A late reception ruled incomplete erased Miami's chance to tie the game against Notre Dame.
Miami coach Mario Cristobal did not hold back after his team's 31-24 loss at Notre Dame on Saturday night, saying he was "beyond upset" with the officiating that decided the outcome.
The flashpoint came late in the game when Elija Lofton appeared to haul in a touchdown catch that would have tied things up. Officials ruled the pass incomplete, and the call stood, ending Miami's chance to force overtime.
Cristobal went after the ACC officiating crew afterward, calling the explanation he received inadequate and using blunt language to describe his frustration with how the play was handled. He made clear he wanted more clarity on why the catch did not count given what he and his staff saw on the field and on replay.
The loss drops Miami in a game that came down to the final possession, with the disputed no-touchdown call standing as the defining moment. Cristobal's public criticism of the officiating is likely to draw attention from the conference in the days ahead, though no further action has been announced.