Notre Dame Holds Off Miami After Contested End-Zone Call

With Notre Dame leading 31-24 and 3:36 remaining, Miami faced fourth-and-6 at the 18-yard line. Quarterback Darian Mensah threw to Elijah Lofton in the end zone, where the receiver appeared to secure the ball and land with both feet in bounds before Notre Dame’s Luke Talich knocked it loose as Lofton moved out of bounds.

An official ruled the pass incomplete, and a replay review upheld the decision. The score remained 31-24, which was also the final score.

The call turned on NCAA rules requiring a receiver to maintain control long enough to make an act common to the game, such as advancing the ball or avoiding an opponent. The rule also says a catch is not completed if control is lost while the player is touching the ground, or if it is unclear whether the loss and contact happened simultaneously.

Miami coach Mario Cristobal said he was disappointed, arguing Lofton had two hands on the ball and both feet in bounds. He said the team had to accept the ruling and do better, while also expressing anger over the decision. Miami supporters also criticized the call online.

The play remained a point of dispute, but the review left the on-field ruling in place and Notre Dame secured the win.