No. 4 Miami, No. 13 SMU sit unbeaten and tied atop ACC and as surprise options for 12-team playoff
The ACC will be represented in the College Football Playoff, just maybe not by the usual suspects
The Atlantic Coast Conference's guaranteed berth in the College Football Playoff could include a surprise representative. Maybe a couple.
Unbeaten and fourth-ranked Miami (9-0, 5-0), predicted this summer by media to finish third in the ACC behind defending champion Florida State and Clemson, is rated No. 4 as a projected league champion among the 12 teams announced in Tuesday night’s initial bracket. One of just five unbeaten Football Bowl Subdivision teams, the Hurricanes could earn a first-round bye if they go on and win the title — unless the Mustangs or Tigers beat them to it.
“I think the hunger grows,” Miami coach Mario Cristobal said this week. “I think we understand what a blessing it is to be in November and to be playing very significant football.”
League newcomer SMU (8-1, 5-0) sits just outside at No. 13 and is hoping to crack the field. It’s the highest playoff ranking ever for the Mustangs, who are enjoying their first season back as a Power 4 school after winning the American Athletic championship last fall.
