Saturday Blitz
Fansided

College Football Rankings 2016: Projected AP Top 25 After National Championship

By Zach Bigalke

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) scores a touchdown on an 8 yard run past against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) scores a touchdown on an 8 yard run past against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 26
Next
Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end David Njoku (86) scores a touchdown in the second half against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Russell Athletic Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end David Njoku (86) scores a touchdown in the second half against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Russell Athletic Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami ended its season on a five-game winning streak with a 17-point win over West Virginia in Orlando. The Hurricanes got 282 yards and four passing touchdowns from quarterback Brad Kaaya, while the defense held the Mountaineers to 229 total yards of offense. In Mark Richt’s first season at the helm of his alma mater, the Canes won nine games for the first time since 2013. After a season of month-by-month fluctuations, Miami should have no problem finishing in the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2009.

Their year began 4-0 after an easy schedule that included home games at FCS Florida A&M Florida Atlantic as well as road games at Appalachian State and Georgia Tech. After that first weekend of October, they hit a harder stretch that led to four straight losses. November brought another change of fortunes, as Miami closed the regular season on a four-game winning streak. Aside from a three-touchdown loss at Virginia Tech, though, all of their other defeats were within a single score.

With key pieces returning to Coral Gables next season, the U should take another step in 2017 under Richt. They will surely receive a bump after finishing the year hot, and they’ll also get the benefit of the ACC’s successes all around this bowl season.

Home/College Football Rankings