The blockbuster Miami-Notre Dame game did not disappoint Saturday, with the Fighting Irish building a comfortable lead before a furious Hurricanes comeback turned into a dramatic finish.
With the hosts leading 31-24, Darian Mensah drove the No. 1 Canes down the field before the drive stalled at the Notre Dame 18-yard line. That set up a crucial 4th-and-6 and Mensah opted to go for it all in the end zone.
It briefly appeared he found Elija Lofton for the touchdown to bring Miami within an extra point of the tie, but the tight end couldn't secure the catch as the Notre Dame defenders swatted at the ball.
GAME. CHANGER. #GoIrish☘️ | @LukeTalich 📺: NBC https://t.co/lsAZfE9xMU
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) November 8, 2026
The slo-motion replay shows just how close Lofton was to making the acrobatic catch. He caught the ball and got both feet in-bounds, but did not perform a common act to the game while maintaining control.
This was an incredible job to evade pressure followed by a great throw from Mensah. Lofton just couldn't hold on. https://t.co/knuiqGmp4t
— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) November 8, 2026
While NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay agreed with the no-catch ruling on the field, Miami coach Mario Cristobal was not a fan, voicing his displeasure after the contest.
"Really disappointed that they negated Elija Lofton's touchdown with two hands on the ball and two feet in-bounds," Cristobal told Austin Hough of SBT Sports. "I'm very disappointed with the way that was called with the game on the line and clear possession of the football in-bounds."
