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Catholics vs Convicts Part II

The most anticipated college football game of the year takes place this weekend. This just isn't any college football game; this is war like. Despite not being conference affiliated opponents, this is one of the nastiest rivalries of all time.

Notre Dame and Miami don't like each other for a myriad of reasons. The series dates back to 1960 and played each other annually from 1971 to 1990 (except in 1986) Both teams were national contenders in the later part of the 80's, and both teams cost each other at least one national championship. Hostilities were fueled when the Hurricanes routed the Fighting Irish in the 1985 season finale 58–7, with Miami widely accused of running up the score in the second half. The rivalry gained national attention, and both teams played their most famous games from 1988 to 1990.

The landmark game known as Catholics vs. Convicts was won by the Fighting Irish 31–30, on October 15, 1988. The slogan was a play on Notre Dame's Catholic image and Miami's roster of flamboyant football players. Before that season two Hurricane players were arrested and their scholarships taken away. These arrests were highly publicized and added fuel to the fire.

The following year, Miami ended Notre Dame's record 23-game winning streak, 27–10. The rivalry ended after the Fighting Irish dashed No. 2 Miami's hopes for a repeat national championship with a 29–20 victory in South Bend in 1990.

The teams met most recently last season, during a top-ten matchup when, No. 10 Miami defeated No. 6 Notre Dame, 27–24.in the opening week of the season. This game led to the controversial decision to let Miami in the postseason over Notre Dame.

After starting the season 0-2 Notre Dame ran off 10 consecutive vitories and winning by an average of 30 points per contest. However on selection Sunday, it was Miami who got in the 12-team college football playoff while the Irish on the outside looking in. Notre Dame is on a mission to get back to the National Championship Game. They were there two seasons ago falling to Ohio State in the title game.

After the first College Football Rankings were released Tuesday night, the Irish are in the 11th spot. Clearly a joke considering the Coaches Poll has them ranked 6th. The committee has its conference obligations and as an independent Notre Dame's schedule works against them. There are plenty of games and decisions to be made between now and Dec. 6, when the 12-team bracket is officially set.

Not only is this Saturday's contest a revenge game for the Irish but more importantly it's a statement game. If Notre Dame losses, they will be in the same position as last year with not many quality opponents remaining to impress the committee. Having already lost to BYU, the Irish have very little room for error.

Although everyone knows the Irish are one of the top teams in the country and deserve to be in the playoff they need to show the committee. They can do that with a win and also embarrass a heated rival. Its Catholics vs. Convicts Part II.