The Miami Hurricanes, once a contender for the ACC Championship, faced a significant setback after a 42-38 loss to Syracuse. This defeat came on the heels of an impressive start to the season, where the Hurricanes surged to a 9-0 record. With this loss, Miami now risks missing out on a chance for the College Football Playoff (CFP), while SMU prepares to take their place in the championship game against Clemson.
The fate of Miami’s postseason aspirations now lies outside their control. A victory over Syracuse would have bolstered their position in the playoff considerations, especially with the expanding 12-team format. Unfortunately, the Hurricanes currently hold the 18th-best odds (+25000) to clinch the national championship, as noted by FanDuel, and they may find themselves out of the playoff conversation entirely.
One glaring issue for Miami is the absence of any wins against ranked opponents. The team has appeared to struggle this season, winning narrowly against unranked teams. In fact, during a stretch from September 27 to October 19, Miami managed to secure narrow victories over three such opponents, with games that frequently came down to the final moments.
With no additional games until the final College Football Playoff Rankings are unveiled on December 8, the Hurricanes’ recent performance has not instilled confidence in the selection committee. Two of Miami’s last three matchups concluded in losses to unranked teams, making it increasingly likely for them to be surpassed by teams like South Carolina, which boasts wins over ranked opponents despite having three losses. Additionally, Alabama’s strong wins against teams such as Georgia and Missouri could also edge Miami out of contention.
The selection committee must deem seven at-large teams more deserving than Miami, leaving their prospects uncertain and disappointing. This is especially disheartening for the Hurricanes, who feature one of the best quarterback-receiver duos in their history, with Cam Ward and Xavier Restrepo excelling together and establishing remarkable statistics this season.
A pivotal moment in the game against Syracuse came down to a coaching decision by head coach Mario Cristobal. Facing a critical fourth-and-goal from the 10-yard line while trailing 42-35, Cristobal opted to kick a field goal instead of pursuing a touchdown, a choice that ultimately hindered the team’s ability to stay in the game. This left Miami’s fate resting on its defense, a unit that had struggled significantly, having not forced a punt since the second quarter.
While the decision to take the points is rooted in traditional strategy, given Miami’s defense’s performance, it appeared to be a gamble that didn’t pay off. After cutting the lead to four points with the field goal, the defense surrendered crucial yardage on the ensuing Syracuse drive with another costly error, an offside penalty, sealing their fate in the game.
Despite the disappointment, this season has showcased Miami’s potential and talent. Looking forward, the Hurricanes can regroup and come back stronger, leveraging their star players and reflecting on the lessons learned from this season’s challenges. The potential for future success remains, and with strategic improvements, Miami can build on its current roster to make a significant impact in the years to come.