Miami Hurricanes Seek Explanation from ACC on Disputed Officiating Decisions in Loss to SMU.
The University of Miami's football team has lodged a formal complaint with the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) regarding several officiating decisions made during their recent loss to Southern Methodist University (SMU). The disputed calls contributed significantly to the Hurricanes' downfall, as they were ultimately edged 26-20.
In the final moments of regulation, a pivotal 15-yard penalty on Miami's Marquise Lightfoot was not enough to change the course of events. Lightfoot was flagged for unnecessary roughness against SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings with just over a minute left in the fourth quarter, awarding the Mustangs first down at the Miami 37-yard line.
The Hurricanes had called time out before the play, but their protests fell on deaf ears as officials deemed Lightfoot's actions to be excessive. Replays showed that while Lightfoot did make contact with Jennings, his intention was to hold him up after realizing the play was dead. This critical penalty ultimately led to SMU securing a field goal in overtime.
Miami was also incensed about how a pass interference flag that could have benefited them was overturned, and how officials failed to recognize a Miami receiver getting tackled in the end zone during a pivotal interception play. The Hurricanes' coaching staff argued that these calls not only affected the outcome of the game but also undermined their team's efforts.
Despite the loss, the Hurricanes are still reeling from two consecutive setbacks, which have dropped them from No. 2 in the AP Top 25 to No. 18. Coach Mario Cristobal has expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the ACC regarding these officiating decisions, stating that his team will continue to seek clarity on the matter.
With 12 penalties called against them for 96 yards, compared to just four by SMU for 40 yards, Miami's eight-penalty differential remains one of their most significant in the season. Cristobal and his staff are now left to navigate these disputed calls, hoping that a more favorable outcome will be realized in the Hurricanes' next matchup.
The University of Miami's football team has lodged a formal complaint with the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) regarding several officiating decisions made during their recent loss to Southern Methodist University (SMU). The disputed calls contributed significantly to the Hurricanes' downfall, as they were ultimately edged 26-20.
In the final moments of regulation, a pivotal 15-yard penalty on Miami's Marquise Lightfoot was not enough to change the course of events. Lightfoot was flagged for unnecessary roughness against SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings with just over a minute left in the fourth quarter, awarding the Mustangs first down at the Miami 37-yard line.
The Hurricanes had called time out before the play, but their protests fell on deaf ears as officials deemed Lightfoot's actions to be excessive. Replays showed that while Lightfoot did make contact with Jennings, his intention was to hold him up after realizing the play was dead. This critical penalty ultimately led to SMU securing a field goal in overtime.
Miami was also incensed about how a pass interference flag that could have benefited them was overturned, and how officials failed to recognize a Miami receiver getting tackled in the end zone during a pivotal interception play. The Hurricanes' coaching staff argued that these calls not only affected the outcome of the game but also undermined their team's efforts.
Despite the loss, the Hurricanes are still reeling from two consecutive setbacks, which have dropped them from No. 2 in the AP Top 25 to No. 18. Coach Mario Cristobal has expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the ACC regarding these officiating decisions, stating that his team will continue to seek clarity on the matter.
With 12 penalties called against them for 96 yards, compared to just four by SMU for 40 yards, Miami's eight-penalty differential remains one of their most significant in the season. Cristobal and his staff are now left to navigate these disputed calls, hoping that a more favorable outcome will be realized in the Hurricanes' next matchup.
I don't get why they're making such a big deal about this. Like, it's football, right? The game is supposed to be subjective, with mistakes happening all the time. 15-yard penalty or not, it's just one play. Can't live in the past and dwell on what could've been. And btw, SMU got some pretty suspicious calls too 
. If you think those calls were that bad, then maybe they should've protested more effectively during the game 
, but this is just gonna be a big waste of time if they don't actually change anything. Maybe Miami should focus on their next game instead of trying to turn back the clock 
?
i mean, 96 yards vs 40 yards? that's just not right 
and what's with all these penalties on miami? it's like they're trying to stop them from winning lol 
the refs need to get their stuff together 
if they can't even make a decent call on a hold, how are they gonna make it in the playoffs? 
, first they get robbed by pass interference, then they get flagged for unnecessary roughness, meanwhile SMU gets away with 4 penalties and still manages to win 
Miami's loss dropped them from no 2 to 18 in the AP Top 25, that's like falling from a plane and landing on a beach 
what's going on? 
ACC teams are averaging 4.5 penalties per game vs Miami's 6.3 
It's just frustrating to see teams get screwed over like this and not get any answers from the refs or the league. I mean, Miami's already struggling with two straight losses, now they gotta deal with all this drama? 
. The ACC needs to step up and provide some clarity on these calls, or else it's just gonna keep being a game of luck instead of skill 
.
. One bad call can turn everything around and make you lose focus on the whole game. The 15-yard penalty on Marquise Lightfoot was super harsh, even if it did look a bit rough 
, and it's like they were getting killed by those officials 
. It's frustrating for the team and especially for Coach Cristobal, he must be going mental 
. Coach Cristobal's right to be frustrated - the ACC needs to get their act together and provide some clarity on these disputed calls 
. It's like, I get it, mistakes happen but consistency is key 
. The Hurricanes are struggling enough without this kind of nonsense