Cristobal Blasts Officials After Loss

Miami coach Mario Cristobal voiced sharp criticism of the ACC officiating crew following the Hurricanes' loss to Notre Dame on Saturday night.

The No. 1 ranked Hurricanes fell 31-24, marking their first defeat of the season. The final score was determined after officials upheld a call on an incomplete pass that denied Miami a touchdown and a chance to tie the game.

With 3 minutes and 43 seconds left on the clock, tight end Elija Lofton appeared to secure a catch with both feet in the corner of the end zone. As he finished the reception, Lofton stepped out of bounds. Notre Dame safety Luke Talich knocked the ball loose. The pass was ruled incomplete, and a replay review kept the decision standing.

Cristobal argued that Lofton maintained possession with two hands and both feet in bounds. He expressed anger at the ruling but reminded his team that they needed to avoid relying on officials for the result. The coach stated that the players must accept the call and improve their own performance.

Miami trailed 24-3 early in the third quarter while playing without star receiver Malachi Toney. Quarterback Darian Mensah, who had only 49 passing yards before halftime, led a rally with three combined touchdowns to Cooper Barkate and Lofton. The effort brought Miami within 31-24 with 9:53 remaining.

A missed 53-yard field goal by Notre Dame gave Miami favorable field position. Lofton's 41-yard reception moved the team into scoring position. The drive set up the disputed pass on fourth-and-6 from the Notre Dame 18. Mensah went to the sideline to celebrate because he did not see Talich dislodge the ball. The quarterback said Miami cannot blame a single play or the officials and that he needs to perform better.

Talich admitted he briefly looked away from his assignment before the receiver went downfield. He said he turned back to the play and followed his training to attack the receiver's hands. Earlier in the game, Talich's interception led to a Notre Dame touchdown.

Cristobal confirmed that Toney underwent ankle surgery and is expected to return in about four weeks. The coach said the operation went great. Toney was injured during Wednesday's practice after becoming tangled and landing awkwardly during a shell session. He stayed behind in South Florida but spoke to teammates before they left, urging them to win. Mensah said the message motivated him to take a leadership role. He apologized for not delivering the victory. Cristobal later apologized for letting frustration overshadow his opening remarks. He said, "I'm beyond upset, but that's not the way to go here."