Overview
- Officials upheld targeting on Miami safety Xavier Lucas for crown-of-helmet contact with receiver Cayden Lee, resulting in an ejection.
- The 15-yard penalty advanced Ole Miss into short range, and Lucas Carneiro made a 21-yard field goal for a 19-17 lead with about seven minutes left.
- It was Miami’s eighth penalty of the game after an earlier targeting call on Ole Miss defensive back Nick Cull was overturned in the first quarter.
- Head coach Mario Cristobal reacted angrily to the decision and was held back before approaching an official.
- Miami’s depth was stretched with Lucas out and O.J. Frederique unavailable, and pass rusher Akheem Mesidor briefly exited with an arm issue before returning as Miami later reclaimed a 24-19 lead on a Malachi Toney touchdown with roughly five minutes remaining.