Miami vs. Texas A&M: Miami's Keys to Victory
The Miami Hurricanes and Texas A&M Aggies have intriguing matchups all across the lineups. But for Miami, it will be won and lost in the trenches and in the secondary.
Miami Must Continue to Emphasize The Run Game
In last year's matchup with the Aggies, the Hurricanes ran the ball well. But, having that 175 yards while averaging 4.9 yards per carry did not matter, for it was the big "0" under the "TD" column that lost Miami the game. Miami undoubtedly has more depth and more talent on the offensive line and in the running back department.
Ajay Allen, Mark Fletcher, Henry Parrish Jr., and Don Chaney Jr. all rushed for over 4.5 yards per carry against Miami of Ohio for a total of 250 yards. All four will have a role against Texas A&M. For the first time in a long time, the Hurricane tailbacks will have the luxury of running behind what looked to be a a good offensive line, based on Game 1.
Center Matthew Lee and guards Javion Cohen and Anez Cooper are a force to be reckoned with on the inside. They, aside from Miami's cornerbacks, have debatably the largest task in the game: blocking the Aggies front of Walter Nolen, McKinnley Jackson and LT Overton.
The Miami Secondary Has to be Elite
Why? Because they're lining up against an elite crop of wideouts and a strong-armed quarterback. Evan Stewart, the Aggies' highly-touted sophomore wideout, has already matched his touchdown totals from last season with two.
Noah Thomas, a 6'6, 200-pound rangy receiver logged three touchdowns against New Mexico State. Thomas has the advantage of size over each Miami cornerback who saw snaps against Miami (OH). Thomas presents as a clear-cut option when it comes to situations in the red zone.
Miami rotated its cornerbacks often against Miami (OH) and performed nicely. But the Aggies will be this new-look cornerback room's first big test and they will have to be strong in coverage, for Texas A&M, under Bobby Petrino, likes to air the ball out.
Tyler Van Dyke Must Be More Efficient
Van Dyke was efficient and made smart decisions against Miami (OH), aside from an errant throw that was intercepted. But against Texas A&M last year, Van Dyke did the opposite.
Van Dyke had a 51% completion percentage and threw for 217 yards against the Aggies. Van Dyke struggled to complete passes last year, but he won't be able to afford to make bad passes and expect the game to be close like last year. Texas A&M has many of the same faces on defense and has rejuvenation in its offense. Texas A&M will likely put up more points than they did last year against the Hurricanes.
Van Dyke and the offense will need to stay in the rhythm they found against Miami (OH) and carry it into the matchup with the Aggies. If Miami can accomplish all three points listed, it should have done enough to win itself a non-conference matchup with an SEC opponent.
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