Miami (FL) Hurricanes

Miami Hurricanes Ranked for the First Time Since 2013

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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For the first time since November 10, 2013, the Miami Hurricanes have cracked the top 25. They were 24th at that time. The Hurricanes made their 2016 poll debut at number 25 after a record-setting 70-3 win over Florida A&M. Miami will play their first game as a ranked team in three years on Saturday when they host Florida Atlantic.

The Hurricanes received 137 points in the poll to switch places with intrastate rival Florida who won their opener 24-7 over Massachusetts. The Gators received 117 points in the standings. Miami remained one spot behind the Gators in the USA Today Coaches Poll. Florida has 182 points and Miami 114.

Only eight players remain on the current roster from the 2013 team. They reached a season high ranking of seventh that season. Three straight losses plummeted them out of the top 25. In addition to this being the first time the ‘Canes have been ranked in three years, it is also the first time they have been ranked after week one since 2010.

The ranking is great for the fans, but Head Coach Mark Richt is not allowing freshman to speak to the media. He doesn’t want them to settle on all their accolades. Speaking to the press after practice today Richt said:

“I’m just trying to help them focus. They have school for the first time. They’re away from home for the first time. They’re playing games for the first time. They’re getting a lot of attention. I’m just trying to slow down the train for a little bit and let them settle a little bit.”

Two of Miami’s 2016 opponents are also in the rankings, number three Florida State and number 18 Notre Dame. North Carolina and Pittsburgh also received votes. The Tar Heels received 23 points and the Panthers seven.

The Hurricanes will face those four teams in a five-week span. It commences when they host FSU on October 8 and finishes November 5 when the Panthers get their first look at Hard Rock Stadium.

That’s still a month away. Miami has to focus on Florida Atlantic this week. The Owls opened their season with a 38-30 win over FCS Southern Illinois. The Owls trailed at halftime after SIU scored with eight seconds left in the half. The Salukis outgained FAU 530-452.

The difference in the game was field position. FAU started drives on average at their own 31, while SIU began on average at their own 23. The second half was even more pronounced. FAU’s average start was their own 35 and SIU their own 22.

Miami will have a 6:00pm EDT kickoff for the second straight week.