doubt about their status as a contender after holding off a late Miami rally.