Talking offensive and defensive lines for the first College Football Playoff game in Kyle Field history
The regular season closed out with a sour note as Texas A&M fell 27-17 to Texas in Austin. The Aggies have had some time to dwell on that loss, but the good news is there is still plenty to play for as Texas A&M makes its first College Football Playoff appearance.
As the #7 seed, the Aggies host #10 Miami in what is sure to be a barnburner of a contest at Kyle Field. The offensive and defensive lines are going to be a massive story in this one, so let’s dive into what Texas A&M needs to do in the trenches to come out on top.
Offensive Line
In Miami, Texas A&M faces one of the strongest defensive line units in the country. The group is headlined by Rueben Bain at end, but you don’t become the 7th rushing defense in the nation courtesy of one player. The Hurricanes have a rotation of players, including Ahmad Moten on the interior, who excel at stuffing the run.
The Canes are also a top 20 team in the nation for sacks, meaning this Aggie OL will have their work cut out for them. Normally, we talk about using the run game to set up the pass. I think the talent of Miami’s front will limit Texas A&M’s ability to find success rushing early on.
Instead, I believe Texas A&M will use a quick passing game as a pseudo-rushing attack to try to spread Miami out a bit. If the Aggies can hit on a series of completions outside and get Marcel Reed into a rhythm, then I think they can lean on the offensive line in the interior, especially if Le’Veon Moss can return to the lineup.
Still, this will be a massive challenge for the A&M offensive line. Protecting Marcel Reed and having no dumb penalties are a must in a competition of this magnitude.
Defensive Line
The challenge isn’t any easier for the Texas A&M defensive line. Miami has not been great at running the ball in 2025, but don’t let that shape your perception of this offensive line. This unit is extremely experienced and excels at protecting the passer. This should be a fascinating matchup of good vs. good as Texas A&M is near the top of the country in sacks, while Miami is top ten in sacks allowed.
Creating pressure is going to be crucial in this one, as the path to victory for Texas A&M revolves around confusing Carson Beck. In the two losses Miami has suffered, Beck threw a combined six interceptions. The Aggies can create those mistakes by simulating pressures and presenting different looks ahead of the snap. Force Beck to hold on to the ball a little bit longer, and it allows the pass rush unit to get home, even against an elite offensive line like the Hurricanes possess.
In the rushing attack, it comes down to discipline. The Aggies simply must be better at maintaining gaps and making the correct fits. Miami is not a team that likes to run the ball, but if Texas A&M’s run fits are off, the Canes can find success just as easily as Texas did.
I ultimately think Texas A&M rises to the challenge on Saturday, but I expect this contest to go right down to the end. Give me the Aggies 28-27 in a nailbiter.
#BTHOmiami
Category: General Sports
