The Canes Prevail, Beating Texas A&M for First CFB Playoff Victory

This game was expected to showcase two top defenses, and it didn’t disappoint. A scoreless, sloppy first half followed by a thrilling defensive battle in the second half. The Hurricanes prevailed, winning 10-3 on the back of their defense and Mark Fletcher Jr. who had 17 carries for 172 yards.

Fletcher got the ball down the field on the final drive and Malachi Toney who had the fumble, and was tripped up on a punt, gets the games first, and only touchdown.

First Half

The first half was sloppy to say the least as the Canes and Aggies entered the half tied 0-0.

Miami missed two field goals; Texas A&M fumbled in Miami territory and had a 22-yard field goal blocked.

Miami’s best chance beyond the field goals came on a Malachi Toney punt return who was a shoestring tackle away from a Hurricanes touchdown. The tackle ultimately saved 7 points as the Hurricanes missed the ensuing field goal.

The teams were a combined 4-15 on third down, the Aggies failed a fake punt, and defense and mistakes were the story.

Miami was dominated by Marcel Reed through the air who went 12-17 for 113 yards, but either way entered half 0-0.

Second Half

Miami started with the ball and never looked back. Miami drove down the field easily in their first drive and came away with three points before coming away with an interception on the very next drive. Miami then looked to capitalize, but went three and out, and missed yet another field goal.

Miami’s defense allowed a field goal to tie the game with 8 minutes left and then while Miami was driving, Malachi Toney fumbled at midfield, halting all their momentum. But yet again Miami’s defense prevailed, forcing yet another punt. Corey Hetherman’s defense was ready to play, holding the 15th highest scoring offense (36.3PPG) to three points.

Then Mark Fletcher Jr. went for 56 yards, putting Miami in Aggie territory, the longest run of his career, on the biggest stage of them all.

The Canes defense had a scare on the Aggies final drive, having to hold the Aggies for four downs. As the Aggies got inside the ten with ease. Two incompletions and then freshmen Bryce Fitzgerald got his second interception of the game, sealing the victory.

Fletcher and the defense were the story, but Toney got his redemption and Mario Cristobal’s Hurricanes get the upset victory.

Other Stats

Miami’s defense had 7 sacks, 3 by Bain, 2 by Mesidor.

Bryce Fitzgerald 2 Interceptions

The Canes will go on to face the 2 seed Ohio State Buckeyes in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on New Years Eve. 7:30 PM EST.

Cover image via @CanesFootball https://x.com/CanesFootball/status/2002424592196145663/photo/1