College Football8 Nov 20262 minute read

Cristobal Fumes After Controversial Call in Miami Loss to Notre Dame

Miami coach Mario Cristobal expressed anger over a late overturned touchdown in a 31-24 loss at Notre Dame.

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Late call denies Miami a shot at tying the game

Miami suffered its first loss of the season on Saturday night, falling 31-24 to Notre Dame in South Bend. The Hurricanes almost tied the game late in the fourth quarter, but a contentious officiating decision stopped them.

With 3 minutes and 43 seconds remaining, tight end Elija Lofton went up for a pass on fourth-and-6 from the 18-yard line. He appeared to bring the ball down with two feet in bounds before Fighting Irish safety Luke Talich knocked it loose. Officials ruled the pass incomplete, and replay confirmed the call.

Miami head coach Mario Cristobal was furious after the game, calling the decision disappointing and using strong language to voice his anger. He later apologized for letting his emotions dominate, adding that his team must not leave games in the hands of officials.

Hurricanes comeback falls short without star receiver

Miami fell behind 24-3 early in the third quarter before starting a comeback. Quarterback Darian Mensah had only 49 passing yards in the first half, but he found Cooper Barkate and Lofton for three total touchdowns in the second half to trim the deficit to 31-24 with 9:53 remaining.

The Hurricanes played without star receiver Malachi Toney. Toney hurt his ankle during a Wednesday practice in shells when he got tangled up and fell awkwardly. Cristobal confirmed that Toney had successful surgery and will miss about four weeks.

Mensah said he did not see Talich knock the ball loose on the late fourth down pass and thought Lofton had scored. He apologized for failing to bring home a win for Toney, who spoke to the team before they traveled to Indiana.

What it means for the next game

Duke Blue Devils at Miami Hurricanes (College Football, Sat, 14 Nov): Miami Hurricanes win 84%, Duke Blue Devils win 16%; projected score Miami Hurricanes 36, Duke Blue Devils 21. Our safest pick: Miami to win.

Boston College Eagles at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (College Football, Sat, 14 Nov): Notre Dame Fighting Irish win 93%, Boston College Eagles win 7%; projected score Notre Dame Fighting Irish 39, Boston College Eagles 15. Our safest pick: Boston College +34.5.