Despite their lack of activity last week, the Miami Hurricanes’ position in the College Football Playoff rankings was influenced by the results of the teams in their immediate vicinity. Prior to the final rankings on Dec. 8, which will ultimately determine the 12-team playoff field that will fight for a national title, the Hurricanes ranked No. 8 in the third of five weekly rankings released by the 13-member selection committee on Tuesday. From their No. 9 ranking in the second poll last week, they are now up one spot.
However, according to this week’s rankings, they would still be the third seed in the 12-team tournament and would receive a first-round bye because they are the top-ranked club in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Hurricanes are 5-1 in ACC play and 9-1 overall this season. If they win their final two games of the season, at noon on Saturday against Wake Forest and 3:30 p.m. on the road against Syracuse on November 30, they still have a chance to go to the ACC Championship Game on December 7.