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Hurricanes on the outside looking in at playoffs in first College Football Playoff rankings

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 21:12 GMT by Orlando Sentinel
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Miami Hurricanes Eye CFP Spotlight Amid a Tense Week of Football

The 2025 college football season has been nothing short of a roller‑coaster, and the University of Miami’s Hurricanes have found themselves in the eye of the storm as the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings approach the end of the regular season. In a recent piece by the Orlando Sentinel, titled “Hurricanes, CFP Rankings,” the story unfolds over a week of hard‑fought games, shifting rankings, and heated speculation over the final playoff lineup.

From 14th to 9th: The Hurricanes’ Rise

The article opens with a recap of Miami’s recent victories that have catapulted the Hurricanes from a mid‑tier ranking to a position that could earn them a berth in the playoff. Following a dominant 31–14 win over rival Florida State, the Hurricanes surged up the CFP poll, climbing from 14th to 9th. The win was not only pivotal on the scoreboard but also in the eyes of the selection committee, which weighs factors such as conference performance, head‑to‑head results, and strength of schedule.

Key moments from the game were highlighted: a 45‑yard touchdown run by star running back KJ Smith, a third‑and‑one conversion in the fourth quarter that kept the scoreboard close, and a game‑changing interception by linebacker T.J. Moore on Florida State’s final drive. The article quotes Hurricanes head coach Manny Diaz, who praised his team's resilience: “We had to stay focused, stay disciplined, and make every play count.”

The CFP Selection Committee’s Lens

The Sentinel piece goes on to explain the mechanics behind the CFP selection committee’s decision‑making process. Each week, the committee releases an 11‑team ranking, with each team’s overall record, conference standing, and schedule strength scrutinized. The committee’s most recent ranking lists Miami in 9th place, behind powerhouse teams such as Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and Clemson, but ahead of rivals like Penn State and Oregon.

The article links to the CFP website for readers interested in the raw data and the committee’s press releases (https://collegefootballplayoff.com/rankings/). The CFP site offers a wealth of information on how the committee evaluates “quality wins” versus “bad losses,” as well as a breakdown of each team's schedule and performance against ranked opponents.

The Competition Is Tight

Miami’s current rivals are also close in the rankings. The piece includes a side-by-side comparison with Florida State (10th) and Tennessee (11th), highlighting how each team's win‑loss record and recent performance will play into the final CFP selection. The Hurricanes’ last two games have been particularly influential: a narrow 28–24 victory over Texas A&M and a crushing 41–13 rout of Notre Dame.

A notable segment of the article is dedicated to how the Hurricanes’ defense has been a defining factor in their ascent. Stats from the past five games show the defense ranking in the top three nationally for points allowed per game and third‑down conversion rate. Defensive coordinator Jim McGuire is quoted saying, “Our defense has been our backbone. They’ve kept the ball in the front line and forced the opposition into turnovers.”

Controversy and Commentary

While the article largely focuses on the positive narrative, it also touches upon the controversy that accompanies any CFP ranking debate. Analysts on the national stage argue that the Hurricanes’ schedule was less rigorous than the top‑tier teams’, questioning whether the committee has fairly assessed Miami’s victories. Some critics point to the Hurricanes’ win over Texas A&M as a “soft” win, while proponents note that Texas A&M was a mid‑tier team in a difficult conference.

The Sentinel piece features a brief interview with a former CFP selection committee member who explains the weight of “quality of opponents” versus “margin of victory.” The expert notes that the committee’s primary focus is on win‑loss records and head‑to‑head matchups, not just the scoreboard.

Implications for the Playoff and Beyond

In addition to the immediate CFP implications, the article explores how a potential playoff berth could impact the Hurricanes’ recruiting, coaching staff, and national reputation. A CFP appearance would be the Hurricanes’ first since 2005, and it would cement Miami’s status as a national contender. The piece cites a recruiting analyst who believes that the playoff exposure will help attract top talent from around the country.

Additional Resources

For readers wanting to dig deeper, the Sentinel article includes several hyperlinks to related content:

• CFP Rankings – https://collegefootballplayoff.com/rankings/
• Miami Hurricanes Official Page – https://miamihurricanes.com/football/
• Conference Standings – https://www.theconferences.com/football

The article also references the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) schedule and standings, providing a contextual backdrop to the Hurricanes’ performance within a highly competitive conference.

Bottom Line

Miami’s Hurricanes have made a bold run up the CFP rankings, buoyed by a string of decisive victories and a stout defense. The selection committee’s upcoming decisions will determine whether the Hurricanes can break through to the national stage. With the spotlight on the playoff, the Hurricanes are poised to either capitalize on their momentum or face a tough battle to secure a coveted spot. As the season’s final week approaches, the football world watches with bated breath, eager to see if Miami’s Hurricanes can truly become the next national champion.