CJ Daniels' one-handed TD catch lifts No. 10 Miami past No. 6 Notre Dame, 27-24
Daniels snags potential interception behind his head with one hand; touchdown upheld after review at Hard Rock Stadium
CJ Daniels made a one-handed, behind-the-head touchdown catch late in the first half Sunday night that stood after review and helped No. 10 Miami hold on for a 27-24 victory over No. 6 Notre Dame at Hard Rock Stadium.
With 12 seconds remaining in the second quarter, new Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck appeared to force a pass that was heading toward an Irish defender, but Daniels leaped, secured the ball with one hand behind his head and tumbled into the end zone for six points. Officials reviewed the play to determine whether Daniels had crossed the goal line with the ball secure; the score was upheld and Miami led 14-7 at halftime.
The win was the culmination of a close game in which both teams traded scores. Miami opened the scoring when Beck connected with receiver Malachi Toney on a strike that put the Hurricanes on the board. Beck, in his first season as Miami’s starter, helped engineer drives that produced enough points to keep pace with the Fighting Irish.
Notre Dame rallied several times and stayed close throughout the second half. The Fighting Irish cut the deficit to three points late, but Miami’s defense held on in the final moments to preserve the victory. The final score was 27-24 in favor of the Hurricanes.
Hard Rock Stadium erupted when Daniels completed the acrobatic play, and the reaction extended to notable attendees in the crowd, including former Miami star Michael Irvin, who was visibly awestruck by the catch. The play immediately drew national attention and was called a candidate for catch of the year.
Officials reviewed only the Daniels scoring play, and no other scoring changes were made following the stoppage. The Hurricanes’ ability to convert a potentially negative play into a touchdown before halftime provided momentum in a tightly contested matchup between ranked programs.
The game was a marquee early-season meeting for both programs and will be evaluated by poll voters and analysts as the season progresses. Miami improved with the win, while Notre Dame dropped a close decision on the road.
Statistical details and a full game recap will be available from team and conference box scores. The play by Daniels figures to be replayed widely and discussed as one of the standout single plays from the weekend’s college football action.