Miami Tops First College Football Playoff Rankings

The committee’s first College Football Playoff rankings put Miami at No. 1, matching the Hurricanes’ position in the two major national polls. Miami is one of three teams still unbeaten and has a top-20 victory, along with two players considered Heisman Trophy candidates.

Committee chairman Hunter Yurachek said Miami’s offense stood out, citing its quarterback and receiver playmakers, productive running attack and the team’s performance on defense. He said the committee was in broad agreement about placing the Hurricanes first, while ranking the teams below them prompted more debate.

Georgia is No. 2 with a 7-1 record, and undefeated Utah is No. 3 at 8-0. The committee has previously grouped Miami and Notre Dame among the leading teams, but the first rankings did not include that group of four until the final poll before conference championship weekend.

Miami’s next game is against Notre Dame, which is ranked 11th, in South Bend on Saturday. Yurachek said a win would strengthen Miami’s hold on the top spot. The matchup also gives the Hurricanes a chance to damage Notre Dame’s playoff prospects.