Catholics vs. Convicts: SI's Best Photos of Notre Dame and Miami's 1988 Classic

On Oct. 15, 1988, No. 4 Notre Dame knocked off No. 1 Miami 31–30 in a game that captured the attention of a nation and became much more than a meeting between undefeated teams. Take a look back at SI's best photos from the notorious "Catholics vs. Convicts" game.

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Nov 11, 2017

Catholics vs. Convicts: SI's Best Photos of Notre Dame and Miami's 1988 Classic

John Biever

Pat Terrell (15) breaks up a pass intended for Miami receiver Leonard Conley (28) on the game-deciding two-point conversion attempt to seal Notre Dame's win.

SI_Vault_Notre Dame_Miami_00003.JPG — John W. McDonough

The celebration begins for Notre Dame after Pat Terrell's pass breakup.

SI_Vault_Notre Dame_Miami_00002.JPG — John Biever

A Notre Dame fan wears a T-shirt bearing the rivalry's now-famous nickname before the game.

SI_Vault_Notre Dame_Miami_00004.JPG — John Biever

Fullback Braxston Banks carries the ball.

SI_Vault_Notre Dame_Miami_00005.JPG — John Biever

Cleveland Gary (43) makes a catch.

SI_Vault_Notre Dame_Miami_00006.JPG — John W. McDonough

QB Tony Rice (9) celebrates after scoring a touchdown on a seven-yard run in the first quarter.

SI_Vault_Notre Dame_Miami_00007.JPG — John Biever

Fullback Braxston Banks finds a hole.

SI_Vault_Notre Dame_Miami_00008.JPG — John Biever

Miami QB Steve Walsh (4) extends for a pass.

SI_Vault_Notre Dame_Miami_00009.JPG — John W. McDonough

Tony Rice looks to make a move.

SI_Vault_Notre Dame_Miami_00010.JPG — John W. McDonough

Linebacker Wes Pritchett (34) closes in to make a tackle.

SI_Vault_Notre Dame_Miami_00011.JPG — John Biever

Andre Brown gets Miami on the board for the first time with an eight-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter.

SI_Vault_Notre Dame_Miami_00012.JPG — John W. McDonough

Official attendance at Notre Dame Stadium: 59,075.

SI_Vault_Notre Dame_Miami_00013.JPG — John Biever

Kicker Reggie Ho (2).

SI_Vault_Notre Dame_Miami_00014.JPG — John W. McDonough

Future Miami head coach Randy Shannon had seven total tackles.

SI_Vault_Notre Dame_Miami_00015.JPG — John Biever

Miami coach Jimmy Johnson.

SI_Vault_Notre Dame_Miami_00016.JPG — John Biever

The Hurricanes outgained Notre Dame 481-331 but only found the end zone once in the second half.

SI_Vault_Notre Dame_Miami_00017.JPG — John Biever

Tony Rice ran for 20 yards and threw for 195, accounting for the Irish's first two touchdowns.

SI_Vault_Notre Dame_Miami_00018.JPG — John W. McDonough

Pat Terrell.

SI_Vault_Notre Dame_Miami_00019.JPG — John W. McDonough

Ricky Watters (12) hauls in a catch.

SI_Vault_Notre Dame_Miami_00020.JPG — John W. McDonough

Miami receiver Andre Brown (82) elevates to bring in a pass.

SI_Vault_Notre Dame_Miami_00021.JPG — John W. McDonough

Pat Terrell returns an interception 60 yards for a touchdown to give the Irish a 21–7 lead in the second quarter.

SI_Vault_Notre Dame_Miami_00022.JPG — John W. McDonough

Notre Dame fans celebrate the victory.