TJ Chapman
Editor
When the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes (10-2) face the No. 7 Texas A&M Aggies (11-1) Saturday, many believe this game will be a defensive battle from start to finish.
That mentality is fueled by the statistics for both teams’ defenses. In scoring defense, Miami gives up 13.83 points per game, good for 6th in the FBS. A&M gives up 21.92 points per game, tied for 41st. Like Miami, A&M’s offense is high-powered, averaging 36.3 points and 454.4 yards per game. However, A&M is more balanced in its offensive attack. QB Marcel Reed has thrown for 2,932 yards with 25 TDs and 10 INTs. Reed is also 2nd on the team in rushing with 466 yards and 6 TDs.
For as good as Miami’s defense has been, the offense is what has driven the Hurricanes this season. QB Carson Beck had an incredible regular season, completing 74.7 percent of his passes for 3,072 yards with 25 TDs and 10 INTs.
Beck’s favorite target has been phenomenal freshman WR Malachi Toney. The 5-8, 188-pounder from Liberty City, FL, has 84 catches for 970 yards and 7 TDs. The receptions are more than double the amount of the next highest Canes’ receiver.
WRs Keelan Marion and CJ Daniels are currently 2nd and 3rd, respectively, in receiving for Miami. The duo has combined for 76 catches for 948 yards and 8 TDs.
Miami has utilized a pass-heavy offense, but the run game has been good when needed. Junior Mark Fletcher, Jr. is the leading rusher with 685 yards and 10 TDs. Sophomore Charmar Brown has chipped in 389 yards and 5 TDs. In the passing game, both RBs have combined for 30 catches for 222 yards and 3 TDs.
In an environment like Kyle Field, which will be rocking, Miami needs to score quickly to take the crowd out of the game. The Hurricanes had issues with false start penalties early in the season, which cannot happen Saturday if the Canes want to win.
And with the defense of Texas A&M, which has smothered opponents this season, Miami will need to move the ball and finish drives with touchdowns. The Canes have not played in an environment like Kyle Field this season. 9 of their 12 games were played in the state of Florida. There won’t be a welcoming reception from the Aggie fans for Miami.
The Aggies ranked No. 21 in the FBS in pass defense, giving up only 182.8 passing yards per game. However, Texas A&M is not good at creating turnovers, getting only 3 INTs and 6 fumble recoveries this year.
A key battle will be between Miami’s offensive line and Texas A&M’s defensive front seven. A&M tied for 1st in the country with 41 sacks. DE Cashius Howell is tied for 4th with 11.5 sacks. The Aggies can get after the QB and will make things difficult for Beck. But Miami’s offense was tied for No. 8 in the FBS, allowing only 11 sacks.
Of A&M CBs, either Will Lee, III, Tyreek Chappell or Dezz Ricks will draw the assignment against Toney. That trio has combined for 16 passes defended. Whoever gets Toney will have his hands full.
The over/under for this game is currently listed at 48.5, not a particularly high number. For Miami to win, it will need to score early and often to silence the crowd.
Then it will need to rely on the run game and defense to bleed out the clock and minimize Texas A&M’s opportunities. If A&M’s offense is not kept in check, this will be a long game for Miami. However, the Canes can minimize the Aggies’ opportunities and will pull the road upset, 24-20, take the under.
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