How Miami Gets To The BCS Title Game

I know it’s on all of our minds, if we win out can we actually play for the title? I bet it also reminds us of 2000 when we lost a close game up in Washington and it kept us out of the title game. That year some would also argue that Washington should play for the title since they had one loss and beat us.  Well this year our only loss is to a Virginia Tech team that has 2 loses and can’t jump us or even argue about it.

Some of us, including me, initially thought after the Virginia Tech and Oklahoma games that even if we win out we couldn’t play for the title because we may have lost the ACC. Well, according to the rules and a Georgia Tech win over Virginia Tech we are now in the driver seat to an ACC title game appearance.

With all that being said, our beloved Canes still need to jump 9 spots in the BCS standings to play for the title, and this is how I think it will happen.

First off, we need to take care of our business and win out. This will be easier said than done with a few tough ACC games remaining starting this Saturday with Clemson. We are better than all of our remaining teams, but we have to actually play like it. If we stay focused and healthy we should beat every team left on our schedule.

Those Who Will Cancel Themselves Out

Thanks to the remaining schedules of Florida, Alabama and LSU, along with the SEC title game, two teams are assured of a loss. First off, Alabama has to travel to LSU and play the #9 ranked Tigers. Second, assuming two of those three teams win out they will play each other for the SEC title, eliminating yet another team. So no matter who his all plays out, Miami should move up 2 spots, giving us just 7 more spots to go.

Boise St’s Schedule Will Help Miami

If you look at Boise St’s remaining schedule, there doesn’t seem to be any teams that will beat them, or even poise a threat, so they will most likely win out. The problem for them is the schedule they play, especially if Oregon loses another game or two. Boise St’s weak remaining schedule should allow Miami to jump them as the season progresses. This moves us up one more spot, giving us just 6 more sports to go.

Others Will Surely Lose

After checking out the remaining schedule of the teams currently ranked in front of Miami in the initial BCS ranking, one thing is clear…teams will lose. Here is a look at the toughest games left on each team’s schedule, not counting the teams mentioned above.

#3 Texas

Unfortunately for us, Texas toughest games may already be behind them, but that doesn’t mean they won’t lose. Texas needed a late pick to seal the win against OU and hasn’t exactly looked like the #3 team in the Country. They have three remaining games that provide a great opportunity for a loss. First they have to travel 4-2 Missouri and also have two other tough road games against #15 Okie State and #25 Kansas before possibly playing in the Big 12 title game.

#5 Cincinnati

Cincinnati has looked good against some questionable teams like South Florida and Fresno State, but has not played a solid team to date. They have three tough games remaining starting with a tough, emotional 4-2 UCONN team. They then finish the year with two tough road games against #23 West Virginia and #20 Pitt.

# 6 Iowa

Iowa might just be the most overrated team in the top 10. They needed two..yes TWO blocked field goals against Northern Iowa to save a 17-16 win to start the year. They beat Arkansas State and Michigan by a combined 5 points. Their only significant win came against another highly overrated team in Penn State. Although their three remaining games don’t look like much, neither does Iowa. They start with a tough game on the road against a pesky Michigan State team before traveling to the “Shoe” to play Ohio State. They finish the year with another tough game against Minnesota.

#7 USC

If you ask me, USC’s loss to 3-4 Washington should put them on the bottom of the 1-loss teams, especially since their only big win came against a team that just lost to Purdue. And a “big” win against an overrated, but decent Notre Dame team shouldn’t count for much. USC probably has one of the easiest remaining schedules, with only two potential pitfalls. USC has to travel to #11 Oregon who is playing outstanding ball as of late and then #22 Arizona, although a tough game against 4-2 Oregon State is also left.

#8 TCU
TCU has played some decent teams in Virginia, Clemson and Colorado State, but two of their wins are also against Texas State and Southern Methodist. TCU only has two potential road blocks, but their big ones. They have to travel to #16 BYU and then face #18 Utah.

So with TCU, USC, Iowa, Cincinnati and Texas all likely to lose a game or two, with the “LSU, Alabama and Florida” scenario some how knocking two more teams out and Miami jumping Boise State based on their cupcake filled remaining schedule, our beloved Canes will be poised for a title game appearance.

And what if…

Florida still has to play UGA and go on the road to play #24 South Carolina. It’s very possible they will lose a game before the big Alabama showdown. If this happens and LSU beats Alabama that could set up a Florida – LSU SEC title game. In this scenario, if Florida wins then Florida, Alabama and LSU will then be knocked out. Hey, it could happen.

My BCS Title Game Prediction – Alabama vs. Miami

Comments

[CanesFan_GatorAlum]

First

[Esteban]

1ST, 2nd, or 3rd

[CanesFan_GatorAlum]

Does this mean that after years I finally get a t-shirt?!

[SlingBlade]

wow and i read it all before postin

[SlingBlade]

ive been saying all along that we still have a chance to win the ACC...but if we win out and VT wins out and GT stumbles and loses 1 game, then VT will hold the tie breaker...so we have to root for GT to win the rest of their games for us to even sniff the ACC championship game...

[SlingBlade]

esteban
who do you think will represent the atlantic division in the ACC championship game?

BC, wake forest, clemson, FSU, maryland, or NC state

[Gin & Tonic]

I got a Notre Dame fan that lives across the street from me and he tells me this morning that if Miami beats Clemson, that would be our most impressive win so far this year. All I can do is scratch my head and smile. Then I look at my next door neighbor that just moved in and he has put a Gaytor Flag in his front yard. I roll my eyes, look at my other neighbor with an Ohio State bumper stickers and come inside. And Mrs. Gin still doesn't understand why I start drinking so early in the morning on Saturdays.

[Mrs. 86]

Good call 86! Enjoyed your article! GO CANES... WIN CLEMSON!!

[Mrs. 86]

1ST, 2nd, or 3rd

Posted by: Esteban | October 24, 2009 at 11:16 AM

LOL - Esteban - You are d' man! Always enjoy your TV-video... can't wait to see next's weeks! Thanks for your work/effort!

[Mrs. 86]

Hey 86 - If you read blog later on.... you are lucky to have Esteban "on" or should I say on "live TV"... Luv that stuff!
GO CANES & CANESPACERS!

[Hurriphin]

DAMN, Herbie just went IN on Terrell Pryor!!

[CanesFan_GatorGrad]

Gin, this isn't aimed particularly at you, as a lot of people do it, but why do you guys call the Gators 'Gaytors?' There are a lot of bad things you can call the Gators without putting down gay people.

[Herbal_Minded]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ2Qg6exRp4 UM VS FAMU

GAMEDAY!!!!!

[MaryLouAlumni]

Nervous but happy that it's game day everyone!!! I know the D will come thru for their teammates. Clemson will be very tough, but I think we win by a field goal. But what do I know. I'm just a 61 year old graduate from the U who loves the Canes and my fellow bloggers.
GO CANES

[CanesFan_GatorGrad]

Ya he did Hurriphin. I don't blame Pryor tho, I blame OSU and the coaches.

It was clear Pryor wasn't a passing QB when he went into college and the coaches haven't done what is needed to help in transition into one.

In hindsight he really should have gone to Michigan.

[Hurriphin]

Sling,

FSU is assured to have at least 5 losses by season's end. That's gonna be hard to overcome. Three in conference already. Gonna be tough for them, for sure.

[Texascane]

You don't have to win the ACC Championship to play in the NC Game...see OU vs LSU.

[UMike]

Orange on one side, green on the other side,

Orange on one side, green on the other side,

Orange on one side, green on the other side,

Orange on one side, green on the other side,

[Hurriphin]

I was SURE he was gonna pick Mich. after they went to the spread opt.

Oh well.

[MaryLouAlumni]

By the way, just for interest sake, where is the BCS Title game being played?

[SlingBlade]

FSU is assured to have at least 5 losses by season's end. That's gonna be hard to overcome. Three in conference already. Gonna be tough for them, for sure.

Posted by: Hurriphin | October 24, 2009 at 11:41 AM

i agree...so who do you think is gonna rep.?

i think you can take wake and clemson out of the running because we will give them both another loss

so either BC or Maryland should be the one..

to me BC is the better team

[SlingBlade]

By the way, just for interest sake, where is the BCS Title game being played?

Posted by: MaryLouAlumni | October 24, 2009 at 11:45 AM

oh no we on the way to the rose bowl....

[Canez1]

Posted by: CanesFan_GatorGrad | October 24, 2009 at 11:38 AM

lmfao!!!!

Ur kidding right...

Good one LOL

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[SlingBlade]

after looking at marylands schedule i think they could lose the rest of their games....

FSU could go to the championship game if they win out and BC loses 2 more ACC games....

[Lurker]

Serious question:

Where can I get an mp3 of orange on one side green on the other:

I want to blast it in the parking lot

I like to play that herbal minded song too, it get's me pumped up (or is that the beers?)

[CanesFan_GatorGrad]

Are you referring to my name Canez1?

[shwarma]

Gin - I actually agree with your neighbor in one particular respect about Clemson. They are a team that like FSU can match us athletically, and unlike our first four games we haven't had as much prep time. While this won't hold as much nationally, a win today is impt. because I think it is a key indication for the rest of the season.

CanesFan - I know what your saying and all but I think in this case its just a clever way to refer to them and not meant to be derrogatory. No need to ring up your friends at GLAAD

[shwarma]

No Canes Fan he was referring to your gripe

[mr troutman]

THE LAST TIME SOME ONE BRAGG ABOUT THE OTHER TEAMS DEFENSE THEY FOLDED AND WERE AVERAGE . As most has seen this year ..."what u think will happen the next game is so unperdictable. I believe Miami has installed some new wrinkles just for Clemson. They have been studying a lot of film on us but I think Whipple saw some things HE CAN USE AGAINST THEM. We are at home again and we play hard there. This is our first early game. We haven't played this early all year. The heat will be a factor for Clemson. They are not used to this type of weather this year. It has been cool up here in GA for weeks so i know Sc have been the same. They will come to play but eventually we are going to wear them down.

[Canez1]

CFGG I love the name.

My issue is with the ridiculous comment.

If that kind of talk offends you you're in the wrong place.

You really need to find something else to worry about if that gets to you.

I'm not in the mood to get into the whole thing but I just can't stand sensitive nonsense like that on a football blog.

If that offends you I think Home and Gardens has a great blog on their website. Maybe you should give it a shot.

This is ACC football brother. Go play intramurals....

Good to see your posts but leave that nonsense at the door.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Esteban]

Sling, man I really don't know. Every week it looks like someone else is going to take control. then they lose the next week. probably ends up BC or Wake just cause they are the most disciplined - even if least talented.

and Pryor was playing against optimist teams in high school. I would tell bg he was about a foot taller than every one else in his highlight tapes. Looked like a good athlete, but was playing against slow midgets in high school. Can't just run around everyone in college all game. But his OL is doing him no favors. I think that's who should be getting everyone yelling at them - not Pryor. they've sucked.

[UMike]

Orange on one side, green on the other side,

Orange on one side, green on the other side,

Orange on one side, green on the other side,

Orange on one side, green on the other side,

[Esteban]

oh and did anyone catch Corso say Arkansas blew their wad last week? Herbstreit bust out laughing asking if he's allowed to say that on TV. just stayed laughing for about a couple more minutes.

[CanesFan_GatorGrad]

I said my piece. If people still say Gaytor, it's their own choice. I won't lose sleep.

Glad you like the name.

[Canez1]

Good Man!

Big game today!!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[mi@mic@ne]

Its do or die today.... baby.... there is no in between!!!!

[CanesFan_GatorGrad]

yup, i'll be there. hope the weather isn't too bad

[Lurker]

Canez1 & GatorGrad:

We're all Cane brothers.

Go Canes!

[CanesFan_GatorGrad]

Ok, I gotta start my trek over to Landshark. Let's do this Canes!

[]_[]

[Esteban]

even brothers fight. all good.

[Lurker]

Anybody on the "orange on one side..." MP3?

[Gin & Tonic]

Posted by: CanesFan_GatorGrad | October 24, 2009 at 11:38 AM

I wasn't implying all gay people were Gator fans. I could see how that could be insulting.

[macjones de Albuquerque]

Those Cav's are looking good so far against Georgia Tech, but there's still alot of time left in this A.C.C. showdown.

Freak, I done give the Cav's the Kiss of Death. 1st and goal from the three yard-line, and Virginia comes away with a FG. C'est La Vie.

By the way, the Mandingo don't be having too much confidence in your Canes, albeit he takes Team Shannon in a very, very, very close game.

[macjones de Albuquerque]

Nervous but happy that it's game day everyone!!! I know the D will come thru for their teammates. Clemson will be very tough, but I think we win by a field goal. But what do I know. I'm just a 61 year old graduate from the U who loves the Canes and my fellow bloggers.
GO CANES

Posted by: MaryLouAlumni | October 24, 2009 at 11:39 AM

U could be correct MaryLouAlumni, regarding a suspenseful, narrow Hurricane victory.

Even Manny of the Herald sees your Canes winning by only two points. Ouch!

Never the less, I still have to go with my 13 or 14 point Team Shannon victory. Even though I'm getting a bit of the Nervous Nellies. LMAO

[Sarasota 'cane]

"Today we will play like champions"

Go 'canes!

[Six]

Anyone remember on the Gameday set when Lee Corso yelled out "F**K !!!" ?

:14 seconds in, it's great, just wait for it, it's clear as day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDkeeX52kYg

Trying to go to Rocket Ismail in the crowd, his mic wasn't working, the dumbass audio guy left up the mics on the set and you hear Corso just yell out "F**K !!" .. then they cut back to the Gameday stage and you see Chris Fowler with his hand across the desk trying to warn Corso what he just said

Freaking awesome, esp. the apology at the end by Fowler

[Six]

I wasn't implying all gay people were Gator fans. I could see how that could be insulting.

Posted by: Gin & Tonic

Ya, insulting to all gay people to call them Gator fans. You might as well go drop kick a baby over a bridge

[Six]

Great commentating right here at the end, "Hot day, Patrick ... very steamy, sticky"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHDMouAq2T0

[UMike]

Orange on one side, green on the other side,

Orange on one side, green on the other side,

Orange on one side, green on the other side,

Orange on one side, green on the other side,

[Lurker]

Outta here...see you at the shark.

Go Canes