The Miami Hurricanes are set to fight for their College Football Playoff hopes in their regular season finale against the Pittsburgh Panthers, who are also vying for a spot in the ACC Championship Game.

Importance of the Matchup

Miami has made significant strides in the latest CFP rankings, moving past Utah following their impressive 17-point victory at Virginia Tech. Currently ranked No. 12, they are in striking distance of an at-large bid if they miss the ACC Championship.

Pittsburgh has seen their fortunes rise as well, entering the rankings at No. 22 after a crucial win over Georgia Tech. Narduzzi’s team aims to reclaim their title shot after a recent setback against Notre Dame.

Pathways to Victory

A victory for Pitt not only enhances their championship aspirations but would also require help from Virginia Tech or Cal to secure their place in the future title game. For Miami, their path remains viable, hinging on potential outcomes that favor their pursuit of the ACC title.

Key Insights

• Miami’s Performance: Miami has excelled in conference play, showing resilience with all five losses by a narrow margin of six points.
• Defensive Improvements: After finishing with a precarious defensive record last season, they now rank 7th nationally, allowing just 14.5 points per game, significantly bolstered by the appointment of Corey Heatherman as their defensive coordinator.

Game Details

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 29
• Time: 12 p.m. ET
• Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• TV: ESPN
• Live Stream: Fubo (Free trial available)

Prediction and Picks

If the Hurricanes maintain possession and minimize turnovers, they are expected to dominate the trenches and possibly secure a promising win. With an aggressive defensive style from Pitt, expect splash plays from Miami’s skill players to influence the outcome decisively.

Pick: Miami -6.5