The stakes had never been higher at Kyle Field as Texas A&M and Miami squared off in the first round of the college football playoff. The story in this one going in was the play of the trenches on both sides. We expected fantastic defensive line play from the Aggies and Canes, and that rang true in the first half.
Texas A&M’s defense looked outstanding to begin the game. The Aggies limited Miami to just 69 first-half yards and sacked Carson Beck twice, including one forced fumble that the Canes recovered.
Offensively, the Aggies had more success moving the ball, but couldn’t capitalize as a fumble and a blocked kick wiped away scoring opportunities.
Miami missed some massive scoring opportunities of its own. The Hurricanes had two missed field goals in the first half – one set up by a huge punt return from Malachi Toney, one set up by a failed fake punt from the Aggies. The special teams left much to be desired as the contest went into halftime tied up 0-0.
The second half started with Miami carrying a drive all the way down to the Texas A&M two-yard line. The Aggie defense stepped up to limit Miami to a field goal. After that, it felt like a rehash of the first half. Both defenses limited the opposing offenses, and neither squad could tack on points in the third after Miami’s field goal.
Texas A&M would tie up the game in the fourth quarter after a field goal by Randy Bond, but were unable to do anything with a Miami fumble and punted the ball back to the Canes. The Texas A&M defense finally cracked as Mark Fletcher carried the ball deep into Texas A&M territory, taking advantage of the issues with run fits that have plagued the Aggies this season. Miami finally found the end zone on a jet sweep to Malachi Toney to take a 10-3 lead with under two minutes remaining in the contest.
Texas A&M got into scoring position with a chance to tie the game in the closing seconds, but Marcel Reed’s third turnover of the contest sealed the game. The pick ended the season for the Aggies and sent the Hurricanes on to the second round.
Key Takeaways:
- Run Fits. The same issue that plagued the Texas A&M defense against the Longhorns ended the season for the Aggies. Mark Fletcher had a career high in rushing yards, capped by a massive effort in the game-winning drive for the Canes.
- Special Teams. Miami blocked a field goal and had a massive punt return into Texas A&M territory. The Aggies also had a fake punt that failed and set up Miami with great field position.
- Turnovers. Marcel Reed turned the ball over three times. Two interceptions and a fumble. That was the difference in the game.
- No moral victories but….. 11-2 in year two under Mike Elko is something to build on. The run defense and special teams have to be addressed, as does Marcel Reed’s development.
