The College Football Playoff committee is facing a thrilling debate: Miami or Alabama? With the unveiling of the 12-team playoff field just around the corner on December 8, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Each team has a compelling case, but only one can emerge victorious in this heated discussion.
Miami’s season in review
The Hurricanes finished their regular season with a solid 10-2 record, but a heartbreaking 42-38 loss to Syracuse in their finale left them ranked No. 12. This loss not only dashed their hopes for an ACC championship game appearance but also raised questions about their playoff viability. Miami’s schedule featured some impressive victories, including a season-opening win against Florida, a SEC team that finished 7-5. They also defeated five bowl-eligible teams, showcasing their ability to compete at a high level.
However, Miami’s strength of schedule is a point of contention. Their opponents have a combined record of 73-71, resulting in a .506 winning percentage. When you remove Florida A&M, a FCS school, that number drops to .500. The Hurricanes also suffered two losses against teams with respectable records, raising eyebrows about their playoff credentials.
Alabama’s season in review
On the other hand, Alabama finished the regular season with a 9-3 record, placing them at No. 11 in the rankings. The Crimson Tide wrapped up their season with a decisive 28-14 victory against Auburn in the Iron Bowl. While they missed out on the SEC championship game, Alabama’s schedule was significantly tougher, featuring a combined opponent record of 92-52, translating to a .638 winning percentage. Even when you exclude their game against Mercer, an FCS opponent, their opponents still boast a solid .621 winning percentage.
Alabama’s best wins include a thrilling 41-34 victory over No. 2 Georgia, which currently ranks No. 5 in the AP Poll. They also secured wins against South Carolina and Missouri, both of which were ranked at the time. However, the Crimson Tide’s three losses came against teams that have been competitive, including a disappointing defeat to Oklahoma, which has raised questions about their consistency this season.
The case for Alabama
When it comes to making a case for Alabama, the strength of their schedule is a significant advantage. The Crimson Tide can point to their victories over ranked opponents and the overall quality of their competition. The SEC, as a conference, went 13-7 against other Power 4 conferences, while the ACC struggled with a 9-17 record. This disparity raises the question: can a two-loss team from a weaker conference be favored over a three-loss team from the SEC?
Critics might argue that Miami’s best win is against Duke, which doesn’t carry the same weight as Alabama’s victories. The Crimson Tide’s losses, while concerning, came against strong opponents, and their ability to compete in the SEC should not be overlooked.
The case for Miami
Despite the challenges, Miami can still make a compelling argument for their inclusion in the playoff discussion. This season marks their best performance under third-year coach Mario Cristobal, and their losses came on the road against teams with strong records. Georgia Tech, for instance, nearly pulled off an upset against Georgia in an eight-overtime thriller. Miami’s offense, led by Cam Ward, has been explosive, averaging a staggering 44.2 points per game.
One must consider the implications of leaving out a two-loss team from a Power 4 conference in favor of a three-loss team. How many chances can one team receive based on their historical brand? While Alabama’s losses to Vanderbilt and Oklahoma are concerning, Miami’s road losses against competitive teams should not be dismissed.
Head-to-head comparison: Miami vs. Alabama
As the committee prepares to finalize their rankings, the head-to-head comparison between these two teams becomes paramount. Miami’s two losses, particularly the one to Syracuse, may prove detrimental to their playoff chances. The Hurricanes will likely find themselves boxed out, especially if Alabama closes the gap in the rankings.
If Alabama is ranked ahead of Miami, it could secure their place in the College Football Playoff, especially if SMU manages to defeat Clemson in the ACC championship game. In that scenario, Alabama’s case becomes even stronger, while Miami’s chances dwindle.
However, if Clemson emerges victorious, the landscape changes dramatically. Alabama might be left out in favor of SMU, a two-loss team that finished unbeaten in ACC play. This scenario would mark the second consecutive year that Alabama makes the playoff over an ACC school, raising questions about the committee’s decision-making process.
What’s at stake?
Tonight’s rankings will be crucial, as there is little room for either team to maneuver once the final decisions are made. The implications of this debate extend beyond just these two teams; they reflect broader questions about the playoff selection process and the criteria used to evaluate teams.
The committee’s preference for the SEC over the ACC could set a precedent that influences future rankings. Is it fair to prioritize a three-loss SEC team over a two-loss team from the ACC? This debate will undoubtedly spark discussions among fans and analysts alike, as the playoff landscape continues to evolve.
As the countdown to the playoff announcement continues, the Miami vs. Alabama debate remains a captivating storyline in college football. The passion, the rivalries, and the stakes are all part of what makes this sport so exhilarating. Who will emerge victorious in this clash of titans? Only time will tell.
