Were the Miami Hurricanes Stripped From Game-Tying Touchdown in Loss Against Notre Dame?

The Miami Hurricanes' 31-24 loss to Notre Dame on Saturday night didn't finish cleanly, amid controversy over a potential game-tying touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

After junior kicker Spencer Porath missed a 53-yard field goal attempt, an opportunity presented itself for quarterback Darian Mensah to make up for early shortcomings. The 21-year-old's first pass of the drive was to tight end Elija Lofton for 41 yards. From the Fighting Irish's 18, on fourth-and-six, he was found again in the end zone for what would have been the game-tying touchdown.

However, the officials ruled the catch to be incomplete.

A full breakdown on the play:

Lofton jumps and grabs the football, which signals complete control. He comes down on two feet, then steps out of bounds before Notre Dame safety Luke Talich knocks the ball out. However, the part of the play that goes against Lofton's favor is him losing control of the football as it was moving while bringing both arms down. If he'd maintained it initially when making the catch, there's a serious chance it counts and the game could be heading to overtime.

The officials reviewed the play, which stood, and it's backed up by the NCAA rule 2-4-3:

In an initial statement to start postgame interviews, Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal was visibly upset and "disappointed" with the ruling.

"[The officials] negated Elija Lofton's touchdown with two hands on the ball and two feet in bounds," he said. "Like I told our team before we left Miami, do not leave it at the hands of the officials or that's what you're going to get out here."

Cristobal alluded to receiving "zero" explanations from the officials and labeling it as "bulls***".

It was an Atlantic Coast Conference officiating crew on Saturday night and Riley Johnson was the referee, who is the head of the hierarchy.

Mensah initially believed the play was a touchdown.

"Can't leave it up to one play," he said. "I got to play better."

Mensah completed 24 of 43 passes (56 percent) while throwing for 276 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. The turnover came in the second half as the offense began to gather rhythm and momentum.

Although one play was highlighted, the Hurricanes put themselves in a tough position in the first place. In the first half, the offense left the field scoreless in four of five drives. The Hurricanes managed to score with a field goal, but it was actually a failed opportunity for a touchdown. The offense was at the goal line and needed one more yard to reach the end zone.

However, three failed rush attempts with no gain, including a quarterback sneak, led the Hurricanes to leave points unobtained.

It was the slowest start for the Football Bowl Subdivision's highest-scoring offense all season.

The Hurricanes are very likely to drop in the next College Football Playoff rankings, which will release this upcoming Tuesday, Nov. 10. The pressure to win the ACC have risen with this loss, as it is the only pathway to clinching a spot in the 12-team bracket. The Hurricanes have a favorable remaining schedule – all at Hard Rock Stadium:

- Nov. 14: Duke (12:00 p.m. E.T. kickoff; televised on ABC)

- Nov. 21: Virginia Tech

- Nov. 28: Boston College

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