Miami Hurricanes vs Texas A&M Aggies Staff Predictions
Article photo of Miami safety James Williams; credit to Brian Smith.
The Miami Hurricanes play the Texas A&M Aggies on Saturday. It's a matchup between two physical teams that have each established their offensive dominance based on the first game each squad played.
The defensive units are loaded with talent as well. Now, which football team comes home with a victory?
The All Hurricanes staff makes its final score predictions and why they picked that way, right here:
Brian Smith, Publisher: Miami 31, Texas A&M 27
As noted in the Tyler Van Dyke versus Conner Weigman article, the Canes hold a decided advantage with quarterback experience. At some point, that's going to bite the Aggies. Could be a throw that's up for grabs after Weigman has been pressured and/or hit, it could be frustration that Miami's defense showed him something he's not been familiar with, but at some point, he's going to make a big mistake.
Both teams will struggle to consistently run the football against big-time talent along each defensive line; the key will be chunk-yardage plays for each offense. Sustaining drives will be quite difficult for the Canes and Aggies.
The dagger for the Canes will be Xavier Restrepo getting loose in the middle of the field against man coverage and going the distance for a 50-yard score in the fourth quarter. A&M's cornerbacks are good, but so are Miami's wide receivers.
This will be a come-from-behind victory for Miami. The Canes will have few answers for wide receiver Evan Stewart, but the run defense keeps Miami close until Restrepo's touchdown.
Alex Donno, Writer: Miami 27, Texas A&M 24
I see a close, physical game. Both Miami and A&M look better than they did last season, so there isn't much I can take from last year's matchup.
The Hurricanes must keep consistent pressure on Aggies quarterback Conner Weigman. If given too much time to throw, receivers Noah Thomas, Evan Stewart and Ainias Smith can gash Miami (or anyone) through the air.
A&M has a talented defensive line but they've been vulnerable against the rush. That's where Miami wins this game. The push up front from Matt Lee and Javion Cohen and the rotation from running backs Henry Parrish, Mark Fletcher Jr, Ajay Allen and Don Chaney Jr can set the tone.
Tyler Van Dyke will need to hit some big shots down field. Colbie Young and Tyler Harrell should get plenty of looks. Miami's defense needs to tackle as well as they did against Miami of Ohio.
Liam Willerup, Writer: Miami 24, Texas A&M 21
Miami lost a physical matchup last year, but I think being away from Kyle Field this time around gives the slight edge to the Hurricanes. While I could see this matchup going either way, I think that Miami will come out more determined to win this game than the Aggies will.
It all starts in the trenches, where despite the notable names Texas A&M boasts, the production return hasn't been what you'd expect. Outside of Francis Mauigoa, Miami's line is a veteran one and players like Matt Lee and Javion Cohen have seen their share of big games before.
The X-factor for Miami remains Tyler Van Dyke, who will need to play at the level we've seen glimpses of in the past. If he can throw the ball like he did in his 2021 campaign alongside his strong run game, it will be hard for Texas A&M to keep the Hurricanes' offense in check.
Regardless of outcome, I think this is a game one in the fourth quarter where someone emerges as a star under the bright lights.
Corey Carmona, a.k.a. Chalupa Batman, Podcaster: Miami 24, Texas A&M 20
Miami ran the ball effectively against Texas A&M in 2022 but were forced to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns. That fact ultimately cost them the game. Converting short yardage opportunities on third down, and in the red zone, will be one of the keys to success for Miami in 2023.
Mario Cristobal and Alex Mirabal did a great job retooling the offensive line heading into the 2023 season adding veterans Matt Lee and Javion Cohen as well as 5-star offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa. Miami ran the ball effectively behind their new look offensive line against the RedHawks in week 1 averaging over 3 yards per carry before contact. Staying ahead of the chains on early downs will open up the play-action game and create big plays for Tyler Van Dyke and the receiving corps.
The Aggies showcased an explosive passing game in week 1 against New Mexico, one way to prevent their offense from lighting up the score board is to run the football, eat up clock and keep that high powered offense on the sideline. I believe the Canes have the depth in the backfield as well as the talent up front to run the ball effectively, control the game and come away with a win.
Rowdy Baribeau, Writer: Miami 34, Texas A&M 27
After Miami lost to Texas A&M in 2022, the Hurricanes completely fell apart. The Aggies didn't finish great either. However, coach Mario Cristobal flipped the roster over during the offseason and the Hurricanes look and play a lot different.
Texas A&M has a solidified QB1 in former five-star quarterback Conner Weigman. Weigman wasted no time developing strong chemistry with his receivers, Noah Thomas, Evan Stewart and veteran Ainias Smith. As opposed to Tyler Van Dyke, in week one, Weigman pushed the ball down the field more. Granted, it certainly seemed as if Miami was playing with a condensed playbook offensively.
Van Dyke was pressured early and often in last year's matchup. I believe Van Dyke will have the luxury of operating behind a vastly improved offensive line and it will lead to more connections through the air, even on deep balls. I believe the game will be won and lost in the trenches, much like it was last year. This time, with the improvement on both sides up front, I believe Miami has the tools to beat the Aggies and avenge its 2022 performance.
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