The U Makes The AP Top 10

1		2		3		4		5
6		7		8		9		10

Starting the season unranked and playing four ranked opponents, many did not gave Miami a chance to win a game on their first four tries; Florida State, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech and Oklahoma.

Today, after putting on a show in their first two games and winning (at No. 18 Florida State 38 – 34 and vs. No. 14 Georgia Tech 33 - 17) the Miami Hurricanes climbed up to number 9th in the AP Poll. ESPN’s ACC Blogger, Heather Dinich, posted the question; “Is Miami a top-10 team?” It is obvious that the coaches did not think so, because Miami made it at number 13th in the coaches poll, still a decent ascend from last week’s 20th ranking.

Postings and discussions about Miami going undefeated are already in the web and I have to admit that it is nice to be able to talk about your team in this situation, specially when living in Austin, in which all everyone ever talks about are the Longhorns. I also have to admit that I had a little chat/argument with one of my co-workers about who would be ranked on top if both Texas and the ‘Canes would go undefeated. But, the truth is that after just finishing week three non of it matters.

Is Miami a Top Ten school right now? I don’t think so, I do think that if they do what they are suppose to, they will be rank pretty high at the end of the season and if they do win out they will have a legitimate argument for the National Championship, but all that is a moo point if they don’t win next week, then the week after that and so on. I believe they should be able to win at Blacksburg, not easily, but they will be able to handle it. Their big test will come against Oklahoma and that is where they will really earn the Top Ten spot, at least in the eyes of the Nation. Although it is a wounded Oklahoma team (Sam may be back by that game), they still are a very respected national power.

Win or loose the next two games, Miami’s biggest challenge will be the next 8 teams. Teams that the ‘Canes should be able to handle easily. Why? You may ask, well game 1 at Florida State…. If you are a real Hurricane do you need anymore to get you hyped up than playing FSU? Maybe a lil’ Red Bull or ‘un cafécito,’ but not much more. Then, GT at home, a team which humiliated Miami a year ago, are the cheerleaders even necessary to get you hyped up? Then, the old buddy from the Big East, Virginia Tech, and pre-season pick to win the conference. Lastly, but definitely not least, the Oklahoma Sooners, Miami’s time to shine in front of a strong national stage…. if that doesn’t get you hyped up I don’t know what would.

The problem starts when they play the next 8 boring, ‘we are just playing you because we have to,’ teams… (except for maybe Clemson) Can they keep their tempo, electric atmosphere and swagger thru the end. Or, at least, will the desire to play FSU again in the conference championship keep them awake? This is where coach Shannon has to earn its keep and make them roar at Category 5 strength!