Miami HC Mario Cristobal ‘very disappointed’ with Elija Lofton incomplete pass call
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Notre Dame defeated No. 1 Miami, handing the Hurricanes their first loss of the season and strengthening its College Football Playoff case with a statement-making 31-24 win at home. Miami became the fourth AP No. 1-ranked team to suffer a defeat this season. However, beyond the disappointing result, head coach Mario Cristobal was particularly frustrated with the officiating decision that overturned Elijah Lofton’s apparent touchdown reception.
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During his postgame press conference, Cristobal expressed his disappointment with the officials’ ruling.
“Really, really disappointed that they negated Elijah Lofton’s touchdown with two hands on the ball, two feet in the mouse,” Cristobal said. “So, like we told our team before we left Miami, do not leave it in the hands of the officials, and that’s what you’re going to get out of you.
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“So, aside from that, a very hard-fought game. Congratulations to Notre Dame for winning the game, and very disappointed in the way that was called, winning the game on the line and clear possession of a football inbounds.”
Lofton came close to making a game-tying touchdown reception that would have brought Miami within one point at 31-30 with 3:36 remaining. He appeared to secure a fourth-down pass in the end zone and get both feet down, but Notre Dame’s Luke Talich managed to knock the ball loose. Officials subsequently ruled that Lofton had not completed the catch.
The victory moved Notre Dame to an 8-1 record, while Miami also dropped to 8-1 after suffering its first defeat of the season.
The loss does not eliminate Miami from College Football Playoff contention, but it leaves the Hurricanes with little margin for error during the remainder of the regular season.
Miami will aim to bounce back when it hosts Duke next Saturday, while Notre Dame prepares to welcome Boston College as it looks to build on one of its most significant wins of the season.
Related: Ole Miss’ Pete Golding takes responsibility for not overlooking Oklahoma amid CFP pursuit