‘I just don’t see it.’ Former Hurricane Calais Campbell doesn’t understand how UM ranked below Alabama
Calais Campbell wasn’t too happy about his Hurricanes’ ranking.
The Miami Dolphins defensive tackle sounded off about the College Football Playoff (CFP) committee’s selection process. Specifically, Campbell took issue with how his alma mater was ranked below the University of Alabama.
“I feel a certain kind of way,” the former University of Miami standout said. “I think that Miami should be in the playoffs. I think that the team is capable of beating anybody, and we can put up points at the highest level. Obviously, the selection committee has a tough job on their hands because there’s so many teams that feel like they’re worthy, but I don’t see how you could watch Miami every game and think they’re not one of the best 12 teams and have a chance to compete for a national championship, I just don’t see it.”
The CFP committee slotted UM at No. 12 but Alabama at No. 11. UM suffered its second loss to Syracuse in the final game of the season to finish 10-2. Meanwhile, Alabama sustained a blowout, third loss to an unranked Oklahoma team in its second-to-last game before beating Auburn to finish 9-3. Based off record alone, Campbell was unsure how Miami didn’t crack in the top 11.
“We should have won those games, but you lose two games against teams that are pretty good teams on the road, last second, they’re close ball games,” Campbell said. “It’s not like we got dominated like some teams did, we just lost a tough ball game on the road which is turnovers and everything that played a role.”
“Watch yo mouth!” quipped Dolphins defensive tackle D’Shawn Hand, who attended Alabama.
The CFP expanded to 12 teams ahead of the 2024 season. Although UM would make the playoffs if it started today, there’s not a Big 12 team currently in the top-12. The five highest-ranked conference champions receive automatic bids to the playoffs which likely means that UM will be bounced by early next week. Alabama, however, will likely be one of four SEC teams to make the CFP.
“I do think that they’re overvaluing the SEC this year,” Campbell said. “I guess when the playoffs come and we see what happens, we’ll see how it goes. I am an avid football fan; I love football, and I think the playoffs is a great addition, going to 12 teams instead of four. Just more football, more games that matter, it’s good for the sport. I’m just happy that we have these conversations, but I do wish Miami was there.”
Campbell wasn’t the only Hurricane that voiced his displeasure with the CFP committee. Heisman hopeful Cam Ward told the ACC Network that he didn’t think that the committee actually watched the games.
“I mean at the end of the day them boys who in that committee, I really doubt they watch tape or not,” Ward said Wednesday on the ACC Network. “I mean you can’t, I mean, we’re a 10-2 team. Not saying ‘s not a good team, which they are, but let’s talk about them points. That’s probably the biggest factor, I believe.”
Added Ward: “We’ve got a top 25 defense, which is actually one of the best defenses in the country. So both sides of the ball, we’re one of the best teams in the country. You talk about an offense who puts points on the board left and right, whether it’s passing, whether it’s throwing. We’ve got two great running backs in the backfield in [Damien Martinez] and [Mark Fletcher Jr.], so it’s hard to leave that out.”
Ward then doubled down on X, the social media platform formally known as Twitter.
“Tell them boys go watch that REAL tape not no highlights,” Ward posted.
