By Darin Hayes October 15, 1988, South Bend, Indiana – The reigning champion Miami Hurricanes entered Notre Dame Stadium to face an undefeated Fighting Irish squad.
Walsh sacked in 1st Quarter by ND defenders 1988 16 Oct 1988, Sun Fort Lauderdale News (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) Newspapers.com
It was a big game with much on the line. Miami came into the contest with a 36-game unbeaten streak and was ranked number one in the nation for good reason, while Notre Dame was ranked 4th in the polls. Tensions were high, and this became extremely evident when there was a pre-game fight in front of the entrance tunnels.
The game was a tight one most of the day, much to the delight of everyone watching. The hype of this game, colloquially known as Catholics vs. Convicts, was living up to every ounce of the buildup.
Miami had won 20 straight road games coming into the contest, but Irish Coach Lou Holtz would have his talented band ready to take on the Hurricane challenge.
The rivalry game was an immediate classic, marked by a pre-game tunnel fight and intense, back-and-forth scoring. Notre Dame’s defense forced seven turnovers, which was key to a game where the Irish led 31-21 in the fourth quarter.
Pat Terrel was starting at safety in only his second start of his career. Coach Johnson knew this and instructed his highly touted quarterback, Steve Walsh, to test the young defensive back. Johnson and Walsh regretted this decision because Terrel had a career day, including a key pick-six that put the Irish up in the first half.
Chuds_escapesHurricane Tackle 16 Oct 1988, Sun The South Bend Tribune (South Bend, Indiana) Newspapers.com
With 45 seconds left to play, the Hurricanes scored a touchdown to make the score 30-31 in favor of the Irish. Hurricane Head Coach Jimmy Johnson had a decision to make: kick the extra point and hopefully go into overtime, or go for two and go for the jugular in regulation. Johnson elected to go for the win in regulation, and the Irish defender Pat Terrel batted down the Hurricane pass from QB Steve Walsh to preserve the Notre Dame one-point lead and the Irish victory!
The win would propel the Fighting Irish to an undefeated season and the national championship.
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