newsweek
Notre Dame secured a 31-24 victory over No. 1 Miami on Saturday night in South Bend, but the game's outcome was overshadowed by a disputed call in the closing minutes.
The Fighting Irish built a 24-3 lead in the third quarter before the Hurricanes stormed back with 21 consecutive points. Quarterback Darian Mensah fueled the rally, scoring on back-to-back drives and adding another touchdown with just under 10 minutes remaining to pull Miami within one score.
Then came the play that ignited controversy. With about 3:30 left, Mensah connected with tight end Elija Lofton for 41 yards. On fourth-and-six from the 18-yard line, Mensah again targeted Lofton in the end zone, and the play was initially ruled a game-tying touchdown. However, Notre Dame safety Luke Talich jarred the ball loose as Lofton hit the ground, and after review, officials ruled the pass incomplete.
Miami never recovered, and head coach Mario Cristobal did not hold back his frustration in the postgame press conference.
"Really disappointed that they negated Elija Lofton's touchdown with two hands on the ball and two feet in bounds," Cristobal said. "But like we told our team before we left Miami, do not leave it in the hands of officials because that's what you're going to get here."
He continued: "Very disappointed with the way that was called with the game on the line and clear possession of the football in bounds. I can sit here and go all day. I know the games get called back and forth. Certain plays that determine certain games when you have instant replay. And you know, I'm pissed off. I mean, what do you want me to say, it's [expletive]. I'll leave it at that. That's the way it was seen by them. So I gotta live with it and respect it."
Playoff Implications
The game carried massive College Football Playoff implications. Miami entered undefeated at 8-0 and ranked No. 1, while Notre Dame was No. 11 and needed a marquee win to keep its season alive. The Irish got it, improving to 8-1 and securing a head-to-head victory over a team that edged them out of the final playoff spot last year.
The win propelled Notre Dame to No. 3 in the latest AP poll, while Miami fell to No. 5. The next CFP rankings will be released on Tuesday.
Despite the loss, Miami still boasts a strong résumé and should contend for the ACC title. The Hurricanes host Duke next weekend before home matchups against Virginia Tech and Boston College to close out the regular season. That stretch is winnable, but the loss to Notre Dame could impact Miami's chances of earning a first-round bye in the CFP.
Notre Dame, meanwhile, finishes with Boston College, SMU, and Syracuse—a schedule that should position the Irish to finish 11-1 and secure one of the top seeds in the playoffs.
Originally reported by newsweek.