Miami Upsets No. 7 Texas A&M 10-3 to Advance in College Football Playoff

The Miami Hurricanes are moving on in the College Football Playoff. They stunned the No. 7 Texas A&M Aggies 10-3 at Kyle Field on Saturday. A dominant defensive performance and a powerful rushing attack paved the way. The victory sends Miami to a quarterfinal matchup against Ohio State.

It was an ugly, hard-fought win defined by brutal wind and offensive struggles. The Hurricanes overcame three missed field goals and a shaky passing game. According to reports from the game, winds gusted near 30 mph all afternoon.

Defense Delivers a Masterclass in Adverse Conditions

The story was Miami’s defense. The unit held a potent Texas A&M offense to a single field goal. They recorded seven sacks and forced two critical interceptions.

Freshman safety Bryce Fitzgerald grabbed both picks. His second interception in the endzone sealed the victory in the final minute. The defensive front harassed Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed relentlessly all game.

Fletcher’s Second-Half Surge Powers Limited Offense

Miami’s offense sputtered for most of the contest. Quarterback Carson Beck struggled in the difficult conditions. The team managed just 69 total yards in the entire first half.

The breakthrough came on the ground. Junior running back Mark Fletcher Jr. exploded in the second half. He finished with 172 rushing yards on just 17 carries, averaging over 10 yards per attempt.

His bruising runs wore down the Aggies defense. They set up the game’s only touchdown. With under two minutes left, receiver Malachi Toney scored on a jet sweep from 15 yards out.

That lone touchdown was enough. The defense made the 10-3 lead stand up. The final whistle triggered a celebration for the visiting Hurricanes.

The Miami Hurricanes proved that elite defense and a strong run game can win in the College Football Playoff, even when other units struggle. They now face their biggest test of the season.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Who will Miami play next in the playoff?

The Hurricanes advance to face the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes. That quarterfinal game will be played at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas. Ohio State is the reigning national champion.

Why was the scoring so low in this game?

Extreme wind conditions severely impacted passing and kicking. Miami’s kicker also missed three field goal attempts. Both defenses played exceptionally well, creating a classic playoff slugfest.

Who was the player of the game for Miami?

Running back Mark Fletcher Jr. was the offensive catalyst with 172 rushing yards. Defensively, freshman Bryce Fitzgerald was pivotal with two game-sealing interceptions. The entire defensive unit deserves immense credit.

How did Miami’s defense perform so well?

They applied constant pressure, resulting in seven sacks. The secondary locked down receivers and created two turnovers. According to game statistics, they consistently won on third down.

Did the wind really affect the game that much?

Yes. Reports from Kyle Field confirmed sustained 30 mph gusts. The wind disrupted passing accuracy, play-calling, and especially field goal attempts. It was a major factor in the low score.