Why Miami's Notre Dame Loss Could Fuel a Title Run

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Outspoken With Dan Sileo

Miami’s South Bend Loss Could Sharpen Its Focus for the Stretch Run

The debate began with the late play in South Bend: catch or no catch? Elijah Loftton appeared to possess the ball, get two feet down and take a step out of bounds before the ball was knocked free. By the traditional understanding of a catch, the play looked good enough, but the ruling on the field ultimately stood.

That decision was not the reason Miami lost. Even if Loftton had held onto the ball, Notre Dame still had about three and a half minutes to respond. Miami also failed to score a touchdown from the one-yard line during a first-half drive. Converting that opportunity would have meant Miami only needed a field goal on its final possession.

At halftime, the game looked as if it might become a 38-10 defeat. Instead, Miami recovered from a poor first half on the road and had an opportunity to tie or win despite playing without the best player in college football.

That comeback provided reasons for optimism. Miami could get Malachi Tony, OJ Frederick, Deja Burry Antoine and offensive lineman Max Buchanan back. When healthy, Miami remains a team capable of competing with the leading national title contenders. The teams mentioned in that group were Notre Dame, Miami, Georgia and Alabama, with Texas also capable of making a run if healthy.

A loss can also galvanize a team and create greater focus. The comparison was made to the 1987 national championship loss to Penn State, which sharpened the team’s focus the following year. Miami now knows it cannot repeat the type of first half it played against Notre Dame.

Tony’s injury also came at the end of Wednesday’s practice, leaving Miami little time to adjust its game plan before traveling to South Bend on Thursday. That timing may have contributed to the slow start because the team did not have a full opportunity to prepare everyone for new roles.

Miami improved once the offense found its rhythm in the second half. Dre Jacobs made catches, and Loftton continued to establish himself as a significant weapon.

The loss could have an effect similar to last year’s SMU game, which helped motivate Miami and set the team on a path forward. All of Miami’s goals remain intact. The Hurricanes are four games away from becoming ACC champions and reaching the College Football Playoff, where they would have an opportunity to finish what they potentially started last year.