Finally, the twelfth ranked Hurricanes received their just due, after becoming ranked in the top twelve. This ranking currently qualifies the Canes for the coveted College Football Playoff. In recent weeks, the Miami Hurricanes were an afterthought in becoming one of the programs for consideration in the upcoming college football playoff tournament.
Miami was ranked No. 12 in the CFP Week 14 Rankings
It was quite surprising, while also an enormous relief, to finally see the Miami Hurricanes in a position to compete for a national championship, thus far. With one game remaining, the Hurricanes are in a "must-win" game against a quality opponent, the twenty-second ranked, Pittsburgh Panthers. Both programs have a lot to play for.
This matchup on Saturday has both ACC and College Football Playoff implications. For the ascending Miami Hurricanes, the only goal they must have is to win the contest. No excuses. The weather conditions in Pittsburgh will not be favorable to a program that is accustomed to playing in humid South Florida.
Viewing the upcoming scenario from the perspective of the Miami Hurricanes, one could conclude that one would not have it any other way. In order for the Hurricanes to become considered amongst the top college football programs in the nation, Saturday's matchup must result in a Canes victory. The Pittsburgh Panthers would love to spoil the Hurricanes hopes of finally becoming relevant in both the Atlantic Coastal Conference, as well as nationwide.
Becoming victorious against a worthy opponent in a hostile environment, on the road, in unfavorable weather conditions would definitely prove beneficial for the Miami Hurricanes in two ways. First, winning in Pittsburgh would give the Hurricanes a much-needed confidence boost. Secondly, a victory over the Panthers could silence many critics, who do not feel that the Miami Hurricanes are ready to win on the road in frigid Pittsburgh.
Thus far, the pollsters finally gave the Hurricanes the respect they deserved by currently ranking the Canes at number twelve, despite the program not producing a tremendous victory over an inferior opponent, as well as not being an ACC Conference leader.