Miami Hurricanes Athletic Director Dan Radakovich voiced his frustration following the College Football Playoff (CFP) committee’s latest ranking reveal, which placed Alabama ahead of Miami for the final playoff spot. Radakovich’s pointed comment, “Really ?? ….what put Bama over the top of Miami for the last spot,” sparked a wave of reactions among fans and analysts alike.
Radakovich’s frustration is rooted in what he perceives as an inconsistent application of the committee’s criteria. Miami and Alabama had closely contested resumes, and many fans felt the Hurricanes had a compelling case for inclusion.
The Numbers and Narrative
Miami ended the regular season with an impressive record, securing key wins against top-ranked opponents and clinching the ACC title in dominant fashion. Critics of Alabama’s inclusion argue that the Crimson Tide’s schedule lacked marquee wins, and their single loss to a mid-tier opponent further complicated their case.
Conversely, Alabama benefited from their storied reputation, a challenging SEC schedule, and late-season momentum, including a significant win over a high-ranked rival. The committee’s decision suggests they weighed Alabama’s “eye test” and strength of schedule more heavily than Miami’s achievements.
Radakovich’s Argument
Radakovich’s frustration likely stems from the perception that Miami’s resume wasn’t given equal consideration. While he didn’t elaborate on what he believed tipped the scales in Alabama’s favor, his comment points to a growing debate about transparency and fairness in the CFP selection process.
“Miami deserved better,” one fan tweeted in response to Radakovich’s remark. “How can you ignore their dominance in the ACC and put Alabama in just because they’re Alabama?”
Broader Implications
This controversy highlights ongoing criticisms of the CFP system. Detractors argue that subjective criteria, such as reputation and perceived potential, often overshadow on-field performance. Miami’s omission could reignite calls for expanding the playoff format to include more teams, ensuring that deserving programs like Miami don’t miss out.
Moving Forward
For Miami, the focus will now shift to their bowl game and preparing for next season. Radakovich’s vocal response signals Miami’s determination to continue building a program that not only competes but forces the CFP committee to take notice.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the Hurricanes feel slighted, and their athletic director isn’t afraid to say so. Whether this sparks meaningful changes in the playoff selection process remains to be seen. For now, Miami fans are left to wonder what could have been.
