Miami’s 2024 season had all the makings of something special. After a 9-0 start, the Hurricanes were poised to capture their first ACC title and possibly earn a spot in the College Football Playoff.
But everything came crashing down on Saturday in a 42-38 loss to Syracuse. A game that began with the Hurricanes in complete control, up 21-0, ended in heartbreaking fashion, leaving Miami eliminated from the ACC Championship race and with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread.
A fast start, a sudden fall
Miami’s performance in the first quarter was nothing short of dominant.
The Hurricanes, powered by Cam Ward’s precise passing and a balanced attack, raced to a 21-0 lead. Mark Fletcher and Xavier Restrepo each found the end zone, and the offense seemed unstoppable.
Even a controversial penalty that wiped off a 45-yard Syracuse touchdown couldn’t slow Miami’s momentum. But the game took a sharp turn after the first quarter. Syracuse, undeterred, responded with 21 unanswered points to tie it at 21-21 at halftime.
From there, the once-imposing Miami offense started to sputter, while Syracuse’s offense found its rhythm. The Orange scored on their first drive of the second half, and just like that, Miami’s lead was gone.
The momentum was firmly on Syracuse’s side, and Miami seemed unable to adjust. What had
started as a dream scenario was now a nightmare unfolding before the eyes of Hurricanes fans.
“We came up short, and that’s on all of us, starting with myself,” Miami coach Mario Cristobal said, taking full responsibility. “We don’t shy away from it. We’re not in any way, shape or form anything but hard workers and accountable people. And it’s brutally difficult.”
Dreams of an ACC title dashed
With the game tied 35-35 in the fourth quarter, the Hurricanes had one last shot at redemption. But another costly mistake — a fumble by Restrepo, returned 56 yards for a touchdown – handed Syracuse the lead. Miami answered with a field goal to narrow the deficit to 42-38, but it was too little, too late.
Despite a valiant effort, the Hurricanes could not stop the Orange when it mattered most, and Miami’s hopes of winning its first-ever ACC title were dashed. With the loss, they were officially eliminated from contention, ceding the championship game to Clemson and SMU, who will face off Saturday in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“Mario Cristobal and his staff (did an) amazing job,” Syracuse coach Fran Brown said of his opponent after the win. “I hope we get to see those guys in the playoffs, because they’re an amazing team. I’m just really proud that I had an opportunity to go against them.”
Miami’s postseason picture, indeed, remains in flux. The Hurricanes, still sitting at 10-2, could technically still make it into the 12-team College Football Playoff, but the chances are slim, whereas, had they won the ACC, they would have received an automatic berth.
The loss to Syracuse leaves them with a significant hit to their resume, and two losses in the past three games, whereas the winner of the Clemson and SMU game will receive an automatic berth into the CFP.
Ward’s solid performance against the Orange — 349 yards and two touchdowns — and his season statistics (4,123 passing yards and 36 touchdowns) likely won’t be enough to propel him into the top spot of the Heisman Trophy race either. Though he still may be a finalist, this loss likely damaged his chances of winning the prestigious trophy, awarded to the top player in college football on Dec. 14.
If the voting committee doesn’t invite Miami into the CFP, the Hurricanes will still head to a major bowl game, but their opponent won’t be determined until Sunday.
A season on the brink
The fallout from this game is massive. Miami entered the day with everything to play for, but walked away with the biggest loss in years.
The Canes were on the brink of their first ACC title and a potential playoff berth, but now may have to settle for a traditional bowl matchup — something that will feel like a consolation prize after what transpired on Saturday.
Miami’s dream season may not be completely over, but this loss will likely be the one that defines it.
