Miami Hurricanes fans were in shock after Tuesday night's release of the final College Football Playoff rankings. The team, which many had expected to make the playoff despite their Week 14 loss to Syracuse, saw their hopes dashed when they were ranked No. 12, becoming the first team out. Meanwhile, Alabama claimed the No. 11 spot and secured the final playoff berth.

Frustration from Athletic Director

Unsurprisingly, the decision did not sit well with Miami supporters, including University of Miami athletic director Dan Radakovich. Shortly after the rankings were announced, Radakovich took to social media to express his disappointment. "Really?? …," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "What put Bama over the top of Miami for the last spot in is that Miami went 1-2 in their last 3 games (by an average of 4.5 pts, to a ranked Syracuse and GT team that just took UGA to 8OT). Bama went 2-1 (to 5-7 Auburn, destroyed by OU, and beat FCS Mercer)."

Three Years of Revival Efforts

Dan Radakovich, along with head coach Mario Cristobal, was brought in three years ago with the goal of reviving Miami's storied football program. This season seemed to be a turning point, as the Hurricanes finished 10-2 behind the nation's No. 1 offense, led by Heisman Trophy contender Cam Ward. The team showed great potential throughout the season, but their losses to Georgia Tech and Syracuse ultimately left them vulnerable to the CFP committee's judgment.

For a program that had been on the rise and seemed poised to return to national prominence, being left out of the playoff is a tough pill to swallow. The Hurricanes had moments of brilliance, but their inability to close out games cost them dearly. It serves as a reminder of the challenges that still lie ahead for "The U" as they strive to reach the top again.

Season of Promise and Disappointment

What started as a season filled with hope and high expectations has ended in disappointment for Miami fans. Despite the progress made this year, the frustration of falling short is palpable. The team had the talent and the potential to make a deep playoff run, but they couldn't capitalize on their opportunities. This setback will likely fuel their determination to come back stronger next season and prove that they belong among the elite in college football.

Miami fans will be hoping that this disappointment will serve as a catalyst for future success. The program has a rich history and a loyal fan base, and they are eager to see the Hurricanes back on top. With the right leadership and continued hard work, Miami has the potential to bounce back and achieve great things in the years to come.