Miami Hurricanes Miss Out on ACC Championship, College Football Playoff Chances in Jeopardy
The Miami Hurricanes had control of their destiny entering Saturday, but a stunning upset at the hands of Syracuse has left their College Football Playoff hopes hanging in the balance. The Hurricanes’ 42-38 loss gave Clemson an automatic bid to the ACC championship game, where the winner will receive an automatic bid to the College Football Playoff.
Miami got off to a strong start, building a 21-0 lead early in the second quarter. However, Syracuse chipped away and tied the game on their first drive of the second half. The Orange then took the lead late in the third quarter and held on for the win.
The Hurricanes’ decision to kick a field goal on 4th and goal from the 15-yard line late in the game backfired, as Syracuse was able to run out the clock and secure the win. The loss marked the fourth time this season Miami has entered the fourth quarter trailing, and it didn’t work out in their favor this time.
The loss also opens the door for Alabama, which entered the day ranked 13th in the country. The Crimson Tide took care of their business by winning the Iron Bowl against Auburn, and are now in a strong position to make a push for the College Football Playoff.
The Hurricanes will now have to wait and see if they can get an at-large bid to the College Football Playoff. The loss was a tough one for the team, and it remains to be seen if they will be able to bounce back and make a run at the national championship.