The Miami Hurricanes are past the first round of the College Football Playoff, but there is still a long road ahead before the Canes can call themselves National Champions once again.
With the second-seed Ohio State Buckeyes on the horizon, there are only seven other teams remaining in the bracket. Even with the Buckeyes next on the Canes' to-do list, Miami could face nearly anyone else still in the Playoff.
Here is how Miami's seven remaining possible opponents stack up against one another:
Miami's College Football Playoff (possible) opponent power rankings
- Ohio State Buckeyes
- Indiana Hoosiers
- Georgia Bulldogs
- Oregon Ducks
- Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Alabama Crimson Tide
- Ole Miss Rebels
Unfortunately, the Buckeyes are one of the best teams in the country, if not the best team, remaining in the Playoff (even though Indiana defeated Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship game just a few weeks ago).
With all-star receivers, a dominant quarterback, and a menacing defense, Ohio State has blown past nearly every single opponent (the Hoosiers not included).
Of course, the Canes knocked off the Texas A&M Aggies in their own stadium. So, theoretically, any venue shouldn't pose a challenge for Miami, no matter the team it's facing.
If the Hurricanes can get past the Buckeyes, they would face the winner of Georgia-Ole Miss in the CFP semifinals. So, the competition wouldn't necessarily get any easier as Miami progressed through the bracket.
Also read: Mario Cristobal sticking with struggling Miami starter could haunt the Canes vs. Ohio State
No. 10 Miami and No. 2 Ohio State are scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on New Year's Eve (Dec. 31), and the game will be broadcast on ESPN.