A run to a championship requires a number of particular things to go a program’s way. Naturally, teams make their own fortunes. At least the best ones do. However, in addition to talent, the path for all teams to get to the postseason is woefully unequal. Some programs have to go through a number of […]
A run to a championship requires a number of particular things to go a program’s way. Naturally, teams make their own fortunes. At least the best ones do.
Advertisement
However, in addition to talent, the path for all teams to get to the postseason is woefully unequal. Some programs have to go through a number of playoff-caliber teams, where trip ups can occur. Others’ paths are particularly lighter, as CBS Sports pointed out recently by highlighting their top 10 easiest schedules among Power Four programs.
The Miami Hurricanes found themselves smack dab in the middle of CBS Sports college football writer Brad Crawford’s list at No. 5. Crawford notes the absence of two teams that tripped them up last year – SMU and Louisville – from the Canes’ schedule this year.
Advertisement
CBS Sports ranks Miami’s schedule fifth easiest among all Power Four schools
“The ACC draw for the Hurricanes is extremely manageable compared to what Power Four title threats endure this fall,” Crawford wrote. “Miami will be at least a touchdown favorite in every contest except one — at Notre Dame — and miss both of the ACC opponents that handed the Hurricanes losses last fall (SMU, Louisville).”
Crawford went on to note how the Hurricanes lack any major stretch of tough games, or a “gauntlet”, that they don’t have a landmine road trip waiting for them after their Stanford road trip, and that they get a week off between two of their biggest games of the year – at Clemson and home against archrival Florida State.
Advertisement
All in all, it’s a relatively favorable schedule, as only two teams on the Canes’ slate this fall – Notre Dame (No. 5) and Clemson (No. 22) – appear in CBS Sports’ post-spring top 25 ranking.
Still, Miami will have to take care of the contests in front of them regardless of how perceived “easy” their schedule may be. Virginia Tech could be a different animal with James Franklin on the sideline, and Pitt and Duke will both be looking for blood late in the season – the Panthers to avenge a loss, and the Blue Devils to avenge the loss of their quarterback, new Miami starter Darian Mensah.
This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: Miami Hurricanes have a built in advantage that other title contenders don’t, and it could be their ticket back to the playoff
© 2026 A to Z Sports.
