Miami coach furious with officials after possible TD catch ruled incomplete in crucial loss to Notre Dame

Miami lost 31-24 to Notre Dame after officials ruled an apparent late touchdown catch by Elija Lofton incomplete, prompting coach Mario Cristobal to criticise the decision. The call mattered because a touchdown would have brought Miami within one extra point of tying the game, after the Hurricanes had trailed by 21 points in the third quarter.

Quarterback Darian Mensah found Lofton on fourth down with about 3:36 remaining, but Notre Dame defender Luke Talich knocked the ball from his hands. Cristobal said he was “beyond upset” and had received no explanation; NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay said the ruling was correct because Lofton bobbled the ball before it was dislodged. Miami entered the game ranked first in the College Football Playoff rankings, while Notre Dame was 11th.