Miami head coach Mario Cristobal blasted the ACC officiating crew in South Bend, Indiana, after a controversial fourth-quarter ruling wiped out a potential game-tying touchdown in a 31-24 loss to No. 11 Notre Dame on Saturday night.
The top-ranked Hurricanes saw their undefeated season halted at Notre Dame Stadium after mounting a furious comeback from a 24-3 deficit. Trailing by seven with under four minutes remaining, Miami faced fourth-and-6 from the Fighting Irish 18-yard line. Quarterback Darian Mensah lofted a pass toward tight end Elija Lofton in the corner of the end zone. Lofton secured the ball with two hands and landed with both feet inbounds before Notre Dame safety Luke Talich swiped the ball away as he stepped out.
Officials Rule Incomplete on the Field
On-field officials ruled the pass incomplete, and a video review upheld the decision. NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay supported the call during the broadcast, noting that the tight end did not maintain possession long enough to perform an act common to the game.
I didn’t even see him knock the ball out at the end, so I thought it was a touchdown,
Lofton said. You can’t leave it up to one play.
Can’t leave it in the hands of the officials.
I’ve got to play better.
Really disappointed that they disallowed Elija Lofton’s touchdown despite two hands on the ball and two feet down
Mario Cristobal, Miami Coach
Cristobal did not mince words when addressing reporters after the game. I’m pissed off. It’s bulls— and I’ll leave it at that,
Cristobal said, according to ESPN. That’s the way it was seen by them. So, I got to live with it and respect it, and our players got to live with it, and we got to do better. Again, don’t leave it in the hands of the officials.
He added that he received zero explanation from the officiating crew regarding the decision.
Echoes of 1988 Rivalry Lore
Had the catch stood, a successful extra point would have tied the game at 31-31. The exact score mirrors Miami’s infamous 31-30 defeat at Notre Dame in 1988, a game remembered for a disputed fumble call against Cleveland Gary. Former Miami player Randal Hill once declared of that past play, Robbed. We were robbed.
Furthermore, both matchups featured Miami entering ranked No. 1 in the country while Notre Dame held the No. 4 ranking.
In the end, the Hurricanes were left to wonder what might have been after falling short in South Bend. Head coach Mario Cristobal noted that his team fought hard throughout the contest, praising the resilience and toughness shown by the players despite the difficult first-half deficit.
Quarterback Darian Mensah finished the game completing 24 of 43 passes for 276 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. During the first two quarters, Mensah struggled to find a rhythm, completing just 6 of 12 passes for 49 yards before orchestrating a strong offensive push after halftime.
Elija Lofton turned in a standout performance during the comeback effort, hauling in seven catches for 113 yards and a touchdown.
Playoff Outlook After the Defeat
Despite the setback, Miami remains in contention for the College Football Playoff, while Notre Dame successfully preserved its own postseason resume.
Cristobal expressed regret for letting his initial postgame frustration overshadow his assessment of the team’s performance. I need to be mature and professional about it,
he said. Be very honest about my opinion on it, but not point any fingers except at ourselves and go get better.
GAME. CHANGER.#GoIrish☘️ | @LukeTalich 📺: NBC pic.twitter.com/lsAZfE9xMU
More on Notre Dame
Mario Cristobal is not a fan of the incomplete pass call on Elija Lofton's would-be game-tying touchdown catch pic.twitter.com/DsXfRwzt1y
Miami was THIS CLOSE to tying things up against Notre Dame. Elija Lofton can't secure the catch and the Hurricanes turn the ball over on downs. pic.twitter.com/yk3IaSGI75
Rules analyst Terry McAulay breaks down what makes this PIVOTAL play an incomplete pass. 📺 Notre Dame Football on NBC & Peacock pic.twitter.com/9pso7otXoG
Under NCAA rules a catch requires firm control, a body part down in bounds, then control long enough to perform an act common to the game (or continuous control if going to the ground under contact). Lofton got the ball and feet in, but the defender punched it free while he was…
This was an incredible job to evade pressure followed by a great throw from Mensah. Lofton just couldn't hold on. pic.twitter.com/knuiqGmp4t
Notre Dame is still pretty favored to win this, but if the game gets to OT they’re probably toast.
Watch LIVE as Dick Corbett Head Football Coach Marcus Freeman speaks to the media postgame. #GoIrish☘️ https://t.co/ajpfTKxeeh
Touchdown James Jr.! The PAT is good @SpencerPorath Notre Dame 31, Miami 17 | 12:55 4th#GoIrish☘️ | @nolan_james1 pic.twitter.com/W3qZ6I8DcM
The Miami 4th & 6 was duels incomplete, under review. ACC refs would be advised to rig this.
Mario Cristobal sounded off on the officiating after No. 1 Miami's loss to No. 11 Notre Dame 👀 pic.twitter.com/bmh3OqjK3z
