The Miami Hurricanes are enjoying one of their most promising seasons in recent memory, but as the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings loom, there’s a growing fear among fans and analysts that the Hurricanes will be unjustly left out of the playoff race. Despite their solid performance and potential, the selection committee’s historical tendencies and biases may result in Miami being “robbed” of a chance at the national title.
### Miami’s Resurgence: A Season to Remember
Under head coach Mario Cristobal, the Hurricanes have made major strides this season. With a revamped roster, the ‘Canes have turned heads with dominant performances against top-tier competition in the ACC and beyond. Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke is back at the top of his game, showcasing his skills alongside a stifling defense that has given opponents nightmares all season. The offense has been explosive, while the defense has been stingy—exactly the formula necessary to succeed in the high-stakes world of college football.
Notable wins, such as their victories over key ACC rivals, have positioned Miami as a potential playoff contender. With a balanced attack and impressive wins under their belt, the Hurricanes look like a legitimate threat to any team in the country.
However, despite their success, there are growing concerns that Miami’s playoff hopes might be dashed due to the committee’s bias and flawed ranking system.
### The Issue: Bias Against the ACC?
One of the primary issues facing Miami in the CFP race is the perception of the ACC as a “weaker” conference compared to the powerhouses of the SEC and Big Ten. While teams like Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State consistently dominate national attention, the ACC often gets overlooked despite the presence of strong teams like Miami, Florida State, and Clemson.
Historically, teams from the SEC and Big Ten have enjoyed the benefit of the doubt in the eyes of the selection committee, while the ACC is frequently judged with a more critical eye. This could very well work against Miami. The Hurricanes, with their one or two losses, could find themselves in a difficult spot compared to a one-loss team from the SEC or Big Ten, despite having a stronger overall resume.
Even if Miami runs the table and finishes the season with a strong conference record, they may still find themselves on the outside looking in due to the committee’s bias against the ACC.
### The Selection Committee’s Blind Spot: Strength of Schedule vs. Conference Affiliation
The CFP selection committee has long been criticized for how it balances factors like strength of schedule with conference affiliation. While teams from the SEC or Big Ten are often credited with playing in tougher conferences, the ACC’s competitiveness is frequently downplayed. If Miami finishes with one loss, but that loss comes to a tough conference opponent, their strength of schedule may still be called into question simply because they play in a conference that doesn’t get the same media attention or recognition.
This is where the CFP system fails to fully assess the context of each team’s season. Miami could very well finish with a resume stronger than some of the other top contenders, but the perception that the ACC is a “lesser” conference could undermine the Hurricanes’ chances.
If a team from the SEC or Big Ten has a similar record but plays in a conference viewed as more challenging, the committee might prioritize that team despite Miami’s superior accomplishments. This is especially frustrating for Hurricanes fans, who know that their team has earned a spot, but could be unfairly punished by the subjective nature of the committee’s decision-making process.
### The Pac-12 and Big 12 Factor: New Contenders and Potential Roadblocks
Another issue complicating Miami’s playoff aspirations is the rise of teams from other conferences, notably the Pac-12 and Big 12. Both conferences have produced several strong contenders this season, such as Oregon, Washington, and Texas. While it’s great to see other teams making waves, this creates a crowded field for playoff spots.
With an undefeated or one-loss Oregon or Washington likely claiming a playoff spot, combined with the strong presence of Big 12 teams like Texas, Miami could be squeezed out, even if their resume holds up well against these teams. The perception of the Pac-12 and Big 12 as “more competitive” than the ACC only adds fuel to the fire.
This, of course, highlights a fundamental flaw in the CFP system: teams like Miami, which may be just as deserving, could be left on the outside simply because of conference alignment and media perception rather than on-the-field merit.
### A Season’s Worth of Hard Work at Risk
For Miami, this season represents a long-awaited resurgence. The Hurricanes have finally found their footing after years of mediocrity, and this could be their chance to make a real run for the national title. But the selection committee’s historical biases and subjective rankings may keep them out of the playoff picture, even if they finish with a strong record.
If the committee looks past Miami due to their conference affiliation, or due to the “eye test” favoring a more traditional powerhouse, it would be a clear injustice to a team that has earned its place. Miami’s defense, its talent, and its performances against top-ranked opponents should be enough to earn a spot in the playoff, but history shows that subjective factors often weigh more heavily than they should.
### What’s at Stake?
The real issue is not just about Miami’s potential playoff berth; it’s about the credibility of the CFP system itself. The committee needs to reward the best teams, not the ones from the “right” conferences or the teams that fit an arbitrary narrative. If Miami, with its strong season, is robbed of a playoff spot, it will only reinforce the notion that the system is rigged to favor certain conferences and programs, regardless of actual on-field performance.
### Conclusion
The 2024 season has been a breakout year for the Miami Hurricanes. With the talent to compete with anyone in the country, the ‘Canes have proven they belong in the playoff conversation. However, the possibility of the CFP selection committee overlooking them due to biases related to their conference affiliation or perceived strength of schedule is a real concern. If the Hurricanes are left out of the playoff, it will serve as a reminder of how flawed the current system is, and how much work remains to be done to ensure that college football’s best teams are judged fairly and on their own merits. For Miami fans, the fear of being robbed of a well-deserved playoff spot is all too real.