The Miami Hurricanes will leapfrog Florida State into second place behind Oklahoma in the new Bowl Championship Series standings Monday, according to projections by Chicago-area mathematician Jerry Palm, who has successfully and accurately predicted the BCS standings for three years.
The BCS formula weighs both major polls, eight computer rankings, won-lost records and strength of schedule in determining which teams will play for the national title in the Orange Bowl. Florida State’s strength-of-schedule rating took a hit this week when it clobbered 1-8 Wake Forest 35-6. The Hurricanes, meanwhile, drubbed 5-4 Pitt 35-7.
Hurricane fans have contended that Miami deserves to be ahead of FSU in the standings because it won the head-to-head matchup, but until this week the Seminoles had an advantage in the computers.
Palm said Miami’s edge could be shortlived, though. A Florida State victory Saturday over Florida, No. 4 in this week’s BCS standings, could propel the Seminoles back into second place.