{
  "id": 18866015,
  "title": "Miami’s game-tying touchdown denied by refs in controversial call during loss to Notre Dame",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/miamis-game-tying-touchdown-denied-by-refs-in-controversial-call",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-08T04:41:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SB Nation",
    "slug": "sb-nation",
    "url": "https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/1135461/miami-notre-dame-no-touchdown-catch-video-lofton-replays"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a highly anticipated rivalry game, Miami faced off against Notre Dame at the College Football Playoff Committee's behest. The Fighting Irish aimed to secure a crucial victory to restore their standing in the committee's favor, while also seeking retribution for a previous season-opening defeat at the hands of Miami that had resulted in a missed playoff berth. Notre Dame took an early 24-7 lead, but Miami's Heisman Trophy contender Darian Mensah orchestrated a comeback in the fourth quarter, positioning the team for a game-tying touchdown.\n\nAs Miami approached the end zone with under four minutes left on the clock, Mensah connected with tight end Elija Lofton in the corner of the end zone. However, a controversial decision by the referees thwarted Miami's efforts to tie the game and ultimately led to their loss. The officials ruled that Lofton did not complete the catch, despite clear evidence to the contrary. Lofton had both feet in bounds and had firm control of the ball, yet the referees deemed that he did not perform an \"act common to the game.\"\n\nThe controversial call left Miami fans and observers questioning the referees' judgment. Many took to social media to express their disbelief and frustration, questioning whether the step Lofton took out of bounds should be considered as part of the \"common act\" required for a catch in college football. The play went unreviewed, and the referees stood by their initial decision, allowing Notre Dame to retain possession and seal the victory. With this win, Notre Dame bolstered its resume ahead of the playoff, while Miami suffered its first loss of the season.",
  "summary": "No. 1 Miami vs. No. 11 Notre Dame might have been the college football game of the year in South Bend on Saturday night. The Fighting Irish entered needing a signature win to get back in the good graces of the College Football Playoff Committee, and also seeking revenge for a season-opening loss to Miami […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Where to watch Notre Dame vs. Miami today: Channel, live stream, time, schedule for Irish vs. Hurricanes",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/where-to-watch-notre-dame-vs-miami-today-channel-live-stream-time",
        "published": "2026-11-07T07:30:01.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}