Mack Rhoades calls out Miami's lack of 'consistency' after first College Football Playoff rankings reveal

While evaluating Miami after Tuesday’s first College Football Playoff Top 25 rankings reveal, selection committee chair Mack Rhoades said the Hurricanes can improve their standing in one key area. He cited their lack of “consistency” in the committee’s assessment.

Miami came in at No. 18 in the initial rankings Tuesday night. The Hurricanes are coming off their second loss of the season, falling to SMU in overtime to drop to 6-2 on the year. It also marks their second loss in three games after an upset loss to Louisville in Week 8.

To the selection committee, consistency is key for Miami, Rhoades said. That’s what the group wants to see more of as the season heads into the final stretch.

“I think, for Miami – I’m just gonna say it. For Miami, it’s about consistency and their lack of consistency,” Rhoades told reporters on a teleconference after the reveal show. “We just need to see more consistency out of Miami headed down the stretch.”

Miami started out the year strong, taking a 5-0 record into the matchup with Louisville. The Hurricanes got a marquee victory out of the gate, defeating Notre Dame at home in Week 1. They added to their resume with wins over Florida and Florida State, as well.

With the players in place, Rhoades said it’s hard to deny the talent Miami possesses this year. Specifically with the offense, the Hurricanes can put themselves in position to win.

“We all believe Miami’s got a talented team,” Rhoades said. “When you look at their roster, their roster composition, certainly think they’re good defensively. I think if they can maybe correct some of the lows that they’ve had, just in terms of turnovers. Certainly, on the offensive side of the ball, they can certainly have an opportunity to win games.”

Based on the first College Football Playoff rankings, Miami would be one of the next four teams out of the projected 12-team bracket. Only Virginia would make the cut from the ACC, and the Cavaliers would do so because there are spots for the five highest-ranked conference champions in the field. Because UVA is the highest-ranked ACC team, it’s the projected conference champion in this scenario.

In fact, Miami is one of three ACC teams knocking on the door of the 12-team bracket. Louisville checked in at No. 15 while Georgia Tech was at No. 17, one spot higher than the Hurricanes.