abcnews
For nearly four decades, Miami has maintained that Cleveland Gary did not fumble in a controversial loss to Notre Dame. Now, another disputed play has joined the ranks of rivalry lore.
In Saturday night's 31-24 defeat at Notre Dame, Miami argued that Elija Lofton made a catch that would have been a touchdown late in the fourth quarter. However, officials ruled that Lofton did not complete the play, sparking outrage from the Hurricanes' sideline.
"Very disappointed in the way that was called with the game on the line and clear possession inbounds," Miami coach Mario Cristobal said.
Had the catch been upheld, Miami would have had an extra point to tie the game at 31-30. That score mirrors the 1988 contest, which the Hurricanes lost by the same margin and still claim Gary didn't fumble. Adding to the coincidence, Miami entered that 1988 game ranked No. 1 and Notre Dame No. 4—identical to the rankings before Saturday's matchup.
Lofton had the ball in his hands with his feet down, which led Miami to believe it was a touchdown. But the question was whether he completed the catch, and Notre Dame's Luke Talich knocked the ball away as both players went out of bounds.
The 1988 loss still stings because it cost Miami a national title shot. Gary was ruled to have fumbled near the goal line, even though Miami argued he was down before the ball came loose and was recovered by Notre Dame.
"Robbed. We were robbed," former Miami star Randal Hill said of the Gary play.
Miami could have felt similarly on Saturday. This loss doesn't eliminate the Hurricanes from title contention—the College Football Playoff remains within reach. But the Lofton play will be debated by fans for years.
That Miami had a chance to tie late may have surprised some, given how the first 35 minutes unfolded. The Hurricanes, playing without injured receiver Malachi Toney, fell into a 24-3 hole in the third quarter before mounting a comeback.
Among all FBS players entering the weekend, Toney ranked second with 73 catches, tied for second with 13 touchdown receptions, and third with 1,027 receiving yards. He was widely considered a Heisman Trophy contender, the most electrifying player on the nation's most dynamic offense. Toney accounted for 35% of Miami's catches, 39% of its receiving yards, and 46% of its touchdown receptions in the first eight games.
In his absence, Cooper Barkate caught two touchdown passes and Lofton had a scoring grab as well—but in the end, the Hurricanes were left to wonder what might have been.
Key Analysis
The controversial call serves as a reminder of the fine margins in college football and the enduring pain of rivalry games. While Miami's playoff hopes remain alive, the Lofton play will fuel debates about officiating and add another chapter to the Miami-Notre Dame saga.
Originally reported by abcnews.