Miami's Offense Shines Early with Electric Plays By Carson Beck, CJ Daniels
Hanna Cavinder's ex is making name for himself.
Rain poured down at Hard Rock Stadium, but it didn’t stop Hurricanes receiver CJ Daniels from making arguably the best catch of the weekend in college football.
With Carson Beck now under center, Miami’s offense wasted little time silencing detractors, jump-starting things with a 14–7 halftime lead over Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish. In an electric first half, Notre Dame found itself on the wrong end of several jaw-dropping plays.
None bigger than Daniels’ leaping, one-handed, 20-yard grab just before halftime — showing off his hang time and control to give Miami the late lead. The former LSU wideout channeled some Odell Beckham Jr. with that highlight-reel snag.
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - AUGUST 31: Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal stands on the field during the college football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on August 31, 2025 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Beck’s first touchdown in a Hurricanes uniform came earlier, when 17-year-old Malachi Toney hauled in a 28-yard strike to put Miami up early. Notre Dame’s CJ Carr answered in the second quarter with a touchdown to Micah Gilbert, evening the score with nine minutes left before the break. Still, Beck held firm, going 13-of-20 for 147 yards and two touchdowns in the first half alone.
The Georgia transfer faced a massive opening-week challenge and delivered. Miami edged Notre Dame 27-24 at home, with Beck finishing 20-of-30 for 205 yards and two touchdowns. Under the weight of high expectations, he passed his first test in orange and green.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 31: Carson Beck #11 of the Miami Hurricanes throws a pass against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first quarter of the game at Hard Rock Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Having to also recover and play his way back from a UCL injury in his right elbow, the journey has been bumpy for Beck. After the game, an emotional Beck reflected on his journey back to the field: "Oh man, s**. The past eight months have been so hard, and I'm just so blessed to be back out here and have the opportunity to play again."*
He added: "Everyone just loves to compete. It's a real family, it's a real brotherhood. Oh my gosh, I'm sorry. There are so many emotions. I'm just so thankful for the guys that I have around me."
Even Freeman recognized the spark Beck brought, telling ESPN’s Molly McGrath at halftime: "We gotta make [Beck] uncomfortable. He’s confident right now."
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - AUGUST 31: Miami Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck (11) throws the ball as Miami Hurricanes offensive line Matthew McCoy (78) defends during the college football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on August 31, 2025 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - AUGUST 31: Malachi Tony #10 of the Miami Hurricanes celebrates his touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Canes coach Mario Cristobal was all fireworks after the big win.
"I mean, I played in this rivalry. Look at Michael Irvin, Devin Hester, Andre Johnson, all the ones that made this rivalry what it was," Cristobal said. "Look at the way Hard Rock is rockin'. Miami. Hurricanes. Football."
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