EL PASO, Texas - Remove the emotions of the rivalry. Just look at it on paper. Much of the truth can be found in the respective school's media guides.

1985: No. 4 Miami 58, unranked Notre Dame 7

1987: No. 2 Miami 24, No. 10 Notre Dame 0

1988: No. 4 Notre Dame 31, No. 1 Miami 30

1989: No. 7 Miami 27, No. 1 Notre Dame 10

1990: No. 6 Notre Dame 29, No. 2 Miami 20

Back and forth they went, like two boxers contending for the heavyweight title. One getting the best of the other, and the other fighting right back.

Now mix in the personalities and the emotions at the time. Jimmy Johnson. Lou Holtz. Catholics vs. Convicts. A brigade of mouthy Hurricanes taking every inch because in their minds, every inch belonged to them. A proud group of Notre Dame players fighting back for their rights.

Profanity spewed. Punches exchanged. Hatred unleashed.

No college football rivalry featured more intensity - and a greater philosophical dichotomy - than Notre Dame versus Miami in the late '80s, early '90s.

The rivalry grew so intense that both schools agreed that a trial separation would be in the best interest of all.

Twenty years have passed, and while both schools have proven that much of the animosity is behind them with a three-game series planned for the near future, the rivalry will be renewed ahead of time in Friday's Sun Bowl in El Paso.

"This game, whether they remember the Catholics vs. Convicts, is really immaterial," said current Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly. "What (the Notre Dame players) remember is Miami's 2001 national championship. They remember the great players that come from the University of Miami.

"So this is one of those games that has their attention because Miami has been nationally regarded as one of the top programs. That's been exciting for our players."

"They're very much aware of the rivalry," said Miami interim head coach Jeff Stoutland of the Hurricane players. "They haven't played in 20 years, but both teams are very much aware of it. You can tell that when you get together at the different (bowl) events.

"This is going to be a great match-up, a great game to be at, a great game to watch on TV. We're all getting a little itchy to get to the game. We've been practicing a long time for this. It's time to play."

The opinions of the Irish players about the rivalry and Friday's game are wide ranging, from acknowledging the animosity between the two schools to downplaying it so it doesn't become a distraction.

"I think so," said Irish offensive guard Chris Stewart when asked if the animosity would come to the forefront at noon Mountain time Friday. "Even though it's the past and some of us weren't even born yet - I was - it's still the fact that it's two teams that love to compete. No one wants to leave with a loss. No one is coming out here expecting to lose."

Stewart is certain that verbal warfare will play a role in the game.

"It is what it is," Stewart said. "Emotions are on the line. Both of us want to finish a lot better than 7-6. What's wrong with games like that? They're fun."

Asked how he might respond to verbal taunts from the Hurricanes, Stewart smiled and said, "No comment…You don't say it in law school, that's for sure."

Irish safety Harrison Smith feels a responsibility to the Notre Dame players of the past who fought the war against the Hurricanes two decades ago.

"Even though we're not quite old enough to remember those games, it's something that we think we need to live up to," Smith said.

Although Kelly obviously has stressed to his players the importance of playing well and smart, and focusing on the details of the game, he hasn't been reluctant to fuel the rivalry with the Irish players.

"Coach Kelly has stressed the tradition of this rivalry," said offensive tackle Zack Martin. "So we've gotten a taste of it. Obviously, we haven't played in a long time, but we'll be happy to get out there and renew it."

Other Irish players would rather focus on the specifics of defeating the opponent lined up across the football.

"I don't think it strikes as a rivalry game," said linebacker Manti Te'o. "I just think it comes across as a very competitive game with a lot of athletes that can make plays. We're going to go out there and play the best we can.

"For fans, yeah. For players, it's just another game. You have to approach it that way. To be successful, you have to approach it like any other game. Just prepare for it the best you can."

Te'o said he won't get involved in the extracurriculars.

"I just smile," said Te'o, not smiling, when asked how he will respond to verbal taunts from the Hurricanes.

No talking back? "No," said Te'o. He won't initiate it? "No, that's not my style," said Te'o.

"There's a little animosity, but it's just the typical rivalry," added outside linebacker Darius Fleming. "That's all that is. No hatred toward each other."

Irish nose guard Ian Williams feels a bit differently. Playing in his final game in a Notre Dame uniform, Williams grew up in Florida and resents the fact that the Hurricanes didn't seriously recruit him. "Too small," huffed Williams, summarizing Miami's lack of interest in him.

"I know they're going to bring their A game and we're going to bring our A game. They're a good team and they're looking forward to playing us."

And if the Miami players choose to launch a verbal assault on him?

"If there's talk, there's talk," said a scowling Williams. "We'll try to keep it PG rated…For right now."