— Opening weekend drama continued Sunday as No. 10 Miami edged No. 6 Notre Dame 27–24 at Hard Rock Stadium on a late 47-yard field goal by Carter Davis, while No. 13 South Carolina beat Virginia Tech 24–11 behind a momentum-swinging 80-yard punt return.
Key Takeaways
- No. 10 Miami beat No. 6 Notre Dame 27–24 at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday night.
- Hurricanes kicker Carter Davis hit a 47-yard go-ahead field goal with just over a minute remaining.
- Notre Dame rallied late to tie the game at 24 before Miami closed it out.
- Miami’s defense protected the lead on the final possession.
- No. 13 South Carolina topped Virginia Tech 24–11 earlier Sunday.
- Gamecocks WR Vicari Swain delivered an 80-yard punt return that flipped the game.
- QB LaNorris Sellers showed flashes for South Carolina in the SEC–ACC matchup.
- Special teams — a hallmark of “Beamer Ball” — helped seal South Carolina’s win.
Verified Facts
Miami and Notre Dame delivered the weekend’s marquee finish in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Hurricanes controlled long stretches of the game before the Fighting Irish mounted a late surge to draw level at 24. With just over a minute to play, Miami’s Carter Davis calmly converted a 47-yard field goal to restore the lead.
Notre Dame had one last chance, but Miami’s defense closed the door, preserving a 27–24 victory. The result gives the No. 10 Hurricanes an early-season signature win over the sixth-ranked Irish.
Earlier Sunday, No. 13 South Carolina handled Virginia Tech 24–11 in another SEC–ACC showdown. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers flashed playmaking ability, but it was special teams that delivered the decisive spark.
Vicari Swain broke the game open with an 80-yard punt return, epitomizing the Gamecocks’ emphasis on special teams under head coach Shane Beamer — a nod to the “Beamer Ball” identity popularized by his father, Frank Beamer, during his Virginia Tech tenure.
| Matchup | Final | Notable Moment |
|---|---|---|
| No. 6 Notre Dame at No. 10 Miami | Miami 27, Notre Dame 24 | Carter Davis 47-yard FG with just over 1:00 left |
| Virginia Tech vs No. 13 South Carolina | South Carolina 24, Virginia Tech 11 | Vicari Swain 80-yard punt return |
Context & Impact
For Miami, a win over a top-six opponent positions the Hurricanes favorably in early polls and provides confidence ahead of conference play. Closing a tight game with defense and special teams is the blueprint coaches covet in September.
Notre Dame leaves with an early setback but also proof of resilience after erasing a late deficit on the road. South Carolina’s balanced effort, highlighted by explosive special teams, reinforces the Gamecocks’ identity and offers a template for tight nonconference battles against ACC foes.
Unconfirmed
- Detailed drive charts, snap counts, and full player stat lines were not provided in the source.
- Attendance figures and any injury updates were not reported at publication time.
- Exact game clock for Miami’s winning field goal was not specified beyond “just over a minute left.”
Bottom Line
Miami’s late kick and defensive stand delivered one of Week 1’s statement wins, while South Carolina’s special teams edge set the tone against Virginia Tech. Both victors exit Sunday with momentum and clear identities as the season takes shape.