College Football Playoff 2017: The case for Miami football

Case Against Miami

Miami has been critiqued on this all year, and rightfully so, but their strength of schedule is simply not good. The Hurricanes schedule is ranked 43rd in ESPN’s FPI ratings, but their non-conference and early conference slate was almost abysmal. Playing teams such as Bethune-Cookman and Toledo are not going to impress the committee, and it showed as Miami was ranked No. 10 in the initial CFP poll despite their undefeated record.

Granted against a bad schedule, Miami is 8-0 and headed into a back-loaded November schedule. Miami has gotten past their first challenge with a win over 13th ranked Virginia Tech, but the Hurricanes face third-ranked Notre Dame, a daunting task within itself. Following their game with the Irish, Miami takes on a Virginia team that still has a chance at clinching the ACC Coastal Division if the chips fall their way.

Another possible downfall for the Hurricanes could be Malik Rosier as well. With how good he has played this year, he has been rather inconsistent over the past two games, throwing for five touchdowns and four interceptions. Against Virginia Tech, Rosier threw three interceptions, but Miami’s stellar defense kept the Hokies out of the end zone. Rosier will have to clean up his play in order for Miami to keep winning, especially this late in the season.