The Hurricanes just needed to take a knee to end their win against Georgia Tech. Instead, they ran the ball.
Don Chaney Jr. fumbled, and the Yellow Jackets scored the game-winning touchdown with two seconds remaining.
The college football world was shocked at the coaching decision and wasted no time in criticizing Mario Cristobal for the choice.
MIAMI COULD HAVE KNEELED THE GAME OUT
THEY INEXPLICABLY HANDED THE BALL OFF AND FUMBLED
GEORGIA TECH HIT A 44-YARD TD PASS AS TIME EXPIRED TO RUIN MIAMI’S UNDEFEATED SEASON
THIS IS THE WILDEST ENDING OF THE SEASON 💀💀💀
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) October 8, 2023
USA Today columnist Dan Wolken put the Hurricanes at the top of his weekly “Misery Index” for the way they lost the game.
Victory formation = win
Whatever the hell Cristobal thought he was doing = loss
Coaches often get disproportionate blame (that’s what the money’s for) but in this case it seems pretty clear cut! https://t.co/xZ0kjvL0rr— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) October 8, 2023
DraftKings got in on the action, mocking Miami’s decision not to take a knee.
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) October 8, 2023
The ACC Network broadcasters were confused as to why Cristobal decided to keep running the ball even as the game was in hand.
“That’s one of the biggest coaching mistakes at this level that I have ever seen in my lifetime.”
Miami could've taken a knee and closed out Georgia Tech. Instead … disaster struck 😳 pic.twitter.com/I5vAvtn78p
— ESPN (@espn) October 8, 2023
The loss was similar to one late-game scenario from Cristobal’s tenure at Oregon, as Ducks beat writer James Crepea noted.
What in the world was Miami doing? That was Oregon-Stanford 2018 but worse.
— James Crepea (@JamesCrepea) October 8, 2023
SportsCenter anchor Scott Van Pelt noticed Miami center Matt Lee, who was caught on camera in shock on the sidelines as UM surrendered its lead.
“WTF are we doing?”
That’s kinda what everyone is wondering. I can’t believe any of that happened. https://t.co/QJIfoNIw6m
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) October 8, 2023
The Hurricanes had a 99.9 percent chance to win at the end of the game, but as ACC analyst Wes Durham reminded followers Sunday morning, you never know what you will see on a Saturday.
Good morning! Back in the air to be on the air for @AtlantaFalcons at 1pm. The words of #HeyWoody in my mind after last night’s broadcast of GT-Miami on @accnetwork
“If you hang around long enough in this business, you’ll see everything at least once.”
Dad, you were so right! pic.twitter.com/DIr9r5VHsY
— 𝐖𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐡𝐚𝐦 (@WesDurham) October 8, 2023
