Week 9 Staff Picks

Our picks team gives their predictions on Miami-Notre Dame and Top 25 action:

Miami - Notre Dame:

Ricky: This has to be the week the ‘Canes turn things around, right? I’ve let my orange and green tinted lenses steer me into reckless decisions these past three weeks. Florida State. North Carolina. Virginia Tech. But, Notre Dame?

You know, this probably isn’t the week Brad Kaaya goes Super Saiyan. The offense may perform better than in recent weeks, but the cure for the offensive line likely isn’t here yet. But none of that matters. This defense, despite sealed lips from Hurricanes coaches, returns key players this week. A fresher defensive line will give us more of the defense we saw against Florida State, opposed to what we saw last Thursday against Virginia Tech. Miami’s rejuvenated defense, paired with an improving offense, will get the victory in South Bend. Hurricanes win 27-13.

Cam: (at the game, so just a pick) Miami 27, Notre Dame 21.

Daniel: Miami has lost three consecutive games, and I do not see that fall ending this weekend. It will be a tough game, but the 'Canes fall again. Irish 24-17

Craig: I share the sentiments of my colleague Ricky, who believes this has to be the week. And why not? Arguably the Canes’ biggest weakness is protecting Brad Kaaya so he can make plays down the field. And maybe the Irish’s biggest is getting after the passer. So, I think we see the Canes finally look good in those awesome new retro uniforms and channel their inner 1984, beating the Irish at Notre Dame Stadium for the first time since that year. Canes 28, Irish 20.