In a fervent plea, University of Miami head football coach Mario Cristobal implored the College Football Playoff selection committee to prioritize wins when determining which teams deserve an at-large berth in the prestigious 12-team postseason tournament. With the 14th-ranked Hurricanes boasting an impressive 10-2 record, Cristobal believes his team has earned the right to compete for a national championship.
A Compelling Case for Miami’s Inclusion
During his weekly radio appearance on WQAM, Coach Cristobal passionately outlined the reasons why Miami should be selected over several 9-3 teams from the Southeastern Conference, including Alabama, South Carolina, and Mississippi. He emphasized the Hurricanes’ superior win total and the competitive nature of their two losses, both of which were decided by a single possession.
“We won 10 games this year and not many teams have. And in our losses, those losses came down to one possession. That’s a very different resume than the 9-3 teams.”
– Mario Cristobal, Miami Hurricanes Head Coach
Cristobal’s argument centers around rewarding teams for their on-field success rather than relying on politicking or reputation. He believes that Miami’s body of work, which includes an impressive road victory over Florida to start the season, should speak for itself.
An Offensive Juggernaut
The Hurricanes’ high-powered offense, led by Heisman Trophy contender quarterback Cam Ward, has been a key factor in their success. Miami leads the nation in both yards and points per game, with Ward tossing a nation-best 36 touchdown passes. The team’s undefeated home record further bolsters their case for a playoff spot.
Addressing Defensive Concerns
While critics may point to Miami’s defensive struggles, particularly in the latter half of the season, Cristobal remains confident in his team’s overall performance. Despite allowing 31 or more points in five of their final eight games, the Hurricanes still rank among the top 25 teams nationally in both yards per game and yards allowed per game, a testament to their balanced approach.
The Importance of Conference Championship Weekend
As the College Football Playoff selection committee prepares to release its penultimate rankings, the upcoming conference championship games will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the final bracket. With marquee matchups like Clemson vs. SMU in the ACC, Georgia vs. Texas in the SEC, and Penn State vs. Oregon in the Big Ten, the college football landscape is poised for a dramatic shakeup.
For Miami, who will not have the opportunity to improve their resume with an additional game, the waiting game begins. Coach Cristobal, however, remains steadfast in his belief that the Hurricanes have already proven themselves worthy of a playoff berth.
“Go to the facts. Award football teams for winning football games.”
– Mario Cristobal, Miami Hurricanes Head Coach
As the college football world eagerly awaits the final College Football Playoff rankings, one thing is certain: Mario Cristobal and the Miami Hurricanes have made their case. Now, it’s up to the committee to decide if they agree that wins should be the ultimate measuring stick for postseason success.
