Miami's Ward: I doubt CFP committee watches tape
Miami quarterback Cam Ward ripped the College Football Playoff committee's penultimate rankings after his team was given the No. 12 seed. Barring any reconsideration from the committee, the Hurricanes are projected to miss the first edition of the 12-team playoff despite their 10-2 record.
"I mean at the end of the day, them boys who in that committee, I really doubt they watch tape or not," Ward said on the ACC Network, according to ON3's Thomas Goldkamp. "I mean you can't. I mean we're a 10-2 team. Not saying Alabama's not a good team, which they are, but let's talk about them points. That's probably the biggest factor, I believe."
Alabama (9-3) jumped ahead of Miami in Tuesday's rankings, and CFP chair Warde Manuel explained that the decision to slot the Crimson Tide ahead of the Canes was because the SEC program defeated better opponents. The Tide own a 3-1 mark against current top-25 programs and boast wins over Georgia, LSU, and Missouri. Alabama also owns a 6-1 mark against teams above .500, while Miami is 4-2.
Miami dropped six spots in the CFP rankings following an upset 42-38 loss to the Syracuse in its regular-season finale and will watch as SMU and Clemson play in the ACC title game Saturday.
The Hurricanes began the season 9-0 before losing two of their final three games. They lead the country with 44.2 points per game and are among the FBS' top 30 units in total defense (319.8)
"We've got a top-25 defense, which is actually one of the best defenses in the country," said Ward. "So both sides of the ball, we're one of the best teams in the country."
ACC commissioner Jim Phillips shared his dismay with the committee's decision Tuesday, saying the Canes are deserving of making the playoff.
Ward was named the ACC Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year on Wednesday after setting a new school single-season record with 4,123 yards and 36 touchdowns. The fifth-year senior tied Case Keenum for most career TDs (155) in Division I.
The final CFP rankings will be unveiled Sunday following the conference championship games, which go Friday and Saturday.