Controlling their own destiny for the College Football Playoff entering Saturday, the Miami Hurricanes now he can do nothing but pray.
The Canes lost a place the next week ACC Championship after being upset by Syracuse, 42-38.
Now, Miami’s chances of making the 12-team playoff are very much up in the air.
Miami’s loss gave Clemson a bid to the ACC Championship. Now, the winner of SMU-Clemson in the ACC title game will receive an automatic bid to the College Football Playoff.
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Syracuse Orange’s Jackson Meeks (7) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Miami Hurricanes at the JMA Wireless Dome on November 30, 2024 in Syracuse, NY (Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
The Hurricanes scored early and often, building a 21-0 lead early in the second quarter. But the Orange tied the game on their first play of the second half.
Late in the third, however, with the game tied at 28, Syracuse’s Devin Grant picked up a fumble and returned it 56 yards to the house to give Syracuse the lead. Miami responded with a touchdown, but the Orange responded with another.
On fourth-and-goal at the 15-yard line late in the game, the Hurricanes made the curious decision to kick a field goal to cut their deficit to four. Of course, scoring would have required a 15-yard play, but Miami also risked not touching the ball the rest of the game while still needing a touchdown.
This is exactly what happened. Syracuse got three first downs to end the game.
LeQuint Allen (1) of the Syracuse Orange scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the Miami Hurricanes at the JMA Wireless Dome on November 30, 2024 in Syracuse, NY (Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
MICHIGAN’S BLOWING OVER OHIO STATE IS IN CHAOS AS A MIDFIELD BRAWL BREAKS TOO MUCH
Saturday marked the fourth time this season Miami has trailed in the fourth quarter. This time, however, it did not go in his favor.
In what could be his final game with Miami, Cam Ward completed 25 of his 36 passes for 349 yards. Kyle McCord went 26 of 36 for 380 yards in the win.
Loss too much open the door to Alabamawhich entered Saturday in the 13th place in the country. The Crimson Tide took care of business by winning the Iron Bowl against Auburn.
Syracuse Orange quarterback Kyle McCord (6) drops to pass against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at the JMA Wireless Dome. (Rich Barnes/Image Images)
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All Canes can do now is wait.
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