Welcome to Notre Dame Fighting Irish Hot and Cold Takes: As a reminder to all of the readers, this is HEAVILY driven by you. The format allows readers and fans to leave their own takes for the game, both HOT and COLD. As a refresher, a HOT take is one that may cause some controversy, but will allow you to say, “CALLED IT!”. A COLD take is still impressive but is generally more reasonable/expected. Each week, I will feature the most accurate, most interesting, and the most wildly inaccurate after
each game week. And now onto the takes as the Fighting Irish take on the Miami Hurricanes!
Cold Take: DeVonta Smith is the surprise breakout player for the Notre Dame defense
Smith steps in as the new starting nickel after playing a key role across 10 games for Alabama last season. For whatever reason, he has flown under the radar—likely because his impact comes through physical play, which is harder to track in spring and fall camp. Smith brings swagger and toughness that will show up in the slot on Sunday night. He’s comfortable in big environments and will make multiple splash plays, especially in the run game and on blitzes off the edge. On film, he looks like a menace who craves contact—something Notre Dame hasn’t seen on the back end since Alohi Gilman. Expect him to deliver big hits, bully slot receivers, and notch at least one sack off the edge.
Hot Take: CJ Carr throws fewer passes in his debut than Riley Leonard, but finishes with 100 more yards.
In his debut against Texas A&M, Riley Leonard completed 18 of 30 passes for just 158 yards. The plan then was to lean heavily on the run, control the clock, and let the defense dictate the game—a formula that delivered a decisive 10-point road win. Against Miami, the strategy won’t change much, but the results should tilt in favor of Carr’s arm. Miami will load the box, forcing Denbrock and Carr to identify and exploit mismatches. That’s where Carr’s accuracy can shine, picking apart a tough front with quick throws and timely shots downfield. While he’ll rely on short-to-intermediate passes, most of the yardage will come from chunk plays—a well-timed screen or LB mismatch for Jeremiyah Love, explosive 25+ yard catch-and-runs from Greathouse and Raridon, and some deep outside strikes to Fields.
Your Takes: Please leave your takes below (hot, cold medium-any temp). I will feature the Top Takes next week. GO IRISH!
