Mario Cristobal, the coach of Miami, accepted full responsibility for the Hurricanes’ Saturday loss against Georgia Tech, stating that they ought to have taken a knee to seal the victory.

With 33 seconds left, Miami decided to run the ball and lead 20–17 instead. Following a turnover by Don Chaney Jr., Georgia Tech recovered and marched 74 yards in 25 seconds. A 44-yard touchdown throw from Haynes King to Christian Leary sealed the 23-20 victory for the Yellow Jackets.

Cristobal stated, “I made the wrong call,” during his weekly press conference. “I fully accept responsibility for not taking a knee, allowing them to have a few more plays, and keeping us from winning.

In all five of its games this season, Miami has passed the ball rather than lining up in victory formation. However, Miami had never played in a one-score game before. The game may have been won by a kneel-down because Georgia Tech was out of timeouts.

When asked why Miami has not started this season in victory configuration, Cristobal replied that it is a drill for the team. “We didn’t do it Saturday, and we should have.”

Cristobal claimed that he discussed the choice with the team in an honest and open manner.

Since the game, Cristobal, a second-year Miami student, has come under intense scrutiny. The squad lost and ended their perfect season as a result of the choice. In order to remain in the ACC competition, the Hurricanes now need to find a way to regroup at No. 12 North Carolina (5-0) on Saturday night. In league play, Miami cannot afford to fall to 0-2 with three ACC teams still unbeaten.

Cristobal expressed his pride in the way his team performed at Monday’s practice.

“Today we got a good response, which is what we expected,” Cristobal stated. “We’re very confident in our planning andprocedures. The lads are excited to get back to training and get ready for the chance this coming weekend.”