Elija Lofton’s near-catch for Miami becomes latest entry in Canes-Irish rivalry lore

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Miami’s Elija Lofton’s controversial near-catch against Notre Dame has become the latest entry in the contentious Canes-Irish rivalry. Miami insisted for 38 years that Cleveland Gary did not fumble in their still-debated loss to Notre Dame, but this time, Lofton’s questionable catch added a new twist to the rivalry lore.

Miami argued that Lofton caught a potential touchdown late in the fourth quarter, potentially tying the 31-24 game, but referees ruled Lofton had not completed the catch. If the play had been credited to Lofton, the score would have been 31-30 with an extra point attempt pending. This latest controversy mirrors the 1988 game, where Miami again lost by a score of 31-30 due to a fumble ruling on Gary.

Former Miami star Randal Hill expressed frustration over the Gary play, saying Miami was "robbed." Despite the setback, Miami remains in title contention, but the Lofton play will undoubtedly be debated by fans for a long time.