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Late Timeout, OT Interception Doom No. 10 Miami at SMU, Turning Up Pressure on Cristobal

Penalties, turnovers plus a disputed personal-foul call have dragged a 5-0 start into a precarious stretch with playoff hopes fading.

Overview

  • Miami lost 26-20 in overtime at SMU after a timeout with 1:08 left preceded a Marquise Lightfoot unnecessary-roughness penalty that helped the Mustangs tie the game.
  • Quarterback Carson Beck threw two interceptions, including the overtime pick that ended the game, as the Hurricanes committed 12 penalties for 96 yards.
  • Mario Cristobal said the timeout was to identify SMU’s look and questioned the personal-foul call, while also acknowledging Miami’s errors reflect coaching and execution lapses.
  • At 6-2 overall and 2-2 in the ACC, Miami’s postseason path narrowed, with ESPN’s Allstate Playoff Predictor placing CFP odds near eight percent and four regular-season games remaining.
  • Cristobal faces heightened scrutiny over late-season skids and a reported buyout of about $61 million, with November results under him now 4-9 since 2022 and no administrative action reported.