Miami holds firm in newest AP Poll

Miami advanced more spots following their rout of Savannah State at home than they did Toledo on the road. Go figure. The Hurricanes have moved up one spot in two weeks, remaining at 21 after creeping from 22 up one spot in last week’s poll.

The Canes started and finished strong, and despite some hand-wringing and tension in the third quarter, Malik Rosier, yes that Malik Rosier, came through to lead the Canes’ offense to victory. 49 points later and Miami had taken care of the upset-minded Toledo Rockets, despite their insistence at keeping the reigning MAC champs in the game.

This was a good win for Miami, make no mistake about it. There were bad things about the team’s performance but it is rare for anyone to pitch a perfect game. Miami got out in front, kept the crowd quiet most of the game, and then re-silenced them late in the second half to seal their second straight win. Should we be patting ourselves on the back? Not exactly. But this is a game that Miami could’ve easily dropped after how bad all three parts of this team looked in the opener.

It seems a bit unfair of the committee to not raise Miami at least a couple of spots. Have teams like Oregon, Michigan and Wisconsin really proven themselves better than the Canes? I think not. Regardless, the committee is making Miami prove themselves, something they will need to do come ACC play, and most especially, the big date with Virginia Tech.

Until then, Miami figures to be a late-to-mid teens rated squad, who will need to keep up this winning streak to even sniff a playoff chance.