In a game where offense was non-existent and kicking appeared impossible, Miami scraped away a 10-3 win over Texas A&M. Despite the lackluster performance from both sides, there is plenty to takeaway from the game as we look ahead to Ohio State’s Dec. 31 matchup against Miami.
1) Ground Game
Neither Texas A&M or Miami had been particularly impressive running the ball so far this season. Miami has the 142nd ranked rushing offense, and Texas A&M has the 63rd ranked rushing offense.
But on Saturday, Miami’s rushing
attack, led by former Ohio State commit Mark Fletcher, made the difference in the game. Fletcher had 172 yards on 17 carries, including a clutch 56 yard run late in the game.
If Ohio State can avoid letting Fletcher break off explosive runs, I like Ohio State’s chances at stopping Miami’s ground game.
2) Kicking Woes
Thank goodness that Ohio State’s matchup against Miami will be indoors. Otherwise, not a single field goal would be made between the two teams.
Miami kicker Carter Davis went 1-for-4 on field goal attempts on the day. Texas A&M’s kicker missed a field goal as well. In all fairness, the wind was clearly a significant factor in the run game.
When Ohio State and Miami do face off, don’t expect any kicks over 45 yards to even be attempted.
3) Pass Rush
Don’t poke the bear.
A few of Texas A&M’s offensive lineman expressed some extreme confidence about their matchup with Miami’s edge-rushing duo in the week leading up to the game. It’s safe to say that Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor did not appreciate that.
Bain had three sacks against the Aggies, and Mesidor had 1.5 sacks. Miami, as a team, got to A&M quarterback Marcel Reed seven times.
First, I encourage Ohio State’s offensive lineman to choose their words carefully. Second, preventing Bain and Mesidor from wrecking the game will be a crucial part of Ohio State’s game plan against Miami.
4. Malachi Toney
Beyond Mark Fletcher, Malachi Toney was Miami’s only other threat against Texas A&M.
Toney attempted a pass, took three carries, and had five receptions, which included the game’s only touchdown. Toney also returns punts.
Toney does it all for Miami, and he is only a freshman. The rest of Miami’s receiving core does not strike much fear in me, but Toney is a player you have to account for at all times. Preventing Toney from getting in space and using his speed will be paramount to an Ohio State victory.
5. Brick Wall
I already highlighted Miami’s pass-rush prowess, but their defensive line also shut down Texas A&M’s run game.
Texas A&M was held to 2.5 yards per carry. Because of this, Marcel Reed was forced to throw 39 times. Reed wound up throwing two costly interceptions.
Texas A&M fell directly into Miami’s trap. Miami had clearly hoped that Texas A&M would give up on the run game and start to throw the ball excessively.
Ohio State has to avoid that trap. While Sayin is a much better passer than Reed, a game that Ohio State throws the ball 40 times and has no run game is not a winning recipe.
The Buckeyes better get creative in these next 10 days.
