That would seem to be the only reasonable conclusion. Otherwise the loss of the ball could be considered to be a fumble.
you both are wrong.
The ground cannot cause a fumble.
The player had demonstrable (via replay) possession of the ball.
Once he hits the ground he is down in college.
In the NFL that's an incomplete pass.
That should have been replayed.
You don't understand the rule. If you catch in the air, but land on the ground and drop it, it's incomplete. THAT'S THE RULE. I'd study the rulebook, if I were you.