College Football Playoff update: Miami Hurricanes likely out after another late-season swoon

The Miami Hurricanes suffered a damaging 26-20 overtime loss to SMU, further impacting both the program's and the ACC's national reputation. Miami, now 6-2 overall and 2-2 in the ACC, has consistently struggled under Coach Mario Cristobal, especially in late-season games, holding a .267 winning percentage in November and December. The Hurricanes exhibited issues such as undisciplined play, questionable coaching decisions, and quarterback Carson Beck's turnovers, contributing to their defeat.

The ACC faces criticism for lacking a team worthy of a top-12 national ranking, despite the potential for one of its teams to secure a spot in the expanded 12-team playoff due to the conference's automatic qualifier. The playoff race remains competitive, with the AAC champion possibly overtaking the ACC champion for a higher playoff seeding. As the season progresses, Miami's postseason hopes are slim, needing multiple losses from other teams to remain in contention. The college football season will conclude with the national championship