The Canes still have a playoff chance, but it depends on this ACC twist

With a 9-2 overall record and the losses coming to two teams who were unranked at the time, things aren't looking great for the Miami Hurricanes to find themselves in this year's College Football Playoff.

However, it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings, or the final bell, or whenever it's actually over. In other words, Miami shouldn't throw its hands up until the final CFP rankings come out on Sunday, Dec. 7, following this week's conference championships.

Miami could still sneak into the Playoffs

Now, stick with me as I break down how exactly the Canes could still manage to earn a place in the Playoffs, even though they're currently beyond a bubble team and aren't playing in the ACC title game.

Because Miami only has two losses on the year, it is aligned with a handful of other teams that have come close to cementing their place in the bracket (Alabama and Oklahoma being the main ones).

Also read: Common opponent comparison: Miami Hurricanes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish

However, the Hurricanes don't have the "easy" route of simply winning the ACC title to earn one of the automatic bids into the Playoffs as one of the highest-ranked conference champions. However, because of the two teams that are in the ACC title game, the Canes could pull off the unbelievable.

Who is playing in the 2025 ACC Championship?

Shockingly, the Virginia Cavaliers (10-2 overall, 7-1 ACC) are, even more shockingly, set to face the Duke Blue Devils (7-5 overall, 6-2 ACC) in the conference championship because SMU lost to Cal.

If Virginia wins, Miami is almost certainly out of playoff contention, but if Duke wins, because it likely wouldn't be one of the five highest-ranked conference champions in the country, Miami could sneak its way into the Playoff.

Simply put, the Hurricanes would be taking the most roundabout way into the Playoffs yet, but the team is currently ranked No. 12 in the nation, setting Miami up perfectly to do just that.

The Blue Devils and the No. 16 Cavaliers are scheduled to kick off the ACC Championship at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 6, and the game will be broadcast on ABC. One day later, ESPN will release the final CFP rankings of the year at noon ET.