Why Aggies vs. Hurricanes Was Named a 'Must-Watch'

Texas A&M will have its first opportunity to be tested in Week 2 as they head on the road to face the Miami Hurricanes in a rematch from last season's defensive slugfest.

After both teams comfortably handled inferior opponents in their season-openers, Week 2 will provide a potential marquee matchup for the Texas A&M Aggies and the Miami Hurricanes. 

To complete the home-and-series that kicked off last season in Kyle Field, the Aggies will travel to Hard Rock Stadium to try and sweep the Hurricanes. If this game were played back in the 1990s, it would've been one of the biggest in the country, while now it seems like it is flying under the radar for the most part as the Aggies' rivals, the Texas Longhorns, are set to play Alabama. 

Yet, even with the Longhorns traveling to Tuscaloosa and Miami not being a ranked team by either of the polls, USA Today has Saturday's game between A&M and the Hurricanes as a "must-watch."

"Both teams handled overmatched opponents as good teams should in Week 1, setting up what could be an interesting clash in the Sunshine State. A&M defeated the Hurricanes in a lackluster 17-9 contest last season, but both teams appear to have more competence on the offensive side this time," USA Today writes. "Aggies QB Conner Weigman torched New Mexico for five TD passes without a pick under new coordinator Bobby Petrino. Hurricanes QB Tyler Van Dyke wasn’t quite as prolific against the other Miami from Ohio last week, but RBs Henry Parrish and Mark Fletcher lent plenty of ground support."

Both teams are coming off wins where they put up points thanks to strong quarterback play, which could make this matchup a "must-watch" just for the potential that points could be put up in bunches. 

A high-scoring game where defense is at a premium would be a far cry from the type of game last season, where the Aggies gutted out a 17-9 over a Hurricanes team that was the subject of much preseason hype.

Neither passing game got going as A&M's Max Johnson threw for just 140 yards and a touchdown, while Miami's Van Dyke did better with 217 yards but without any scores. The Aggies offense relied heavily on the explosiveness of now-Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane, who rushed for 88 yards on 18 carries and added 44 yards and a score on four receptions.

It turned out to be a defensive slugfest between two of the most hyped-up teams from the offseason, who happened to both finish with a 5-7 record. While it is still very possible that this year's game goes a similar way, Aggie fans will be hoping to see their offense under new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino continue to put up points. 

Kickoff on Saturday for the Aggies and Hurricanes is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. (CT), as the two teams will meet in Hard Rock Stadium.