Miami inches upward to 21 in AP Poll

Even though Miami didn’t play a ranked opponent this week, or anything even resembling a team worthy of being on the same field with them, they found themselves trending in the right direction in this week’s AP Poll.

One spot is one spot and that is where Miami finds itself in the Week 2 poll, up to no. 21 from 22 last week. Miami’s domination, even if they didn’t execute to the best of their ability, of Savannah State was enough of a clean performance to convince the AP to move the Canes up. No complaining here.

The Hurricanes can accelerate their move back up the poll with wins over better if still over matched opponents the next three weeks. Toledo, FIU and UNC are all teams Miami should beat and handily so. This team might still struggle against Toledo on the road or a UNC team that is improved over last season but if they continue improving their level of play, they could find themselves back around the top half of the poll for their date with FSU.

Next week Miami travels to Toledo and, if they can crush the Rockets from start to finish, could jump up a few more spots. A move from 21 to 18 or 17 would be more evidence that Miami’s total defeat by LSU was more of a fluke and statement of the Tigers’ strength than of the Canes’ utter ineptitude. However, the o-line and QB play will need to improve if Miami realistically wants to be in the playoff hunt. That remains unchanged from last week.