Refs gifted Indiana a free TD vs. Miami with embarrassing call Mario Cristobal hated

Miami is already facing a double-digit deficit in the first half against Indiana and the Hoosiers can thank the referees for the assist. 

Hurricanes defensive back OJ Frederique was flagged for a questionable defensive pass interference against Elijah Sarratt that gave Indiana a first down on a 3rd-and-6. The penalty kept the Hoosiers' drive going, and eventually they cashed in with a one-yard touchdown run from Riley Nowakowski to take a 10-0 lead in the second quarter.

Referees gift Indiana a TD after horrible pass interference call

It was a grind-out drive from Indiana, 14 plays for 85 yards that took up nearly seven minutes, but the call on Frederique stands out because, given all the physical play and hand fighting between the wide receivers and corners, it seemed like contact both ways. Maybe it was a make-up call for an earlier hit against Fernando Mendoza?

Either way, the Hurricanes are in a deficit that they don't need, and they've struggled to get anything going on offense yet.

Carson Beck hasn't done a lot in the passing game, with half of his 49 yards coming off a 25-yard completion to CJ Daniels. Malachi Toney had three receptions, but for just six yards. The running game has been mostly non-existent, averaging just 1.7 yards per carry and the Hurricanes are 0-for-6 on third downs. Numbers like these are not going to win many games.

The defense, however, has done its part to keep the game within striking distance. Outside the long touchdown drive, Corey Hetherman's unit has held strong and continues to force Indiana into as many tough situations as possible. The problem has been getting off the field. Indiana is 4-of-7 on third downs, including the questionable penalty call. Indiana also has a six-and-a-half minute advantage in time of possession. 

Miami has been the team that has controlled the line of scrimmage and possession throughout these playoffs, so seeing Indiana flip the script on them is alarming.