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.

Fueled by three total rushing touchdowns by Damien Martinez, including two in the second half, and another stellar performance from quarterback Cam Ward, No. 8 Miami pulled away from USF and left Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium with a 50-15 road win.

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.