Miami’s Cristobal Makes His Case for CFP Berth Despite Syracuse Loss
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — The Miami Hurricanes are in the spotlight, and not for the reasons they’d hoped. After a stunning 42-38 upset loss to Syracuse, head coach Mario Cristobal is doubling down on his team’s College Football Playoff (CFP) hopes. On Tuesday morning, Cristobal made his case loud and clear, urging the selection committee to “go to the facts” when deciding whether Miami deserves a spot in the 12-team playoff field.
The Hurricanes, currently ranked 14th, wrapped up their regular season with a 10-2 record (6-2 in the ACC). They’re now in a heated debate with several other at-large hopefuls, including three SEC powerhouses: Alabama, South Carolina, and Mississippi, all of whom finished 9-3. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and Cristobal isn’t shying away from the conversation.
“We won 10 games this year and not many teams have,” Cristobal said during his weekly appearance on WQAM, Miami’s flagship radio station. “And in our losses, those losses came down to one possession. That’s a very different résumé than the 9-3 teams’.”
Crunch Time for the Selection Committee
The CFP selection committee is set to release its next-to-last rankings Tuesday night, and the results will likely provide a strong indication of which teams are in the running for the final bracket, which will be revealed on Sunday. For Miami, the timing couldn’t be worse. With no conference championship game to bolster their résumé, the Hurricanes are left to rely on their regular-season performance to make their case.
This weekend’s conference championship games will play a significant role in shaping the playoff picture. Key matchups include:
- ACC: Clemson vs. SMU
- Mountain West: UNLV vs. Boise State
- Big 12: Iowa State vs. Arizona State
- SEC: Georgia vs. Texas
- Big Ten: Penn State vs. Oregon
While these games will determine much of the playoff landscape, teams like Miami, who are on the outside looking in, won’t have the opportunity to improve their standing. Cristobal, however, remains adamant that his team’s body of work speaks for itself.
“The awards should go to the teams that are actually winning the games, not the ones that are politicking themselves out of losses,” Cristobal said, taking a subtle jab at other programs vying for a spot.
Miami’s Case: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Let’s break down Miami’s argument for a CFP berth:
The Good:
- Miami opened the season with a dominant win at Florida.
- The Hurricanes lead the nation in both yards and points per game.
- Quarterback Cam Ward, a Heisman Trophy hopeful, led the nation with 36 touchdown passes.
- They went unbeaten at home.
- Their two losses, to Georgia Tech and Syracuse, were by a combined nine points.
The Bad:
- Miami didn’t face any teams that were ranked at the time of their matchups.
- The defense allowed at least 31 points in five of their final eight games.
Despite their defensive struggles, Miami still managed to finish the regular season as one of only seven teams nationally ranked in the top 25 in both yards per game and yards allowed per game. The other teams in this elite group include Indiana, Ole Miss, Oregon, Penn State, Tennessee, and Texas.
“Go to the facts,” Cristobal reiterated. “Award football teams for winning football games.”
What’s Next for the Hurricanes?
As the selection committee deliberates, Miami’s fate hangs in the balance. The Hurricanes have undeniable strengths, but their flaws are equally glaring. Whether their 10-2 record and offensive firepower will be enough to secure a CFP berth remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Cristobal isn’t going down without a fight.
With the final rankings just days away, the college football world will be watching closely. Will Miami’s “facts” be enough to sway the committee, or will their late-season stumble against Syracuse prove too costly? Stay tuned, because this playoff race is far from over.
Originally Written by: Tim Reynolds
