Do the Miami Hurricanes Deserve the No. 1 Ranking in Next AP Poll?

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MIAMI, Fla. – On the same day the No.3 Miami Hurricanes overcame the Florida State Seminoles in a 43-35 double-overtime win, four top-10 teams lost to a lower-ranked or unranked opponent.

Arguably the biggest upset on Saturday was No. 1 Georgia losing 27-24 against Auburn at home. Tigers quarterback Byrum Brown made plays with both his arm and legs. He completed 15 of 26 passes (57.7 percent) and threw for 150 yards; meanwhile, finishing with 115 rushing yards on 21 carries. Brown had two touchdowns, one through the air and the other on the ground.

Florida traveled to Austin (TX) and defeated No. 7 Texas 27-24. Sophomore quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. made his first collegiate start and capitalized on the opportunity. He completed 22 of 35 passes (62.9 percent), threw for 155 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Meanwhile, Longhorns star quarterback Arch Manning falls in back-to-back seasons against the Gators as a starter. He completed 14 of 20 passes (70 percent), threw for 173 yards and a touchdown while nearly being intercepted before the play was called back.

The result that can really affect the Hurricanes’ ranking in the upcoming Associated Press’ top 25 poll is No. 2 Notre Dame falling 28-24 against No. 8 BYU. It was the second game this season when quarterback CJ Carr didn’t throw for a touchdown, but he completed 27 of 49 passes (55.2 percent) and threw for 261 yards against the Cougars.

Regardless of circumstances, a loss has consequences.

Theoretically, Notre Dame’s loss should provide a clear path for the Hurricanes to be ranked No. 1 for the first time since Week 17 of the 2002 college football season. At that point, they were the defending National Champions. Although the Hurricanes didn’t dominate the Seminoles, a gutsy win should outweigh a loss against a top-10 opponent.

“If you think you’re going to show up and automatically win, you’re going to get your a** beat,” head coach Mario Cristobal said postgame.

The Hurricanes advance to 6-0 (ACC 4-0) on the season. Coming off a bye week, there were a few out-of-character drives from both sides of the field. However, the Hurricanes managed to complete the plays that mattered most, especially in the final moments.

On Sunday, at 2:00 p.m. E.T., is when the updated AP poll is released and there’s a strong chance for a new No. 1 team in the nation. The Hurricanes will prepare next to face the Pitt Panthers, without sophomore quarterback Mason Heintschel, on Saturday afternoon at Hard Rock Stadium.

More Miami Hurricanes News:

– "Nick Saban Picks the Miami Hurricanes Over Everybody"

– "Miami Hurricanes Face Decommitment From Four-Star 2027 Recruit"

– "Three Disappointing Miami Hurricanes Players This Season"

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