Projecting the College Football Playoff top 12 after Week 6 - ESPN

Following his second touchdown of the night, Miami receiver CJ Daniels looked directly into the ESPN camera and sang the FSU war chant.

The U isn't just back — so is its swagger.

Miami owns the state of Florida, having knocked down South Florida, Florida and Florida State, further cementing its case for the top team in the country. Penn State's stunning loss at UCLA doesn't help Oregon. Texas losing in The Swamp doesn't help Ohio State.

Miami earning its first road win — against an FSU team that beat a now-surging Alabama — helped the Canes further legitimize what could be their first No. 1 ranking in the CFP era. The 13-member selection committee doesn't release its first ranking until Nov. 4, but this is the latest projection of what the group's top 12 would look like if it were released today.

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Why they could be here: The Canes have the best combination of eye test and résumé, with wins against Notre Dame, South Florida, Florida and now Florida State. The Canes earned their first road win of the season, and they did it against their in-state rival, officially claiming the unofficial state title. Miami also entered Week 6 ranked No. 10 in the country in total efficiency and No. 4 in ESPN's strength of record metric. The Canes are checking all of the boxes for the committee's No. 1 team, including star power with quarterback Carson Beck and defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr.

Why they could be lower: Undefeated Ohio State won at Minnesota, but it's hard to imagine the committee members giving the Buckeyes the nod for the top spot given Miami's résumé — unless they truly believed Ohio State is more talented.

Need to know: That was likely Miami's last chance to impress the selection committee