The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is seeing some unexpected contenders rise in the race for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Among these is the unbeaten Miami Hurricanes, currently ranked fourth as they boast a record of 9-0 overall and 5-0 in conference play. Contrary to preseason expectations, which projected them to finish third behind Florida State and Clemson, Miami has now positioned themselves as a potential champion. Should they secure the title, they might also secure a first-round bye, although teams like SMU and Clemson are also vying for that honor.
Miami coach Mario Cristobal expressed the team’s growing ambition as they navigate November, acknowledging the privilege of playing crucial games at this point in the season. The Hurricanes are currently one of only five unbeaten teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision, which heightens their playoff ambitions.
SMU, a newcomer to the ACC and boasting an 8-1 record with 5-0 in the conference, is just outside the playoff picture at 13th place. This marks the highest ranking for the Mustangs during their playoff bid. After clinching the American Athletic championship last fall, they are relishing their first season back as a Power 4 school.
Coach Rhett Lashlee of SMU highlighted that the team’s ranking signifies their capability to compete at this level. Following a recent victory over Pittsburgh, the Mustangs are gearing up for their next match against Boston College after a bye week.
The initial rankings also spotlight three other ACC teams: No. 23 Pittsburgh, which has a record of 7-1 overall and 3-1 in the conference; No. 25 Louisville, returning to the rankings this week after a win over Clemson; and the 19th-ranked Tigers, who are right in the championship hunt but trail slightly behind the top spots.
Interestingly, Florida State finds themselves at the bottom of the standings with just one win, lacking the competitive edge shown by their conference peers. According to ACC Network analyst Eric Mac Lain, the presence of five teams ranked within the top spots reflects the conference’s depth and the respect it has garnered in the college football landscape.
Media speculation also gravitates towards Miami’s quarterback, who has become a top contender for the Heisman Trophy after a stellar performance at Washington State. His presence and leadership have propelled Miami forward, proving the potential they exhibited during the offseason.
Currently leading the nation, Miami’s offense is averaging 556.9 yards and 47.4 points per game. The quarterback has completed 67% of his passes, amassing 29 touchdowns and ranking second in yards thrown. With a record for consecutive 300-yard games, he is as crucial to Miami’s success as their defense, which ranks 19th nationally and has been instrumental in their undefeated status so far.
Cristobal acknowledged a significant injury sidelining key cornerback Jadais Richard but remains optimistic about the team’s work ethic and commitment to focusing on each game as it comes.
On the side of SMU, sophomore quarterback Kevin Jennings has made an impressive impact since assuming the starting position, contributing significantly to their scoring and overall offensive statistics. With the Mustangs winning six consecutive games, their defensive unit has also led the conference in fewest rushing yards allowed per game, delivering an overall strong performance this season.
As both teams eye a potential title showdown in Charlotte next month, the stakes are high. With Clemson also in the hunt, the competitive atmosphere is intense, keeping both teams focused and motivated.
Lashlee remarked on the progress they have made amid their inaugural year in the ACC, marking a significant achievement as they prepare to compete for a conference championship. Both he and his players recognize the effort and dedication that have brought them this far in the season.