‘I’m pissed off’ — Mario Cristobal went off on the officiating after Miami’s loss to Notre Dame
The Hurricanes had a couple of crucial officiating decisions go their way late in the game
The Miami Hurricanes’ furious second half rally came agonizingly close but short in their 31-24 loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Miami fell behind 24-3 in the third quarter, and it looked like the absence of Malachi Toney was going to be too much for the Hurricanes to overcome on the night.
But then Miami flipped a switch and stormed back to pull the game within a touchdown on two separate occasions at 24-17 and 31-24. They had the ball inside the final five minutes with a chance to tie or take the lead inside the Irish red zone.
Miami on the wrong end of two tough calls in the Notre Dame red zone late in the game
And that’s when officiating controversy arose on the drive’s final two plays.
First, Daylyn Upshaw was trying to reach a pass from Darian Mensah in the end zone, but his arm was clearly pulled down by the Notre Dame defender. No flag.
Then on fourth down at the Notre Dame 18, Mensah threw a pass to TE Elija Lofton, who secured the ball and got two feet down in bounds. His next step was out of bounds, and at that point, the Irish defender dislodged the ball. It was called incomplete on the field, and it was upheld as such after review.
Cristobal on the officiating: ‘It’s bullshit’
And after the game, Cristobal let his feelings about the officiating be known in crystal clear fashion. He started off aiming his ire at the Lofton non-catch.
“Really disappointed that 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 because that’s what you’re going to get out here. So, aside from that, very hard fought game. Congratulations to Notre Dame for winning the game. And very disappointed in the way that was called with the game on the line and clear possession of a football inbounds.”
Cristobal was asked a follow up about no flag coming in on Upshaw’s attempted catch, and he let his feelings be known.
“You know, I could sit here and go all day. Games get called back and forth. Certain plays that determine certain games when you have instant replay. You know I’m pissed off. What do you want me to say? It’s bullshit. I’ll leave it at that. It’s the way it was seen by them, so I’ve got to live with it and respect it and our players have got to live with it and we’ve got to do better. And you know what? Again, don’t leave it in the hands of the officials. Play better, coach better. Find a way to win. But again, I don’t need to be criticizing officials. I just need to move on.”
I think the first call is even more egregious than the second, if we’re being honest. The Irish defender clearly arm bars Upshaw and prevents him from being able to go up and make a legit attempt to catch the football. It’s textbook defensive pass interference, and on the broadcast, Cristobal was shown making that exact argument to the officials.
The second call, who even knows what a catch is anymore? You basically have to catch the ball, go to the ground, read a book, and do your taxes before the catch process is considered over. So a step out of bounds after already having firm control and a foot down does not a catch make in college football.
It’s unfortunate for Miami there, but as Cristobal said, they had their chances, and they didn’t do well enough. Miami’s defense was better but still had issues. And the Hurricanes’ offense put up just three points in the first half.
That’s why Miami lost. But it doesn’t make it any easier of a pill to swallow on Sunday for the Hurricanes and their fans thanks to, in particular, one call that wasn’t made.
