College Station, TX – Qualifying for the College Football Playoff is a significant achievement, and maintaining that status presents an additional challenge.
This was particularly evident as the team faced an 11-win opponent on their home turf, in one of the most notable and vibrant venues in college football.
In such circumstances, a team’s resilience, determination, and ability to adapt to adversity become crucial. These qualities exemplify why the Miami Hurricanes have advanced to the next stage.
Powered by a standout performance from running back Mark Fletcher, Jr., and a dominant effort from their defense, the Hurricanes defeated Texas A&M 10-3 on a windy Saturday before a crowd of 104,122 at Kyle Field.
The No. 10 ranked Miami improved to 11-2 and will now compete in the CFP quarterfinals against the second-seeded Ohio State on New Year’s Eve at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl. The seventh-seeded Aggies concluded their season with an 11-2 record.
Fletcher achieved a career-high 172 rushing yards, and Miami’s defense executed a valiant effort, forcing three turnovers and limiting an offense that averaged 36.3 points per game to just a field goal.
Quarterback Carson Beck completed 14 of 20 passes for 103 yards and threw the game’s only touchdown—a 11-yard reception to wide receiver Malachi Toney, who also contributed five catches and a 55-yard punt return.
Safety Bryce Fitzgerald recorded two interceptions, including a crucial game-sealing pick in the end zone as the Aggies were attempting a drive to tie the game. Defensive end Reuben Bain contributed significantly with three sacks, four tackles for loss, and a blocked field goal. Cornerback Keionte Scott led Miami defensively with 10 tackles and two sacks, while safety Jakobe Thomas added nine tackles. Overall, the Canes registered seven sacks and limited the Aggies to 89 rushing yards on 35 carries.
Texas A&M executed 75 offensive plays, maintained possession for nearly 34 minutes, yet was unable to reach the end zone. Quarterback Marcel Reed completed 25 of 39 passes for 237 yards with two interceptions. Wide receiver Mario Craver led the team with seven catches for 92 yards. Safety Dalton Brooks contributed seven tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble.
The Aggies opened the game with the ball and converted two third downs with Reed’s runs to advance past midfield. On a subsequent fourth-and-six from the Miami 38-yard line, a false start penalty pushed them back, resulting in a punt, and Miami took over at their own eight-yard line. Fletcher gained a first down, but Will Lee broke up a third-down pass, and A&M regained possession at the 38.
Reed connected with tight end Nate Boerkircher for a 19-yard gain, but lost the ball two plays later when Scott forced a fumble on a rollout, recovered by Armando Blount at the Miami 32. The Aggies’ defense held strong, and after a muffed punt by wide receiver KC Concepion that was recovered at the A&M 13, Miami was forced to punt as the first quarter concluded.
A&M’s defense responded with a quick three-and-out. On the next offensive play, Reed found Craver deep for a 59-yard completion to the Miami 11. However, the Canes’ defense stiffened, and the Aggies settled for a 22-yard field goal attempt by Jared Zirkel, which was blocked by Bain, leaving the game scoreless.
Fletcher’s 17-yard run provided Miami with some breathing room, but A&M’s defense forced another punt. The Aggies failed to advance, and Toney returned the ensuing punt 55 yards to the A&M 25. Brooks sacked quarterback Beck on third down, and Carter Davis’s 47-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right.
On fourth-and-four from their 46, A&M attempted a fake punt, but Tyler White’s pass was incomplete, giving Miami an opportunity to score before halftime. Beck completed a 14-yard pass to CJ Daniels and an eight-yard pass to Elija Lofton to set up a 40-yard field goal attempt by Davis, which was pushed right, leaving the score tied at zero at halftime.
In the second half, Beck opened with a 15-yard pass to Daniels followed by a 20-yard completion to Keelan Marion. Three plays later, Fletcher broke through on the left side for a 24-yard run to the A&M 10-yard line. Although the Aggies’ defense held, Davis successfully kicked a 21-yard field goal to put Miami on the scoreboard.
Following this, Fitzgerald intercepted Reed and returned 36 yards to the Aggies’ 20-yard line. However, Beck’s third-down pass was broken up, and Davis’s 35-yard field goal attempt hit the left upright, resulting in no points.
Both teams exchanged punts before A&M drove methodically into the red zone. Reed completed three third-down passes and connected with Craver for 12 yards, moving the ball inside the 20-yard line. Miami’s defense limited them to a 35-yard field goal attempt by Randy Bond, which was successful, tying the game at 3-3 with 8:03 remaining.
Fletcher opened the next drive with a 16-yard run, and Beck connected with Toney for 12 yards. However, Brooks forced a fumble, and linebacker Daymion Sanford recovered the ball at the Aggies’ 47-yard line. On third and six from the Miami 38-yard line, Bain tackled Reed behind the line of scrimmage, forcing the team to punt.
Miami gained possession at its own 14-yard line, and Fletcher advanced the ball with a 56-yard run to the Aggies’ 30-yard line. He carried the ball on the following four plays, setting up a third and five from the 11-yard line. From the shotgun, Beck threw a shovel pass to Toney, who sprinted around the right side for the first touchdown of the game. The Hurricanes took a 10-3 lead with 1:44 remaining in the first half.
A roughing the passer penalty on Blount moved the ball past midfield, and Reed found Boerkircher for a 14-yard gain. Running back EJ Smith then advanced the ball into the red zone, and Reed completed a 14-yard pass to Concepcion, setting up first and goal at the five-yard line. Three plays later, Fitzgerald intercepted Reed in the end zone, securing the victory for the team.
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