2010 Sun Bowl: Catholics Dominate the So-Called Convicts

The stage was set for a renewal of an old rivalry in the Sun Bowl. Notre Dame vs. Miami used to be the game in college football. The winner would likely have a chance to play for a National Championship. In the 1980s, the rivalry became known as Catholics vs. Convicts. It is no wonder fans of both Notre Dame and Miami were excited to see a great game in this one.

It didn't work out that way at all. You could tell that it would be odd with all the snow at the Sun Bowl. This game was not even close. Notre Dame took control of this game early and never looked back. Austin Collinsworth got it started with a very good return on the opening kickoff. Then on that drive, Michael Floyd took a quick slant on 3rd-and-long for a huge gain that featured poor tackling by Miami.

Floyd finished the drive with a short touchdown catch from Freshman phenom Tommy Rees. Floyd caught a longer touchdown shortly after that following an interception by Robert Blanton of Miami quarterback Jacoby Harris.

Harris would get yanked later after two more interceptions—both by Harrison Smith. In the meantime, Cierre Wood had a long touchdown run, and David Ruffer might have earned a scholarship with long field goals to close the half.

The second half of the game was a bit boring. Having a big lead, Notre Dame was determined to run the ball with Wood and Robert Hughes. Both finished with a very impressive 80+ yards. It was a nice game for Hughes to go out on and hopefully a preview of things to come for Wood. 

Miami backup quarterback Stephen Morris threw a couple fourth quarter touchdown passes that really only made it look closer than it really was. The fact is the Fighting Irish just dominated this one.

There are a few things that really stand out for Notre Dame in the Sun Bowl.

Floyd had a game that was really a good news, bad news situation for Notre Dame. The good news is his six catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns were good enough to both earn him the game MVP and set the single season record in touchdown catches. The bad news is that NFL scouts saw this game, and this could have been the last we see of Floyd wearing a golden helmet.

Rees must think he is living some kind of dream. He doesn't play much in the first seven games. He replaces injured Dayne Crist in the Tulsa game. Rees goes on to start the last four games. In those games, he leads the Irish to wins over a ranked opponent and three opponents who all have a significant place in in the history of Notre Dame football. That should be good enough for him to be the starter heading into Spring.

Brian Kelly not only had his team ready to play but really had a good game plan. He put Rees into situations that were conducive for him to succeed. Kelly had really innovative ways to run the ball. I really liked how Theo Riddick was involved in the running game via the Wild Cat and reverses.

The one negative aspect of the game was that I would have liked to see more people other than Floyd involved in the receiving game. Riddick did not catch a ball, and TJ Jones didn't catch one until late. That could be a concern if Floyd does indeed to go to the NFL.

Overall, Notre Dame ended 2010 on a very positive note after a slow start. Four straight wins to end the year makes me believe that Kelly was the right choice last year.