Miami’s CFP hopes suffer a major blow after blowing a 21-0 lead against Syracuse; Clemson will play in the ACC title game

As the Miami Hurricanes control their own fate for the College Football Playoff, which begins Saturday, all they can do now is pray.

The Canes missed out on a spot in next week’s ACC Championship after falling to Syracuse 42-38.

Now Miami’s chances of making the 12-team playoffs look very slim.

Miami’s loss gave Clemson a chance at an ACC championship game. Now the winner of SMU-Clemson in the ACC title game will receive an automatic bid to the College Football Playoff.

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Jackson Meeks (7) of the Syracuse Orange reacts after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Miami Hurricanes at the JMA Wireless Dome on November 30, 2024 in Syracuse, NY (Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

The Hurricanes scored early and often and took a 21-0 lead early in the second quarter. But the Orange prevailed and tied the game on the first drive of the second half.

However, late in the third period, with the game tied 28-28, Syracuse’s Devin Grant recovered a fumble and returned it 56 yards to the house to give Syracuse the lead. Miami responded with a touchdown, but the Orange responded with another.

On 4th-and-goal at the 15-yard line late in the game, the Hurricanes made the odd decision to kick a field goal to cut their deficit to four. Granted, the score would have required a 15-yard play, but Miami also risked not touching the ball for the rest of the game and still needing a touchdown.

That’s exactly what happened. Syracuse had three first downs to end the game.

LeQuint Allen (1) of the Syracuse Orange scores a touchdown in the second quarter against the Miami Hurricanes at the JMA Wireless Dome on November 30, 2024 in Syracuse, NY (Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

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Saturday marked the fourth time this season that Miami entered the fourth quarter trailing. However, this time it didn’t work out in his favor.

In what could be his final game against Miami, Cam Ward completed 25 of his 36 passes for 349 yards. Kyle McCord gained 380 yards in 26:36.

The loss also opens the door for Alabama, which entered Saturday ranked No. 13 in the country. The Crimson Tide took care of business by winning the Iron Bowl against Auburn.

Syracuse Orange quarterback Kyle McCord (6) drops back to pass against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at the JMA Wireless Dome. (Rich Barnes/Imagn Images)

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Now all the Canes can do is wait.

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