Notre Dame vs. Miami: 5 Players to Watch in This Classic Rivalry

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Who will prevail in this classic rivalry? Will it be the Notre Dame Fighting Irish? Or will the high-flying Miami Hurricanes complete a shocking upset in Soldier Field? 

The answer will determine the direction of both squads. With a Hurricanes win, respect and a place in the AP ranking comfortably awaits Stephen Morris and that high-octane passing offense. However, a loss, though expected by some, may bring Miami back to ACC reality. 

Its a different story for Notre Dame. A win for the Fighting Irish, as expected by many, will completely solidify their well deserved AP top 10 ranking. Also, the whisperings of Notre Dame fighting for a BCS bowl bid this year isn't out of the question either. 

So, who makes it out clean in this historic rivalry? We can predict, predict and predict as much as we like, but come this Saturday, it's in the hands of the players. 

Here are five players to watch in the Notre Dame-Miami tilt. 

Zeke Motta (S)

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The leader of the Fighting Irish secondary will have to play big against an explosive Hurricanes passing offense.

It's quite the achievement for Notre Dame to be nationally ranked 19th against the pass. Why? Constant Injuries along the secondary, plus three first-year starters. 

However, Notre Dame will have a tough test against this Saturday. They have yet to face an explosive passing offense of this magnitude. 

What a match it will be. 

Stephen Morris (QB)

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Morris leads a talented Hurricanes passing offense into Soldier Field this Saturday, but if Miami intends to prevail, it must effectively run the football. 

Against a stout Notre Dame front seven, Miami will be forced to pass early and often. However, if they manage to have success on the ground, the Hurricanes will exploit this young Notre Dame secondary. 

This will make Morris' job, who is the heart and soul of this Hurricanes offense, that much easier. 

Also, the Hurricanes have a suspect defense, which puts more pressure on Morris to deliver this Saturday. 

Phillip Dorsett (WR)

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The Hurricanes have explosive receivers everywhere, but the little Dorsett will play a big role in the Notre Dame-Miami game this Saturday. 

Dorsett is currently leading the team in receptions, but his impact this Saturday will come in the form of special teams. 

For the underdog Hurricanes to prevail, the special teams unit must step up. If they struggle defensively, another unit must make up for the lost production. 

And from what we've seen thus far from the Hurricanes, their defense has not been all that reliable. 

Dorsett will be huge in this game. 

Everett Golson (QB)

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The Fighting Irish quarterback has had his struggles, but no one can deny his physical talents on the football field. 

He can sling it and has nice accuracy, especially for a freshman.

Everett Golson will have his moments against this Hurricanes passing defense, but despite the knocks on Miami's defense, they can generate a pass rush. 

Golson doesn't need to be Stephen Morris this Saturday, but he can't make the same mistakes that has led Brian Kelly to sit him over Tommy Rees on several occasions this season. 

Rashawn Scott (WR)

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Another one of the Hurricanes' explosive receivers will be highlighted in the Notre Dame-Miami matchup this Saturday. 

Dorsett has been a pleasant surprise for the Hurricanes, and will likely see a lot of coverage headed his way. What this means?

It means that Scott will have his opportunities down the field. If there's one thing we know about Miami, it's that they'll sling it down the field when they have the chance. 

Rashawn Scott could have a big day for the Hurricanes.