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.

After a tug-of-war in the first half, No. 8 Miami (4-0) pulled away in the second half and notched a 50-15 win over upstart USF (2-2), which has proven its mettle in closely fought games against both UM and Alabama. The Hurricanes are 6-1 all-time against the Bulls.

The No. 8 Miami Hurricanes continued their torrid start to the season with a 50-15 blowout of the USF Bulls on Saturday at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium to improve to 4-0 on the season.