The writing was on the wall for Miami football entering its game against Notre Dame on Saturday. With Malachi Toney out and Notre Dame favored by a touchdown against the No. 1 team in the country, the Hurricanes ultimately succumbed to the Fighting Irish 31-24.
Darian Mensah threw the ball 43 times without his top receiver, while Mark Fletcher Jr. was largely phased out of the game plan after Notre Dame jumped out to a 24-3 lead early in the third quarter. Although Miami managed to make it a game, it ultimately came up short of a miraculous comeback bid, ending the game in Notre Dame territory.
The problem for Miami, of course, is its schedule. Only games against
Duke, Virginia Tech, and Boston College remain, and Notre Dame was easily the strongest team Mario Cristobal's squad will face this year. The committee took that into account, dropping Miami to No. 7 in the second CFP rankings after ranking it first in the initial unveiling Nov. 3.
Miami isn't, by any stretch of the imagination, eliminated. But another loss for the 8-1 (6-0 ACC) Canes could put them in a position where winning the conference is their only path in.
Where did Miami fall in second CFP rankings?
On the Nov. 10 CFP rankings, Miami fell six spots to No. 7.
While not the most dramatic tumble, given the strength of the loss to Notre Dame, it still puts the Hurricanes in a more precarious position. The lack of depth in the ACC could prove to be an issue for Miami, and the absence of Toney also looms large.
Miami Hurricanes remaining schedule
Miami will close the season against three ACC teams, including a familiar face in Manny Diaz and Duke. Following the Blue Devils will be James Franklin's Virginia Tech and a matchup against Boston College to round things out.
- Nov. 14: vs. Duke | Noon ET | ABC
- Nov. 21: vs. Virginia Tech | TBD | TBD
- Nov. 28: vs. Boston College | TBD | TBD
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Where did Miami fall in CFP rankings? How loss to Notre Dame impacted Hurricanes
