With a dominant 31-7 victory over the Pittsburgh Panthers, the Miami Hurricanes secured their first back-to-back 10-win campaigns since 2002-03. But ‘Canes fans have their eyes set on a different goal: the ACC Championship Game.
What Are the Chances of Miami Making the ACC Championship Game?
According to the PFSN College Football Playoff Meter (FPM), Miami entered Week 14 with a projected 0% chance of making the ACC title match. Yet, with the win, that’s increased to a massive 28%. Had Miami lost, its odds would’ve naturally remained at 0%.
Clearly, the FPM didn’t expect the Hurricanes (9-2, 5-2 ACC) to go on the road and thrash the Panthers (8-3, 6-1 ACC). But that’s exactly what they did, keeping their conference title hopes alive.
Miami’s losses to the Louisville Cardinals and SMU Mustangs earlier in the year severely hurt their place against the conference leaders due to tiebreakers. The win over Pitt was a must, but they still need plenty to go their way for an ACC Championship berth:
- Virginia to lose to Virginia Tech
- Duke to lose to Wake Forest
- SMU to lose to Cal
- NC State to beat North Carolina (for winning percentage tiebreaker)
While that’s quite a bit that needs to go right for Miami, the ACC is one of the most chaotic conferences in the nation. So, yeah, there’s a chance.
Speaking of chances … the FPM gives Mario Cristobal’s squad a 15.2% chance of making the College Football Playoff after the victory. The Committee ranked them 12th in their last release, but that spot is essentially a placeholder for the ACC champion, as it’s increasingly unlikely the conference will send two teams to the playoff.
KEEP READING: College Football Predictions Week 14
Analytically, Miami has played like a CFP team, owning the 20th-ranked offense and fifth-ranked defense, per PFSN’s College Impact ratings.
Regardless, Miami’s path to the ACC Championship and the CFP is out of its hands now. But here’s the reality: even if the stars don’t align and they miss out on Charlotte, this Hurricanes team has proven they can hang with anyone when they’re firing on all cylinders. That fifth-ranked defense is legit, the offense has shined in spot with Carson Beck at the helm, and Cristobal finally has some momentum in Year 3.
Whether they sneak into the ACC title game or settle for a solid bowl matchup, Miami’s season has been a statement: last year wasn’t a one-year wonder, and they’re here to stay.
