Notre Dame Edges Miami 31-24 in South Bend Thriller

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Notre Dame Holds Off Miami in South Bend as Disputed Call Draws Criticism

Notre Dame defeated Miami 31-24 in South Bend, saving its season in one of the year’s biggest games. The matchup did not fully live up to its billing until the second half, when Miami rallied after struggling through the opening two quarters.

The Associated Press top five featured Georgia at No. 1, Utah at No. 2, Notre Dame at No. 3, UCLA at No. 4 and Miami at No. 5. Indiana, Alabama and Texas were also described as knocking on the door of the top five, with the College Football Playoff committee’s rankings still to come.

The major point of controversy was the decision to negate Elijah Lofton’s touchdown in the back of the end zone. The initial reaction was that it was a touchdown because Lofton had two hands on the ball and two feet inbounds before the ball was knocked out as he went out of bounds.

Mario Cristobal expressed frustration with the call after the game but also acknowledged that Miami needed to avoid leaving the outcome in the officials’ hands.

“I’m really disappointed that they negated Elijah Lofton’s touchdown with two hands on the ball and two feet inbounds,” Cristobal said. “But like we told our team before we left Miami, do not leave it in the hands of the officials, or that’s what you’re going to get out here.”

Cristobal said the officials offered no explanation. He was also asked about a play involving Jaylen Upshaw in the end zone that did not draw a penalty.

“When you have instant replay, you know I’m upset,” Cristobal said. “It’s bullshit. I’ll leave it at that. That’s the way it was seen by them, so I have to live with it and respect it. Our players have to live with it, and we have to do better. Play better, coach better and find a way to win.”

The moment carried additional weight for Cristobal because he was in the building as a player in 1988 for the Cleveland Gary play, when Gary’s knee was ruled down rather than the play being called a fumble. Having experienced controversial moments in South Bend as both a player and a coach, Cristobal was understandably sensitive to the latest decision.

Still, the larger takeaway was that Miami could not rely on receiving a favorable call in a close road game at South Bend. The Hurricanes needed to play better, particularly after a poor first half.

Miami appeared to struggle without Malachi Tony. His presence could have made the Hurricanes a different team and changed the game. Miami did not play its best overall, and Darian Mensa also did not deliver his best performance.

Notre Dame built its lead and held on as Miami rallied in the second half. CJ Carr produced one of the signature performances of his career after struggling in the previous year’s opener against Miami in South Florida. Notre Dame’s defense also played well, running to the football despite missing several players.

Both teams entered the game under significant pressure. Miami still has an opportunity to win the ACC championship, potentially face Wake Forest again and earn an opening-round bye in the College Football Playoff.

Notre Dame, meanwhile, had to win after losing to BYU earlier in the year. Without a victory over Miami, its schedule would not have offered another apparent opportunity for a signature win. The result kept Notre Dame’s season alive, and a playoff rematch between the teams remains possible.