Every football season seems to bring a play that gets fans arguing over what counts as a catch. Miami found itself on the wrong side of that debate against Notre Dame.
With about 3:36 left, quarterback Darian Mensah threw to Elija Lofton in the end zone on fourth down. Lofton appeared to secure the ball, but officials ruled he hadn’t maintained possession through the catch.
A touchdown would have brought Miami within a point of tying the game. The Hurricanes had trailed 24-3 in the third quarter, but Notre Dame held on to win 31-24.
Miami coach Mario Cristobal said he was extremely upset with the call. He believed Lofton had both hands on the ball and both feet in bounds, and said the team had been warned not to leave the outcome in the officials’ hands. Cristobal also congratulated Notre Dame, while criticizing the decision at such a pivotal moment.
Cristobal said he received no explanation for the ruling. He added that replay should help get important calls right, and made clear he felt the decision was wrong.
Mensah also thought Lofton had scored. Lofton had the ball in his hands and was in bounds, but Notre Dame defensive back Luke Talich knocked it free at the last moment.
NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay said the officials got it right, noting that Lofton appeared to bobble the ball just before it was knocked away. He said the pass was incomplete.
Miami entered the game ranked No. 1 in the College Football Playoff rankings. Notre Dame was ranked No. 11.
