The Miami Hurricanes may be on the outside looking in, but their playoff hopes aren’t dead yet. What once looked like a long-awaited return to glory has turned into a late-season fight for survival. Still, at 8–2 and ranked No. 13, Miami has a very real opportunity to win out and stay in the College Football Playoff conversation, if they can correct course quickly.
For that to happen, Miami needs its offense to rediscover its early-season rhythm. Quarterback Carson Beck looked sharp to start the year, but the Hurricanes will need him to elevate his play again down the stretch. If Beck can deliver efficient, turnover-free football, Miami’s ceiling rises significantly.
The good news? The Hurricanes can lean on a defense that has quietly been one of the nation's best. Miami ranks inside the top 10 in points allowed, total yards allowed, yards per play, and points per play. This unit has kept them competitive even when the offense has sputtered, and it will need to play its best football of the season to keep Miami’s playoff dream alive.
Miami also still has a path to the ACC Championship Game, but several things must break their way. Winning out is non-negotiable, and style points might matter too. It’s a tightrope walk, but the door isn’t closed. If Carson Beck gets hot again and the defense keeps dominating, Miami could still sneak into the national picture.
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