Story by
Miami Hurricanes Top Poll After Historic 38-35 Win Over North Carolina
- Story by
- Miami Hurricanes Top Poll After Historic 38-35 Win Over North Carolina
Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Hurricanes are sitting at the top of the world after a wild 38-35 victory over North Carolina. That win keeps them perfect at 8-0 and 6-0 in the ACC. But the real shocker is that they did not just win; they set a new standard for the program. According to Yahoo Sports , the team holds the number one spot in the US LBM Coaches Poll released on Sunday. This is a massive jump from where they started in 2025, when they opened the rankings at 18th and climbed until being defeated by Indiana at home.
Mark Fletcher Jr. did something no one expected to see again in his career. To claim the program's record for most career touchdowns, the running back scored three touchdowns. He now has 38 touchdowns, a number that stands as a new record for Miami history. According to Sports Talk Florida, the offense was firing on all cylinders, scoring on six of their seven possessions. That kind of efficiency is rare and shows why they are the team to beat right now. The defense had to work hard, but the offense kept the pressure on the Tar Heels all night long.
Advertisement
The Road to the Final Four
Notre Dame is the next big hurdle and they are ranked sixth in the new poll. Miami likely must be defeated by the Fighting Irish to repair an otherwise weak College Football Playoff resume. According to Yahoo Sports, this matchup could decide their fate in the tournament. The first set of rankings for the playoff will be unveiled on Tuesday, Nov. 3. That means the pressure is on both teams to perform right now. Georgia moved up one spot to No. 2, while Indiana sits at No. 3 after a tough overtime win against Minnesota. Ohio State, which was second, dropped to 10th after losing at USC. The race is tight and every point counts.
The game in Chapel Hill was a battle that went down to the wire. Billy Edwards threw for 341 yards and four touchdowns to keep North Carolina in striking distance. Although the Tar Heels fought hard, Miami generated key rushing plays in the final moments. Bursts late in the game secured the win and ended a five-game losing streak versus the Tar Heels. According to Sports Talk Florida, the team clawed their way up to the top spot with this hard-fought road win at Kenan Stadium. It was not an easy night, but they got the job done when it mattered most.
What the Numbers Say
The stats tell a story of a team that refuses to lose. Miami has won every single game this season and now leads the nation. They beat a strong North Carolina squad by three points in a game that could have gone either way. The 38 points scored shows an offense that can put up big numbers against anyone. Fletcher's 38 career touchdowns is a mark that will stand for a long time. The team has proven they can win on the road and handle the pressure of being number one.
Next up is a clash with Notre Dame that feels like a playoff game already. If Miami wins, they solidify their spot as the favorite.
