Notre Dame Beats Miami, 30-27
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Justin Yoon kicked a 23-field goal with 30 seconds left to give Notre Dame a 30-27 victory over Miami on Saturday as the Fighting Irish survived squandering a 20-point lead to end a three-game home losing streak.
The Irish (3-5), who had lost all five games by single digits, were on the brink of losing again when Miami's Michael Jackson recovered a botched punt in the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown with 6:49 left. But the Irish tied it up less than a minute later when on third-and-1 Josh Adams bounced out of the pile and raced in for a 41-yard touchdown.
It was the fourth straight loss for Miami (4-4), which fell to 1-9 at Notre Dame Stadium.
Notre Dame outgained Miami 143-2 in total yards in jumping to a 17-0 lead in the first quarter and extended the lead to 20-0 early in the second quarter. But the momentum began to switch when Travis Homer recovered a punt after it bounced off Notre Dame's Tony Pride Jr. and the Hurricanes scored four plays later on a 2-yard pass to David Njoku.
Brad Kaaya completed 26 of 42 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns with one interception for Miami. Stacey Coley had seven catches for 81 yards. Michael Badgely kicked field goals of 43 and 38 to tie the score at 20-20 early in the fourth quarter.
DeShone Kizer completed 25 of 38 passes for 263 yards and one touchdown for Notre Dame. He also recovered an Irish fumble at the 1-yard line late in the fourth quarter to allow Yoon to get the game-winning kick.
THE TAKEAWAY
Miami: The Hurricanes, who gave up eight sacks against Virginia Tech, struggled along the offensive line early, but took advantage of some big plays. The Hurricanes came up big on special teams with the recovery of a punt by Homer after it bounced off Pride to set up Miami's first touchdown, and a partially blocked punt by linebacker Zach McCloud that set up a field goal. Miami also recovered an onside kick.
Notre Dame: The Irish finally had a game where their offense and defense played well but still struggled with special team gaffes. The Irish had six sacks through seven games but had five against Miami.
UP NEXT
Miami: The Hurricanes return to Atlantic Coast Conference play against Pittsburgh, a team it has beaten nine of the past 10 games.
Notre Dame: The Irish face Navy in Jacksonville, Florida, a team it has beaten five straight after losing two of the previous three.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.
