The Hurricanes made key adjustments at halftime and rolled to a dominant win over. QB Cam Ward had another strong game, and UM’s defense kept USF’s run offense in check.

After years of false starts and false hope ended in Miami mediocrity, it’s time to take the No. 8 Hurricanes seriously. Their 50-15 win over USF at Raymond James Stadium looked like validation that these ’Canes are the ACC favorites and contenders for the College Football Playoff — not merely to make the 12-team field but to have a shot at making a run.

Miami, aided by a pair of big third-down conversions and four USF penalties, marched 75 yards down the field on its opening drive, with running back Damien Martinez capping it with a 2-yard rushing touchdown. Martinez also had a 14-yard catch-and-run on a third down midway through the drive.