Miami Just Made Its Strongest CFP Case Yet, and It Likely Won’t Matter

The Miami Hurricanes concluded their regular season with a decisive 38–7 victory over Pittsburgh, ending with a 10–2 record. Led by quarterback Carson Beck and standout receiver Malachi Toney, Miami showcased their potential as a top team, though they face uncertainty regarding College Football Playoff (CFP) inclusion. Despite a strong finish to the season, including four consecutive wins by at least 17 points, Miami remains on the fringe of CFP contention due to two narrow losses earlier in the season.

Head coach Mario Cristobal emphasized the team's playoff-worthiness, highlighting their talent and recent performances. However, the Hurricanes' path to the playoffs is uncertain, reliant on other teams' results and committee decisions. The team needs specific outcomes in conference games to secure a spot in the ACC title game, or they must hope for favorable deliberations from the CFP committee. Miami's situation underscores the complexities of playoff selection in the current college football landscape, where even strong performances on the field may not guarantee a