Skip to main content

Deep Dive: Catholics vs. Convicts (2016)

Play Trailer

Film Lens

Catholics vs. Convicts
Catholics vs. Convicts is a documentary that focuses on the intense rivalry between the University of Notre Dame and the University of Miami, culminating in their famous 1988 football game. The film examines the cultural and social dynamics surrounding the matchup, which was marked by the contrasting identities of the two teams. Notre Dame, with its Catholic heritage, faced off against Miami, often viewed as the 'bad boys' of college football, a perception reinforced by the arrests of several Miami players. Directed by Patrick Creadon, who was a senior at Notre Dame during the game, the film includes interviews with key figures such as coaches Lou Holtz and Jimmy Johnson, as well as players from both teams. It revisits pivotal moments in the game, including Cleveland Gary's controversial 'phantom fumble,' and presents new insights from those who experienced the event firsthand. The documentary also reflects on the impact of the 'Catholics vs. Convicts' slogan, created by Notre Dame students, which encapsulated the rivalry's essence.

Why Watch

  • •See the 1988 Notre Dame-Miami game through new perspectives.
  • •Meet players like Tony Rice and coaches Lou Holtz and Jimmy Johnson.
  • •Find out about the 'Catholics vs. Convicts' slogan's origin.

Did You Know

•The documentary premiered to over two million viewers on December 10, 2016.
•The rivalry began in 1985 when Miami beat Notre Dame 58-7.
•Cleveland Gary's 'phantom fumble' is a key focus in the film.
•Patrick Creadon interviewed his classmates, including Tony Rice, for the film.

Perfect For

College football fansSports history enthusiastsRivalry culture