Miami's Mario Cristobal can't believe officials waving off Elija Lofton TD catch
USA Today • • sports
Key Points:
- Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal expressed strong frustration over a controversial no-catch call that negated a potential game-tying touchdown late in their 31-24 loss to No. 6 Notre Dame.
- The disputed play involved quarterback Darian Mensah's fourth-down pass to tight end Elija Lofton, who appeared to have secured the catch with both feet in bounds before the ball was knocked loose by a Notre Dame defender.
- Officials ruled the play an incomplete pass, a decision supported by NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay, but Cristobal criticized the call and urged his team not to rely on officials in close games.
- Despite the loss, Miami is expected to remain in the top 12 of the College Football Playoff rankings and still has a chance to compete for the ACC Championship, while Notre Dame must win out to stay in playoff contention.
- Cristobal's candid postgame remarks reflected his anger and disappointment, hinting at potential motivation if the teams face each other again in the postseason.
