UM AT NOTRE DAME, 3:30

Where: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Ind. TV: NBC Weather: 71 degrees, 15 percent rain chance Online: sunsentinel.com/um, @ChristyChirinos or #Canes

Quick slant: The Hurricanes (4-3) and Irish (5-2), two historic rivals whose games in the 1980s were often mustwatch matchups, enter this game in dire needs of wins.

About Miami: The Hurricanes are still looking to regain their footing after a brutal October stretch that has seen them lose three games in 12 days.

About Notre Dame: The Irish started the season as a Top 10 team but tumbled out of the rankings after dropping two of their first three. Things haven’t gotten much better since, though in a win against Syracuse, Notre Dame showed its ability score on big plays. What to watch:

■ 1. Defensive boost. The Miami defense was hit hard by injuries last week. UM coach Mark Richt expects some injured players back, which will be key for the Hurricanes.

■ 2. Protect Kaaya. The Hurricanes gave up a season-high eight sacks against the Hokies and quarterback Brad Kaaya has felt pressure during the three-game slide. Finding ways to keep the quarterback on his feet — and having him get rid of the ball quicker — will be crucial.

■ 3. Avoid special miscues. Routine field goals and extra points have been anything but for Miami, which had an extra point blocked against FSU and a field goal blocked against UNC before missing an extra point at Virginia Tech. The Hurricanes have to keep tabs on Notre Dame’s Jarron Jones, who has blocked six kicks during his career.