The Miami Hurricanes appeared as the clear favorites to compete for an ACC title and earn a spot in the college football playoffs to start the season. The offense was flowing tremendously and the defense was strong, coming with crucial stops, with defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. at the helm. He also received recognition as a Heisman Trophy candidate.

At one point, the Hurricanes had the most victories against ranked opponents, as well as won the in-state battle. They faced the South Florida Bulls, Florida Gators, and the Florida State Seminoles on their home turf and strongly won each game. The Hurricanes were the unofficial champions of the "Sunshine State." The team was 5-0 in that span and was riding the highest of highs, until adversity struck.

In a home game against the Louisville Cardinals, an unranked ACC opponent, the Hurricanes lost in upsetting fashion, with a final score of 24-21. The results may paint the picture that it was a back-and-forth battle on the field, but that's the farthest from the truth.

Louisville had control of the game from beginning to end; they led by as many as 14 points. However, in the fourth quarter, the Hurricanes were putting together a comeback effort, even with a chance to win the game on the final drive. Then, on first and 10, already within field goal range to tie and send the game to overtime, quarterback Carson Beck threw an interception, his fourth of the game, and fell to defeat in heartbreaking fashion.

The Hurricanes managed to bounce back with a victory over the Stanford Cardinal, but then a tough loss against the SMU Mustangs put their backs against the wall. They were flagged down 12 towns with a loss of 96 yards.

However, in a similar fashion to Louisville, the Hurricanes had a couple of chances to win the game. First, in regulation, the Mustangs were on fourth and nine, down three after a missed field goal on the previous drive; another Hurricanes stop would increase their chances of winning. However, a penalty was called on defensive lineman Marquise Lightfoot, extending the drive, which resulted in a made field goal to send the game to overtime.

Despite the adversity, they still had a chance to win the game. On third and six, near the endzone, Beck threw for an interception, his second of the game. The Mustangs then scored and took the victory.

That's two losses in the last three weeks, which came from the Hurricanes' hands. Not only has it ruined their chances of competing for an ACC title, but also a spot in the postseason.

The first College Football Playoff Rankings were released and the Hurricanes finished in 18th, completely out of the picture.

This Saturday, the Hurricanes will face the Syracuse Orange at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time, another unranked ACC opponent. Afterwards, they will face the NC State Wolfpack in their last home game of the season, then finish with two road games against the Virginia Tech Hokies and Pitt Panthers.

It may not be enough to make a playoff push, so the Hurricanes can only hope the dominoes fall in their favor.