Miami Hurricanes Secure/Miss Spot in College Football Playoff
The Miami Hurricanes have officially secured a spot in the College Football Playoff for the first time in their history. This achievement comes as they have been ranked No. 10 by the selection committee in their latest standings. The Hurricanes will face No. 7 Texas A&M in the opening round of the playoff.
Upcoming Playoff Matchup
The playoff game will be held at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, with kickoff set for noon on December 20. Miami’s entry into the playoff marks a significant milestone for the program, which last claimed a national title in 2001.
Statement from Athletic Director
Miami’s athletic director, Dan Radakovich, expressed excitement about the team’s historic playoff appearance. He congratulated head coach Mario Cristobal, his staff, and the athletes for their remarkable regular season. Radakovich emphasized the impact of Miami fans in College Station during the game.
Regular Season Performance
- The Hurricanes finished the season with a record of 10-2.
- They achieved a 6-2 record in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
- The team had a strong finish, winning their last four regular-season games.
- Miami defeated ranked teams including Pittsburgh and Syracuse.
Head-to-Head Advantage
A pivotal moment for Miami was their victory over Notre Dame on August 31, where they triumphed 27-24. This head-to-head win was crucial in securing their playoff position, as it played a significant role in the committee’s decision-making process.
According to CFP selection committee chair, Hunter Yurachek, the comparison between Miami and Notre Dame highlighted their similar strength of schedule and performances. Ultimately, Miami’s head-to-head victory tipped the scales in their favor.
The Road to the Playoffs
Miami’s journey was not without challenges. They began the season impressively with a 5-0 record but faced setbacks with losses to Louisville and SMU. However, they rebounded strongly, displaying an explosive offense and a solid defense, which are among the nation’s best.
Final Rankings and Decisions
In the final week before the selection, Miami was ranked No. 12, needing to surpass Alabama, Notre Dame, and BYU for an at-large spot. Their hopes were bolstered as both Alabama and BYU suffered significant losses in their conference championship games.
This allowed Miami to leapfrog into the playoff, while Notre Dame and BYU were omitted from the final list. The selection committee recognized Miami’s late-season surge and impressive performances as key factors in their decision.
The Miami Hurricanes are now poised to make history as they embark on their playoff journey with a chance to capture their first national championship in over two decades.
