This version of the Irish replenished hope and confidence throughout the Notre Dame ecosystem with the win over Miami. Now what?

Nov 7, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jonaz Walton (20) is tackled by the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

When I think off the top of my head about the first emotion that comes to mind regarding Notre Dame's season-saving win over Miami, it's relief.

And not just in terms of win-loss record or playoff standing, but relief in a larger existential sense of the term. The version of Notre Dame we saw against the Hurricanes was the Notre Dame team the fans and media expected to see all year.

For whatever reason, we haven't seen the team play with this fire and passion and confidence for four full quarters against any good team in some time.

This was exactly what everyone needed.…