Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward did not hold back in expressing his displeasure with the College Football Playoff (CFP) committee’s most recent rankings, which placed Miami at No. 12, just behind Alabama, despite a 10-2 record. Ward’s remarks came after Miami’s exclusion from the 12-team projected playoff bracket, which many believed was a harsh decision given the Hurricanes’ strong performance throughout the season. The committee’s rankings ignited a firestorm of criticism, especially from Miami fans and Ward himself, who felt the committee’s decision was not based on merit or a comprehensive analysis of the team’s strengths.
Ward spoke out on the ACC Network, making it clear that he was frustrated by the rankings. “I mean, at the end of the day, those boys in that committee, I really doubt they watch tape or not,” Ward said, referring to the committee members. His comments suggested that the decision-making process was flawed, as he believed that a deeper dive into the Hurricanes’ season would have shown that they deserved a spot in the 12-team playoff picture. Ward didn’t hold back in criticizing the committee’s rationale, stressing that the Hurricanes’ 10-2 record should have been enough to warrant inclusion, especially when compared to Alabama’s 9-3 record.
The Hurricanes, who suffered a setback in their regular-season finale against Syracuse, which ultimately cost them an opportunity to play in the ACC Championship Game, appeared to be on the outside looking in for a potential playoff spot. Despite the loss, Ward pointed out that Miami had several strong attributes that should have boosted its case, including a potent offense and a stout defense that he argued were better than Alabama’s. “Not saying Alabama’s not a good team, which they are, but let’s talk about them points,” Ward continued, referencing Miami’s offensive strength, which was one of the best in the nation.
Ward made it clear that the Hurricanes boast one of the top rosters in the country, calling attention to their superior defense and dynamic offensive playmakers. “We’ve got a top-25 defense, which is actually one of the best defenses in the country,” he asserted, adding that Miami’s defense is a critical part of the team’s success. He also highlighted the strength of their offense, which ranked as the top scoring offense in the nation at 44.2 points per game. Miami’s offensive unit, led by Ward at quarterback, has proven itself capable of putting up massive numbers, whether through the air or on the ground. He mentioned that the team has two standout running backs, Damien Martinez and Mark Fletcher Jr., who have been pivotal to the team’s success this season. Ward’s passionate defense of his team was clear, as he stated that both sides of the ball were functioning at a high level and that the Hurricanes deserved more respect from the CFP committee.
Despite Miami’s offensive firepower and strong defensive play, the committee’s decision to exclude the Hurricanes from the projected playoff bracket was likely influenced by their weaker schedule. According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, Miami ranked No. 55 in strength of schedule, and their resume lacked wins over top-25 teams, which is a key factor for the committee when evaluating playoff-worthy teams. This weak schedule has been a significant point of contention, with critics arguing that Miami’s exclusion was primarily based on their lack of marquee victories.
In contrast, Alabama, which had a three-loss record and finished the season with an unimpressive resume, earned a spot ahead of Miami. Alabama’s schedule, ranked No. 17 in strength of schedule, featured several top-25 wins, including a notable victory over No. 2 Georgia at home. The committee’s decision to place Alabama ahead of Miami, despite Miami’s superior overall record and offensive prowess, left many—including Ward—scratching their heads. For Ward, the committee’s treatment of Alabama contrasted sharply with Miami’s stronger all-around play, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
Ward also expressed frustration with the lack of consistency in how the committee applied its ranking criteria. He believed the committee overlooked Miami’s accomplishments while giving undue weight to Alabama’s resume, despite their three losses, one of which came in a humiliating defeat to Oklahoma. In Ward’s view, the inconsistency in the rankings further exemplified the flaws of the CFP system, which has been under scrutiny for years due to controversies and perceived biases in the selection process. Miami fans and other observers of college football shared Ward’s sentiment, feeling that the Hurricanes were unfairly treated in the latest rankings.
Ward’s comments shed light on the ongoing debate surrounding the fairness of the CFP rankings, even as the committee expands the playoff field to 12 teams. While the expansion was meant to reduce controversies and include more deserving teams, it appears that the same issues are still prevalent. Critics argue that the committee continues to prioritize certain teams, such as Alabama, while ignoring the accomplishments of others like Miami. Ward’s frustration with the ranking process is a reflection of a broader sentiment among college football fans, who feel that the CFP system remains deeply flawed and subjective.
As the CFP continues to navigate its expanded playoff format, it’s clear that Ward’s comments represent a larger conversation about fairness, consistency, and the role of the committee in determining which teams deserve a shot at the national title. Miami’s exclusion from the 12-team bracket may have been a wake-up call for the committee to reevaluate how it handles team rankings and what criteria it should prioritize moving forward. Whether or not the committee takes Ward’s criticisms into account remains to be seen, but it’s undeniable that the controversy surrounding the rankings will continue to fuel debates among fans, analysts, and players alike.
In conclusion, Cam Ward’s pointed remarks about the CFP committee’s latest rankings reflect a larger issue with the playoff system—one that has plagued college football for years. As the Hurricanes are left out of the postseason picture, Ward’s defense of his team will resonate with those who believe that the CFP process needs significant reform. Ward’s passionate call for fairness highlights the disconnect between on-field performance and the committee’s subjective rankings, sparking a conversation that may lead to further changes in how college football determines its playoff teams in the future.
