Refs in Miami-Louisville Facing Backlash for Game-Altering Decision

A pivotal ACC matchup took place in Week 8 between the Miami Hurricanes and Louisville Cardinals, however it did not come without some controversy. A missed call by the officiating crew benefited the Hurricanes at a crucial moment during the game.

Miami and Louisville were tied at 31 late in the third quarter when quarterback Cam Ward dropped back to pass. Ward evaded the Louisville pass rush and found wide receiver Xavier Restrepo for a 63-yard pass. On the next play, Ward threw a two-yard touchdown pass to make it 38-31.

However, after, a video resurfaced of a Miami offensive lineman appearing to commit a holding penalty on a Louisville pass rusher before Ward threw the 63-yarder to Restrepo. The offensive lineman put the Louisville player in a headlock and prevented him from getting to Ward.

Louisville scored on its next drive, making it tied at 38, but Miami answered with another touchdown to make it 45-38. The Cardinals were then stopped and forced to punt, and Miami capitalized with a 30-yard touchdown from running back Damien Martinez to make it 52-38.

The Cardinals scored a touchdown with 54 seconds left, but it did not matter, as Miami recovered the onside kick and won the game, 52-45. The holding no-call allowed the Hurricanes to score what would ultimately be a decisive touchdown.

Others could not believe the ACC would let decisions stand without punishment.

"No way the ACC lets this stand," one fan said . "They’ve been bailing Miami out all year. They’ll overturn this. Refs and review crew will be fired on the spot if not."

Another joked the ACC officiating crew should be in the Heisman race for saving Miami's season multiple times in 2024.

"ACC refs should be in the running for the Heisman this year. Easily been Miami’s MVP," another said.

Miami moved to 7-0 after the win, while Louisville fell to 4-3.

Related: Greg McElroy Calls One Unlikely Team a National Championship Contender After Week 1