38 years later, history echoes in South Bend

The ghosts of 1988 await Miami in South Bend.

The last time Miami was No. 1 — and played Notre Dame when it was No. 4 — the Hurricanes lost in a heartbreaking 31-30 upset on Oct. 15, 1988.

With just over seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Miami quarterback Steve Walsh found running back Cleveland Gary, who lunged toward the goal line.

What would follow would be one of the most controversial rulings for Miami football — and one of its fans’ darkest days — further fueling a rivalry almost vampiric in its vitality and longevity.

Officials ruled the play a fumble, awarding Notre Dame possession at its own 1-yard line. But whether Gary had already crossed the goal line — or was down…