The final play of Miami’s win over Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl is drawing scrutiny after the refs opted not to call pass interference on Trinidad Chambliss’ incomplete pass in the end zone which proved to be the final play of the game. Fans and media members alike are taking to social media to express frustration over the no-call in the College Football Playoff semifinal matchup.
Miami advances to the national championship to play the winner of the Peach Bowl matchup between Oregon and Indiana. The Canes now have a chance to win a national title in their home stadium.
There does not appear to be a consensus on whether pass interference should have been called. Some fans agree with the referees opting against throwing a flag to end the game.
During the broadcast, ESPN’s Bill LeMonnier backed the non-call labeling the play “mutual combat” between the Ole Miss receiver De’Zhaun Stribling and Miami cornerback Ethan O’Connor which did not warrant a flag. The replay showed O’Connor grabbing the shoulder of the Stribling as the ball sailed to the ground.
Here’s what you need to know about the reaction to the final play between Ole Miss and Miami.
Should Pass Interference Have Been Called on the Final Play of Miami-Ole Miss Game?
The final play is already generating strong reactions from college football fans. There are plenty of fans who believe Ole Miss should have had another play amid a pass interference call.
If the play was called a penalty, Ole Miss would have advanced 15 yards and had one more attempt to score a touchdown with no time remaining on the clock.
“Ole Miss was just robbed… refs call pass interference the entire 4th quarter but let this slide?” one fan noted on X while posting a video of the replay.
“Should have been pass interference on Miami wow,” said another.
“Obvious pass interference in the end zone,” analyst Skip Bayless noted. “Deserved one more shot.”
“In what world is that not pass interference on Miami Ole Miss was hosed!!” another person added.
“I don’t care if it’s a Hail Mary in the CFP Semifinal, this should be called pass interference every time,” social media personality Jon Root remarked. “Miami got away with a clear penalty vs Ole Miss to win the Fiesta Bowl. ESPN’s ‘officiating expert’ calling this ‘mutual contact’ is laughable.”
Miami QB Carson Beck Deserves Credit for Game-Winning TD vs. Ole Miss
It is worth mentioning that the official drew the ire of Miami head coach Mario Cristobal throughout the game. During the first half, officials reversed a targeting call on Ole Miss.
In the second half, Miami was on the receiving end of a targeting call which was upheld and resulted in an ejection. Much will be made about the non-call, but Miami quarterback Carson Beck deserves a lot of credit for his clutch game-winning touchdown run.
Now, Miami heads back to Hard Rock Stadium in South Florida who just so happens to be hosting the national title game.
Miami-Ole Miss Refs Under Fire Amid Controversial Ending in College Football Playoff