Hurricanes Ride 2nd Quarter Surge to 48-33 Win Over Aggies

A strong second quarter from the Miami Hurricanes helped them overcome a strong start from the Texas A&M Aggies.

After a hot start that looked like it could be a continuation of the season-opener for the Texas A&M Aggies, quickly turned as the Miami Hurricanes got the better of them from the second quarter on.

The start to the rematch in Hard Rock Stadium couldn't have been much better for the Aggies. The A&M defense got off the field quickly with a three-and-out in the first drive of the game, before a blocked punt set up a quick touchdown to take an early lead. 

Then after another three-and-out from the Miami Hurricanes, A&M was able to tack on a field goal before the Canes responded with a touchdown and got a stop on defense, it was a muffed punt that allowed A&M to take back the momentum as a nine-yard Amari Daniels run gave the Aggies 17-7 lead early in the second quarter. 

Yet, from then on it was all Miami to end the first half as the Canes scored 14 unanswered points to take a 21-17 lead into the locker room at halftime.

That is where the Aggies went to work in the third quarter as they came out of the locker room and were able to get on the board for the first time since the touchdown following the muffed punt. A 28-yard Randy Bond field goal capped off a 12-play 58-yard drive for the Aggies as they pulled within a point. 

Miami would then waste little time responding, as they answered with the kickoff return as Canes' kick returner Brashard Smith returned the kick 98 yards to extend the lead to eight points at 28-20. 

Looking to flip the momentum back to the Aggies side, quarterback Conner Weigman was picked off for the first time in his career as Miami safety Kamren Kinchens returned it 28 yards, setting up a 34-yard field goal further extending the lead. 

Needing a response after the costly interception, Weigman led the Aggies 75 yards on seven plays, as his precision through the air saw him complete all five of his passes for 71 yards and a score as he found Earnest Crownover.

Just when the Aggies look set to take back the lead after forcing a punt, another costly mistake, this time a fumble by Daniels, gifted Miami a short field, which they capitalized on as quarterback Tyler Van Dyke found his fourth touchdown pass of the day to take a 12-point, 38-26 lead.

Even after another Aggies punt and Miami being able to add a field goal on to their lead, Weigman and the A&M offense didn't back down as they drove 74 yards in six plays before the sophomore signal-caller found Noah Thomas for a touchdown. 

Needing a stop on third-and-eight the A&M defense surrendered not only a first down but a game-sealing 64-yard touchdown pass to Jacolby George late in the fourth quarter as the Hurricanes beat the Aggies 48-33.