Why Hurricanes’ AD Dan Radakovich believes UM deserves playoff spot
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The Hurricanes made their final on-field case to be the College Football Playoff on Saturday with a blowout win over Pittsburgh.
After the game, coach Mario Cristobal and several players explained why they believe Miami, which was ranked 12th last week, is a playoff team.
On Monday morning, UM athletic director Dan Radakovich made his case, as well.
“The offense has been clicking on all cylinders, and the defense has been at its ferocious best,” Radakovich wrote in an open letter about UM athletics. “In short, if you’re in the eye test business, the ‘Canes have the look of a College Football Playoff team.”
Radakovich was part of the College Football Playoff selection committee from 2014-17 when he was Clemson’s athletic director.
“I know firsthand what a difficult job it is,” Radakovich said. “You spend weeks ranking teams, discussing strengths and weaknesses, parsing through data points and — most importantly – watching games.”
Radakovich cited several reasons why Miami should be in the playoffs despite its two losses. UM ranks highly in multiple computer metrics: sixth in the Sagarin rankings, seventh in ESPN’s FPI rankings and ninth in ESPN writer Bill Connelly’s SP+ rankings. In all three, Miami is higher than several teams that are considered either at-large locks or teams that can win their way into the bracket with a conference championship.
“If metrics matter (Miami) should be in (the playoff),” Radakovich wrote on social media.
The comparison that has drawn the most attention is how UM stacks up with Notre Dame. Both teams are 10-2, and the Hurricanes beat the Fighting Irish to open the season. Despite that, Notre Dame was ranked ninth entering last week’s games — likely a good enough position to make the playoff — while UM was on the outside, looking in.
“I was there — many of you were, too,” Radakovich wrote. “It was an electric night at Hard Rock Stadium when Miami defeated Notre Dame to kickstart this terrific season. Moments like that are what makes college football such a compelling sport.
“Let’s ensure those moments matter.”
Radakovich also stumped for Miami’s inclusion in the playoffs last year. The Hurricanes went 10-2 but missed the postseason after two late-season losses to Georgia Tech and Syracuse. After UM was left out, Radakovich, Cristobal and even ACC commissioner Jim Phillips tried to persuade the committee to change its decision, to no avail.
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