South Bend, Ind. – In a tightly contested game that decided the College Football Playoff rankings, the Miami Hurricanes fell 31‑24 to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish after a controversial incomplete call on a potential touchdown.
What happened on the final drive
With 3:36 left in the fourth quarter, Miami was down 24‑3 in the third quarter but had rallied to within a single point. Quarterback Darian Mensah fired a pass to wide receiver Elija Lofton in the end zone on fourth down. Lofton secured the ball with both hands and landed with two feet in bounds, but Notre Dame defensive back Luke Talich knocked the ball loose at the last instant.
Officials ruled the play incomplete, saying Lofton “bobble[d] it just a little before the ball gets knocked out.” NBC referee analyst Terry McAulay agreed, stating the call was correct under the rules.
Coach Cristobal’s reaction
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal was “beyond upset” with the decision. “Really disappointed they negated Elija Lofton’s touchdown with two hands on the ball and two feet in bounds,” Cristobal said. “We told our team not to leave it in the hands of the officials, and that’s what you’re going to get out here in South Bend. It’s a very hard‑fought game. Congratulations to Notre Dame, but we’re very disappointed in the way that was called with the game on the line and clear possession of a football in bounds.”
Cristobal added that he received “zero” explanation from the officials and expressed his frustration with profanity, calling the situation “bullshit.”
Impact on rankings and season outlook
Miami entered the contest ranked No. 1 in the College Football Playoff rankings, while Notre Dame was No. 11. The loss drops Miami in the poll and keeps Notre Dame in contention for a playoff spot.
Both programs will look to regroup as the regular season nears its conclusion. Miami hopes to rebound in its next matchup, while Notre Dame aims to build on the victory to solidify its playoff résumé.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
