Can No. 1 Miami Hurricanes’ Secondary Disrupt No. 11 Notre Dame’s Air-Threatening Offense?

Over the last three games, despite finishing on the winning side, the Miami Hurricanes' secondary has struggled to contain explosive plays through the air.

The Florida State Seminoles, Pitt Panthers, and UNC Tar Heels averaged 417.67 yards of total offense and 78.2 percent of it came from passes. The Hurricanes didn't face quarterbacks who had reputations of elite arm talent, but they played like it.

It's become a major concern as Hail Maries have been completed against the secondary.

Seminoles' Ashton Daniels completed a 75-yard pass to star wide receiver Duce Robinson to force the first overtime. The following week, Panthers' Holden Geriner completed a 53-yard pass to wide receiver Cataurus Hicks before halftime, which nearly led to a touchdown, until cornerback Ethan O'Connor delivered the clutch tackle.

The Hurricanes' secondary has allowed 27 explosive passing plays for a combined 710 yards and eight touchdowns over the last three games. As opposing quarterbacks are taught to throw the football quickly to avoid pressure or sacks from the defensive front, this leaves each of the cornerbacks and safeties responsible for delivering the stop.

As Daniels, Geriner, and Billy Edwards Jr. managed to be challenging, it only makes Notre Dame's CJ Carr deadlier. The Fighting Irish star has completed 148 of 222 passes (66.7 percent) while throwing for 1,849 yards and 18 touchdowns with one interception.

Carr has grown in experience since last season's opener at Hard Rock Stadium, which was the 21-year-old's first collegiate start. He's thrown at least 30 explosive passes this season. Part of the success through the air comes from Carr's offensive line, which has only allowed two sacks so far.

As the Hurricanes' defensive line looks to be disruptive by generating pressure and getting sacks, the secondary will need to hold up, starting with limiting explosive plays.

Jordan Faison (497) and Micah Gilbert (430) lead Notre Dame's offense with at least 400 receiving yards each and combine for seven touchdowns. They will likely be the primary focus for the Hurricanes' secondary to slow down.

Plus, nickelback Omar Thornton needs to improve in coverage. He's been great at blitzing, generating 12 pressures and three sacks in 47 pass-rushing snaps, but defending passes has been inconsistent. Safety Zechariah Poyser was ejected in the first quarter against the Seminoles for targeting.  Thornton, safety Dylan Day, cornerback Damari Brown, and safety Ryan Mack have been underwhelming this season, which needs to change as rotational players.

Veteran cornerback Xavier Lucas recently returned from injury against the Seminoles and has played every game since then.

The Hurricanes need to be consistent and execute efficiently to be disruptive against Notre Dame's offense, which ranks sixth in FBS in scoring, averaging 40.4 points. It will likely be the biggest test of the regular season before the College Football Playoffs.

Saturday's kickoff between the historic Catholics and Convicts rivals is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. E.T. and will be televised on NBC and Peacock.

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