Miami falls to 17th in AP, Coaches Poll

For Miami fans, this past Thursday was the type of laugher that the Canes’ needed, especially in ACC play. Besides roughing up Virginia Tech last season, Miami had gotten comfortable with being uncomfortable, playing in close games with teams that had no business being in the ballgame. Even with Miami proving that, maybe, finally, this year they will not play down to the opponent's level of competition, both polls saw Miami’s standing decrease despite the big win.

A 37 point differential was not good enough apparently for the Canes to at least stick at 16, as Kentucky leapfrogged them from 17 to 13 in the AP after a 24-10 victory over a blah South Carolina squad. UK’s surprising undefeated start continues but as they approach a date with Georgia, that status may change.

Back to the team that matters though, the Canes have the ability to keep a spot open for themselves in the playoff when the time comes. The Coastal is ripe for the taking and suddenly Clemson doesn’t look so hot. But the Hurricanes will need to take it one day at a time, keep improving, and keep a long leash on N’Kosi Perry.

Up next are the Seminoles, who have crawled back to being at least respectable after mounting a comeback against the dreadful Louisville Cardinals. Miami should win that game, on paper by two or three TDs but, like all UM-FSU meetings of late, it will likely come down to the wire. But a big win there, even with the Noles’ awfulness, could boost Miami a few spots in next week’s polls.