The Canes survive a defensive slugfest.
The Miami Hurricanes won its first ever game in the CFP today against Texas A&M in Kyle Field, 10-3. It was a defensive struggle for nearly four quarters, with both teams finally showing some life on offense late in the game.
Carson Beck was 14-20 for only 103 yards and one touchdown. Mark Fletcher Jr. was huge carrying the rock for Miami: 17 carries for 172 yards, including 75 yards on the game-winning drive. Keelan Marion led the Canes in receiving with three catches for 33 yards. Malachi Toney only had 22 yards on five receptions, but he scored on the touch pass from Beck to seal the game.
Marcel Reed was 25-39 for 237 yards, but committed three turnovers, including two second-half interceptions. Reed was also the leading rusher for the Aggies, with 27 yards on 15 carries. However, he was sacked seven times to curb that total. Mario Craver led the way in receiving with seven receptions for 92 yards.
Texas A&M received the opening kickoff and had some success in its first drive, converting three consecutive third downs. Still, the Aggies were forced to punt after a false start made it 4th and 11 in Miami territory. After returning the favor by forcing a Hurricanes punt, we got some action. Cornerback Keionte Scott showed why he was such a big part of Miami‘s defense this season, as he forced a fumble by Reed at the Miami 29-yard line.
The Aggies finally made a big play on offense in the second quarter, a 59-yard throw from Reed to Mario Craver that brought them to Miami’s 11-yard line. However, A&M came away with no points after a blocked field goal by Rueben Bain Jr.
After more stout defense by both teams, Toney finally made a big play. This time it was on special teams. Toney turned the corner after some good blocks and returned a punt for 55 yards to the Texas A&M 25-yard line. Despite the momentum, the Aggies held the Hurricanes to a three-and-out. Even worse, Miami kicker Carter Davis missed a 47-yard field goal that appeared to be affected by the swirling winds at Kyle Field today.
Texas A&M had its second special teams miscue of the game, as a fake punt didn’t convert. Still, the Hurricanes were unable to take advantage yet again, with Davis missing his second field goal of the game, this time from 4o yards out. This was the first game in the CFP era to go to halftime scoreless. That’s something I guess.
Miami finally broke the scoreless tie on its opening drive of the third quarter. Carter Davis made this third field goal attempt, this time from only 21 yards out. On Texas A&M’s first possession of the second half, the Hurricanes forced their second turnover of the game. This one was a Reed interception by freshman safety Bryce Fitzgerald.
The Aggie defense stepped up again, preventing a Miami touchdown. That stung especially hard, considering Davis went on to miss his third field goal of the game, this one from 35 yards. After more ineffective offense for both teams, the third quarter ended with Miami up 3-0.
Texas A&M finally tied the game midway through the fourth quarter on a 35-yard field goal by previously-benched kicker Randy Bond. After a nice run by Fletcher, the Aggies forced its first turnover of the game. Malachi Toney had the ball knocked out of his hands after a catch. The fumble was recovered by Daymion Sanford. Luckily for the Hurricanes, they forced yet another punt to give themselves a chance to win the game.
Fletcher was incredible on the final drive of the game, carrying the ball five times for 75 yards. Toney capped off the drive with a short catch-and-run touchdown from the 11-yard line. It was a great play call from Shannon Dawson.
The Aggies got the ball back with 1:44 left in the game. Reed promptly led them down the field, having a first and goal at the Miami 5-yard line. However, on third down, Reed threw behind his receiver, giving Miami safety Bryce Fitzgerald his second interception of the game and sealing the win for the Hurricanes.
Next up: #10 Miami plays #2 Ohio State in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX on New Year’s Eve at 7:30 PM EST.
Category: General Sports
