Last season, the Irish and Hurricanes defenses had drastically different impacts on their seasons. Notre Dame consistently called upon the defense to make big, clutch plays, which ultimately landed them in the CFP Championship. For Miami, their defense allowed 31 or more points in six games, including in the regular season finale loss at Syracuse, which cost the 'Canes a chance to compete in the CFP. We preview each team team's defense here.

As Notre Dame prepares their sequel to last season's CFP Championship run, they open this season with a ranked primetime road matchup against Miami. How will the Irish handle the Hurricanes' pass-heavy attack that led the country in yards and scoring a year ago? We preview each team's offensive pieces for Sunday's thriller here.