EL PASO, Texas, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Tommy Rees threw two touchdown passes while Notre Dame was building a 27-point lead Friday and the Fighting Irish defeated Miami in the Sun Bowl 33-17.
The teams had a heated rivalry late in the 20th century but this was their first meeting in 20 years. They are scheduled to play a regular-season game in 2012.
Rees, a freshman, completed 15-of-29 passes for 195 yards and hooked up with Michael Floyd on throws of 2 and 34 yards to produce the game's first two scores.
Cierre Wood ran 34 yards for a second-period touchdown and David Ruffer kicked field goals of 40 and 50 yards to give the Irish a 27-0 lead.
Jacory Harris threw three interceptions for Miami before being benched in favor of Stephen Morris.
Morris threw fourth-quarter touchdown passes of 6 yards to Leonard Hankerson and 42 yards to Tommy Streeter.
Notre Dame (8-5) won its second bowl game in three seasons and finished its first season under Coach Brian Kelly with four straight victories.
Miami (7-6) has not won a bowl game in four seasons and the Hurricanes lost their final three outings this season.
