​Notre Dame’s season is on the line on Saturday as the Fighting Irish (7-1) host top ranked Miami. Marcus Freeman’s squad is currently slotted in 11 place by the College Football Playoff Committee. A loss to the Hurricanes will all but eliminate them from playoff consideration for the second consecutive year.Obviously, the Committee has doubled down on last year’s assertion that Notre Dame lacks a signature win. They afforded SEC and Big-10 conference members priority once again due to their perceived schedule strength. Notre Dame can quash that narrative this weekend but it will not be easy. Miami boasts an unstoppable offense and an opportunistic defense while the Irish have struggled of late. This game will be nationally televised on NBC beginning at 7:30 PM Eastern time.Hurricane Coach Mario Cristobal is 43-19 in his fifth season in Coral Gables. His team has outscored opponents by 48-18 on average. Admittedly, Miami’s schedule has not been overly difficult. It is no secret that both teams have anticipated this meeting for a variety of reasons. Cristobal acknowledged the long standing animosity between these programs but refused to stoke those embers on Monday.“I think we’re really focused on doing the things that help you actually win football games,” Cristobal said. “There’s no value in those (incendiary) words. There’s no value in some things we talked about the other day in predictions, forecasts, narratives. There’s not one of those things. Not one of the people talking about those things can block anybody, throw a ball, catch a ball, chase down, and make a tackle.”Coach Freeman did not dance around the rivalry question when it was raised in his weekly press conference. “You understand and make sure the players understand the history and tradition of the rivalry because it makes you appreciate the opportunity you have now. That’s the most important thing…It’s important to understand the history — the games, wins, and losses. It’s important.”On the injury front, Notre Dame is in rough shape on defense. Key linemen Francis Brewu and Jason Onye will not be available, nor will linebacker Drayk Bowen. In the secondary, cornerback DJ McKinney remains out and safety Brauntae Johnson is not ready to return. On a positive note, linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa will play. It is unclear whether his injured thumb will affect his ability to get off blocks and make tackles.Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire)Earlier this week, Miami had not reported any new injuries to its starters. The Canes had previously lost talented cornerback OJ Frederique in their season opener. On Wednesday, however, star receiver Malachi Toney reportedly injured his ankle in practice. Recent updates now indicate that Toney will miss this week’s game.NOTRE DAME’S OFFENSE vs. MIAMI’S DEFENSEOffensive Coordinator Mike Denbrock introduced new wrinkles against Navy that were encouraging and effective. There were al