Miami Still Absent Polls Despite Win

Miami got the desperation win they have needed for three weeks now and find themselves bowl-eligible. However, the voters in both the AP and Coaches’ polls didn’t take notice, even if the game was played in primetime on ESPN.

For the second week in a row Miami did not receive a single vote in either poll despite teams like Duke, Oklahoma State and Virginia receiving at least one point. They will get a chance to upset no. 24/25 Pittsburgh in Hard Rock next week. According to ESPN’s Football Power Index Miami is the heavy favorite with an almost 80% chance to win. The Hurricanes also have some added motivation after their 2017 losing streak started with their defeat in Pittsburgh.

Miami showed a lot of positives in their beat down of a hapless Hokies squad that had given up on the game following the third quarter. Cam’ron Davis looks like a star in waiting and N’Kosi Perry has solidified himself as the starter for the last two games of 2018. Miami has some momentum and although this is a team with a lot of weaknesses still, and those start at the top, the Canes have a chance to end this season on a win streak with some momentum heading into recruiting season.

The Canes could get back into the top 25 with an “upset” over Pitt and a bowl win but their ranking is still not as important as the changes that are made in the offseason. If Mark Richt shows a willingness to change his coaching staff then Miami should be a preseason top 25 team for 2019. If not, expect more misery to follow.