Game To Watch: #13 Miami at #24 Texas A&M: September 17, 2022

Miami makes the trip to College Station for an out of conference match-up against Texas A&M this Saturday at 9:00 EST. The Hurricanes have consecutive wins over Bethune-Cookman and Southern Miss under their belt as they have built up to this challenge. The Aggies struggled offensively in a 17 -14 home loss to Appalachian State last week and are currently 1 – 1. Miami is hoping to build on their early season success, while the Aggies plan to right the ship on Saturday.

Recent History

There have been very few games between these two schools, Miami has won two of the three times they have played one another. Texas A&M won in 1944 and Miami won a home and home series in 2007 and 2008. There is some familiarity with the coaches, Jimbo Fisher’s last head coaching job was at Florida State where he faced Miami regularly.

Top 25 Players

What To Watch For…

More Defense?

Through the first two weeks of the season both teams have been able to count on their defense to keep the opponent in check. Texas A&M has allowed 8.5 points per game, giving up a high of 17 to Appalachian State last week, while Miami has held opponents to 10 points per game. There is a lot to like about both of these defenses and they should play well again on Saturday.

Miami relies on the depth of their defensive line and the excellent play of their safeties. The Hurricanes hit the transfer portal hard, adding the likes of Mitchell Agude from UCLA, Akheem Mesidor from West Virginia, Jacob Lichtenstein from USC, Antonio Moultrie from UAB and Darrell Jackson from Maryland. The added depth and experience takes pressure off second year star Leonard Taylor and true freshmen Nyjalik Kelly, creating a deep and productive rotation. On the back end, James Williams and Kamren Kinchens have been excellent making plays and keeping opponents from making big plays against them. Miami hasn’t played a dynamic offense yet, but that test won’t come this Saturday.

Texas A&M replaced some star power up-front on defense, but they have recruited a plethora of young talent that has been getting reps. The Aggies faced an Appalachian State team that scored 61 points the week before and held them to 17 last game. With the young and talented players getting experience, this defense will only get better as the season moves forward. The next step on that journey, comes Saturday against a Miami offense that is relatively unproven to this point.

Aggies Need to Find Offensive Rhythm

Texas A&M has not looked in sync offensively in 2022. Even in the win against Sam Houston State, there were a few good plays, but the offense was never able to establish a rhythm. The competition was tougher last week and that made the offensive inconsistencies more easily recognizable. The Aggies have to go back to the drawing board and simplify things for their young quarterback.

The Aggies struggles start with the offensive line, which has failed to open up running lanes or provide consistent protection. It might be beneficial for Texas A&M to use the short passing game and screen game as an extension of the running game, allowing their athletes to get in space and make plays. If they spread Miami out horizontally, the Hurricanes will not be able to commit as many defenders in the box and that might make things easier for the running game to get on track. For this to work, Haynes King will need to be sharp with his decision making to get the ball to the right spot on time. If they are able to neutralize Miami’s pass rush with a quick passing game, that will also discourage Miami from bringing pressure and give King time to start to take shots downfield later in the game.

If the Aggies are able to start simple and get a few big plays on easy completions that will do wonders for the rest of their offense. Obviously, Miami will try to make simple look complicated and confuse Texas A&M’s young quarterback.

Miami’s Receivers Have to Step Up

Miami has leaned on their running game early this season and with good reason. Henry Parrish and Thad Franklin have led the way, averaging 170 yards per game between the two of them. The Hurricanes haven’t needed to do much in the passing game and when the running game is working, there’s no need to over-complicate things.

Miami has at times, taken some shots in the passing game but a true number one receiver has not yet emerged. Xavier Restrepo leads the team with 11 catches, but no other player has more the 5 catches this season. The receivers can be inconsistent against Bethune-Cookman and Southern Miss and the offense will still be OK, but to attack a good Aggies defense, they will need to make some plays downfield. Texas A&M will attack the running game and force Tyler Van-Dyke to take shots downfield. We know the second year quarterback can make the throws, but the Hurricanes need their receivers to get open and make the plays when their number is called.

Prediction

The defenses will control the game early, but as they feel each other out the offenses will find their moments. The team that adjusts quicker to what they are seeing will have the advantage in this one. Tyler Van Dyke’s experience should make that easier for Miami giving the Hurricanes the edge they need in a close game. Miami 21 Texas A&M 16.

Students At Kyle Field image taken by Stuart Seeger is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

For more content like this don’t forget to subscribe to our website.

For the latest content follow us on twitter @saturdayscfb & @cfbsaturdaysC or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CFBSaturday