**Miami Hurricanes Dominate Pitt Panthers to Keep ACC Title Hopes Alive**
The No. 12 Miami Hurricanes delivered a commanding performance on the road against the No. 22 Pitt Panthers, securing a 38-7 victory that keeps their ACC championship and College Football Playoff aspirations intact. With this win, Miami improved to 10-2 for the season and 6-2 in conference play, while the Panthers, now 8-3, also hold a 6-2 record in the ACC.
Despite their current standing, Miami still requires favorable outcomes in other games to enhance their chances for a CFP berth. The ACC champion, to be determined next Saturday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, is expected to earn an automatic spot in the playoffs. As of Week 14, Miami was positioned sixth in the ACC standings.
With their primary goal achieved by defeating the Panthers, the Hurricanes will now monitor the outcomes of other conference games. Several scenarios could lead Miami to the ACC title game, including losses by Virginia (currently first in the standings), SMU (second and a team that previously defeated Miami), and Duke (5-2 in conference play despite a 6-5 overall record). Additionally, the rivalry game between N.C. State and North Carolina could influence the standings.
For Miami to secure an at-large bid, they will need several teams to lose, including No. 10 Alabama, which recently fell to Oklahoma, and No. 11 BYU, which must lose to UCF at home. Miami received a boost when the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes defeated No. 15 Michigan, effectively ending Michigan’s CFP hopes.
In their decisive victory over Pitt, quarterback Carson Beck threw three touchdown passes, completing 23 of 29 attempts for 267 yards, despite one interception. Beck’s performance was complemented by Malachi Toney, who caught the first touchdown of the game, a nine-yard pass to Elija Lofton in the second quarter. Toney later caught a 22-yard touchdown pass from Beck, extending Miami’s lead to 17-7. CJ Daniels and CharMar Brown also contributed with touchdown receptions, while Mark Fletcher Jr. added a rushing touchdown.
Throughout the season, the Hurricanes, led by head coach Mario Cristobal, have expressed their belief that the CFP should recognize their team more favorably, especially in light of Notre Dame’s higher ranking.
**FAQ**
*What do the Miami Hurricanes need to secure a spot in the ACC Championship?*
The Hurricanes need several teams to lose in upcoming games, including Virginia, SMU, and Duke, to improve their chances of reaching the ACC title game.
