Miami needed a reversed call from the officials versus Virginia Tech, Central Florida lost 48-21 to Colorado and Florida had a bye week as the top three teams in Florida remained the same in the post-week five power rankings. Central Florida remained second more because of the ineptitude among the other six programs in Florida.
Virginia Tech completed a 30-yard hail mary on the final play of the game that appeared to win the game for the Hokies over Miami. Referees eventually ruled Isaiah Horton touch the ball while he was out of bounds defending the play for Miami. That made the play instantly dead.
There was also a lot of debate if Da'Quan Felton came down with the reception for Virginia Tech. Miami is firmly the top team in Florida after surviving versus Virginia Tech. Miami is already 3-0 versus Florida teams in 2024 and has Florida State remaining on its schedule on October 26 at Hard Rock Stadium.
Central Florida was a 12.5 point favorite over Colorado and given an 84.0 percent chance to win by the ESPN Football Power Index over the Buffaloes. Four UCF turnovers did in the Knights versus the Buffaloes. Colorado converted an interception into a touchdown on the next drive and returned a fumble for a score in the second half.
Rank | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
1 | Miami | 5-0 |
2 | Central Florida | 3-1 |
3 | Florida | 2-2 |
4 | Florida Atlantic | 2-2 |
5 | Florida International | 2-3 |
6 | South Florida | 2-3 |
7 | Florida State | 1-4 |
Central Florida is at Florida on Saturday night in a game that will determine who is second in the state behind Miami in the Power Rankings. Florida needs the win over Central Florida before starting a five-game gaunlet versus four top 15 teams and Kentucky who won at Mississippi on Saturday.
Florida Atlantic moved up to fourth in the State of Florida power rankings with a 41-10 win over FCS Wagner. The Owls rebounded after losing 48-14 at Connecticut last week. The only win for FAU versus an FBS opponent in 2024 was 38-20 over FIU two weeks ago. That keeps the Owls ahead of the Panthers.
FIU improved to 2-3 and earned its second win versus an FBS opponent in 2024 with a 17-10 win over Louisiana Tech. FIU is 1-0 in Conference USA with the win. With FAU moving up to the American in 2024, FIU should have the easiest remaining schedule. That is not the case on October 8 when FIU is at Liberty in their next game.
Florida State is reeling. SMU defeated Florida State 42-16 on Saturday night in Dallas with several former Miami players making huge contributions. Former Miami wide receiver Brashard Smith had 17 carries for 129 yards and a touchdown and three receptions for 50 yards as SMU outscored FSU 28-7 in the second half.
Miami faces a difficult challenge on Saturday in California. The game does not kick off until 10:30 PM Eastern time. ESPN College Gameday will be in Berkeley on Saturday morning. The Gameday appearance should contribute to what should be a raucous crowd in Strawberry Canyon.