The Miami Hurricanes can only hope now as they control their own destiny as the College Football Playoff begins Saturday.
The Canes lost to Syracuse 42-38, missing out on next week's ACC Championship.
Right now, it's very likely that Miami will make it to the 12-team playoffs.
Miami's loss gave Clemson a spot in the ACC Championship Game. The winner of the ACC title game between SMU and Clemson will now receive an automatic bid to the College Football Playoff.
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Syracuse Orange player Jackson Meeks, 7, reacts after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Miami Hurricanes at JMA Wireless Dome on November 30, 2024 in Syracuse, New York. (Brian M. Bennett/Getty Images)
The Hurricanes scored early and often, building a 21-0 lead early in the second quarter. However, the Orange held out on their first drive of the second half to tie the game.
However, late in the third, with the game tied at 28 yards, Syracuse's Devin Grant picked up a fumble and returned the ball 56 yards to the house, giving Syracuse the lead. Miami responded with a touchdown, and the Orange responded with a touchdown as well.
On their fourth and goal late in the game, at their own 15-yard line, the Hurricanes made the strange decision to kick a field goal to cut the deficit to four points. Sure, it took a 15-yard play to score, but Miami still needed a touchdown and risked not touching the ball for the rest of the game.
That's exactly what happened. Syracuse finished the game with three first downs.
LeQuint Allen (1) of the Syracuse Orange scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the Miami Hurricanes at JMA Wireless Dome on November 30, 2024 in Syracuse, New York. (Brian M. Bennett/Getty Images)
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Saturday marked the fourth time this season that Miami entered the fourth quarter behind. But this time it didn't work.
In what could be his last game against Miami, Cam Ward completed 25 of 36 passes for 349 yards. Kyle McCord completed 26 of 36 for 380 yards in the win.
The loss also opens the door for Alabama, which entered Saturday ranked No. 13 in the nation. The Crimson Tide took care of business by defeating Auburn in the Iron Bowl.
Syracuse Orange quarterback Kyle McCord, 6, steps down to make a pass during the first half of a game against the Miami Hurricanes at JMA Wireless Dome. (Rich Burns/Imagine Images)
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All Keynes can do is wait.
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