Kirk Herbstreit Takes Brutal Shot at Miami Before Notre Dame Clash

Just before the Notre Dame clash on Saturday, Kirk Herbstreit questioned Miami's high-scoring offense during ESPN's College GameDay. The commentator highlighted Miami's lack of playing experience, stating that the team had only faced Wake Forest, a formidable opponent. Miami had indeed triumphed over Wake Forest with a score of 33-20 at home.

The Demon Deacons have since secured five consecutive wins, including victories against Louisville, NC State, and Cal, earning them a No. 16 ranking in the first College Football Playoff rankings. Miami, on the other hand, holds a 7-1 record but lost to their only opponent, Wake Forest.

Notably, Herbstreit's perspective on Miami had shifted a month prior. After Miami's impressive 41-13 road victory over Clemson, the commentator hailed the Hurricanes as the best team in the country during a GameDay appearance. Since then, Miami has demonstrated resilience with a double-overtime win against Florida State and an 38-35 come-from-behind win against North Carolina, adding 52 points against Pitt in between.

The College Football Playoff committee placed Miami's 8-0 record at No. 1 in its opening rankings, a first for the program. Miami's offensive prowess, spearheaded by quarterback Darian Mensah, who has thrown 25 touchdowns with only one interception, averages an FBS-best 47.6 points per game. Miami's success against Notre Dame in the 2022 opener, a 27-24 victory, underscores the significance of a potential rematch.

However, Miami will need to navigate without their leading receiver, Malachi Toney, who will miss the game after catching 13 of Mensah's 25 touchdowns. Notre Dame, currently ranked fourth in the AP poll and 11th by the playoff committee, has held six of their initial eight opponents below 14 points, setting a high bar for Miami's upcoming challenge.