There’s always that one game during the football season – whether it’s college or in the NFL – that leaves fans wondering, “What is a catch?”
The Miami Hurricanes were on the negative side of the answer. Hurricanes quarterback Darian Mensah fired a pass to Elija Lofton in the end zone on fourth down with about 3:36 left in the game. Lofton came down with the catch but officials ruled he didn’t maintain control all the way through the grab.
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Miami head coach Mario Cristobal yells at a referee during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Notre Dame on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Paul Barnick)
The touchdown would have brought the Hurricanes within an extra point of tying the game after being down 24-3 in the third quarter. Instead, Notre Dame held on for the 31-24 win.
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal said he was “beyond upset” over the incomplete call.
“Really disappointed 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 the officials. So, that’s what you’re going to get out here (in South Bend, Indiana). So, aside from that, a very hard-fought game. Congratulations to Notre Dame for winning the game, but very disappointed in the way that was called with the game on the line and clear possession of a football inbounds.”
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Miami tight end Elija Lofton gets tackled by Notre Dame safeties Luke Talich and Adon Shuler during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Paul Barnick)
Cristobal said he got “zero” explanation of the ruling.
“I could sit here and go all day and hope games get called back and forth but certain plays that determine certain games when you have instant replay and you know I’m p—ed off. So, I mean, what do you want me to say? It’s bulls—,” he said.
Mensah said he thought it was a touchdown as well.
Lofton had the ball in his hands and was in bounds, but Notre Dame defensive back Luke Talich knocked the ball out of his hands at the last second.
NBC referee analyst Terry McAulay said the officials made the correct call.
Notre Dame linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa (27) sacks Miami quarterback Darian Mensah (10) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Paul Barnick)
“You see him bobble it just a little bit before the ball gets knocked out,” McAulay said. “It’s incomplete.”
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Miami came into the game ranked No. 1 in the College Football Playoff rankings. Notre Dame was No. 11.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.