Miami Eyeing ACC Title After Defeating Duke

Before fifth-ranked Miami starts making hotel reservations for the College Football Playoff and another trip to the national championship game, the Hurricanes should accomplish something they have failed to do for 22 years. For all the tradition and five national championships, Miami has never won an ACC championship since joining the conference in 2004. That represents a glaring gap for a program that once measured success in national titles. ## Bianchi Miami ACC Drought Discussion This reality was underscored following a 36-25 victory over Duke on Saturday. Facing his former school, quarterback Darian Mensah threw for 382 yards, while running back Javian Mallory scored three touchdowns to secure the win. The victory improved Miami to 9-1 overall and 7-0 in the conference, extending their winning streak to 11 games and leaving them as the only unbeaten team in ACC play with two regular-season games remaining. > Miami is one win away from clinching a spot in the final ACC championship game. While national championship talk surrounds the program, the Hurricanes still must capture their first conference title. When Miami and Florida State joined the conference in 2004, they were expected to dominate and elevate the ACC. Instead, Miami has delivered zero conference titles over two decades, leading to questions about whether the marquee programs have let down the league. The current season marks the final year of the ACC championship game before an expanded 24-team playoff replaces it next year. If the game were played today, Miami would face 11th-ranked Wake Forest, presenting an immediate test. Coach Mario Cristobal has assembled a talented roster capable of contending, but the team must first secure the conference crown before focusing on broader national ambitions. ## Why it matters This situation highlights the pressure on traditional powerhouse programs to deliver conference titles alongside national ambitions. For Miami, winning the final ACC championship game offers a chance to erase a 22-year conference drought before the playoff format changes next season.