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

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) – For 38 years, Miami has insisted the same thing: Cleveland Gary didn't fumble in a still-debated loss at Notre Dame.

What happened

Add another did-he-or-didn't-he to the lore of the rivalry between the Hurricanes and the Fighting Irish. Miami argued that Elija Lofton caught what would have been a touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter of what became a 31-24 loss to Notre Dame on Saturday night – only to have the referees say Lofton didn't complete the play.

"They negated Elija Lofton's touchdown with two hands on the ball and two feet inbounds, " Miami coach Mario Cristobal remarked. "Like we informed our team before we left Miami, do not leave it in the hands of the office-holders. Congratulations to Notre Dame for winning the game, but particularly disappointed in the way that was called with the game on the line and clear possession of a football inbounds."

The bottom line

Taken together, the developments around elija Loftons near-catch for Miami becomes latest entry in Canes point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.