The hurricanes have been halted, so the ACC’s weather is changing. Mario Cristobal and Miami (9-1, 5-1 in conference play) ran out of comebacks for once, as they fell 23-28 to a Georgia Tech team that’s making it a habit to punch above their weight class. While this is their only slip-up yet, it was enough to cast an orange cloud over their CFP hopes. The Clemson Tigers (7-2, 6-1 in conference play) were chomping at the bit for this opening. The window of opportunity seemed to be shutting on Dabo Swinney’s outfit, however the Canes’ misstep presents a backdoor entry into the postseason. CFB analyst and broadcaster Joel Klatt gave his rationale on Miami’s predicament and how this aids Clemson.

In the latest edition of The Joel Klatt Show, the namesake voiced concerns over Miami’s precarious situation from here on out. “I just don’t love where they’re at if they were to lose again. And here’s the thing. If they lose in the regular season, there’s a good chance that they don’t get to the ACC championship game. Clemson might get into that spot, because remember, Clemson’s last ACC game is actually this weekend against Pitt. So if they win, then Miami cannot stub their toe. Or else Clemson would go to the ACC championship game”.

The ACC Conference Championship game in Charlotte is now poised to be a win-and-you’re-in affair. With no teams expected to go through via the rankings, the teams will look to the new CFP format for a caveat. Each conference winner gets an automatic spot in the postseason. So far, this rule seemed beneath an unbeaten Miami team. Now, Cristobal and co. are thankful for it. The Canes have 2 conference matchups left and will need to win out in all likelihood.

Apart from Miami and Clemson, SMU (8-1, 5-0 in conference play) are in the mix. They lead the chasing pack for now, however their place in Charlotte is not set in stone either. SMU has 3 games left against ACC opposition to contend with. Curiously, none of these teams face each other this season. This conference and playoff berth is bound to go to the wire, and CFB fans are here for it.

Miami lose their opportunity by losing the committee’s approval

Mario Cristobal’s unit were a lofty no.4 in the CFP rankings merely a week ago. One Saturday on, they sit in no.9. That is still inside the 12-team threshold for making the cut. However, Joel Klatt does not believe they will remain within the confines if they do not win out.

“Even if they were to lose in the ACC championship game, like, I don’t love their argument in that case [as] an 11-2 [team] over some of those SEC teams, in particular, a Georgia with the schedule that they’ve played. So Miami is kind of in a situation where their backs are against the wall”, said Klatt. Cristobal has to tread carefully and avoid a repeat of the untimely loss to Georgia Tech.

College Football is a fickle sport with the dynamics changing ever so quickly. One week you’re an unbeaten, dark-horse for the Natty with the Heisman favorite in your ranks. The next you’re standing on the precipice of missing the playoffs outright. The drama remains the same either way. Mario Cristobal will need to shrug off the loss and lead a bounce-back performance this weekend. Wake Forest shall visit the Hard Rock Stadium, seeking to add insult to injury.