Texas A&M’s Playoff Dreams Dashed by Miami’s Ground Game in Defensive Struggle

The seventh-ranked Texas A&M Aggies saw their 2025 season end in a painful 10-3 loss to the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes. The College Football Playoff first-round game unfolded at Kyle Field in College Station on a windy Saturday. The Aggies’ once-promising campaign concluded with a defensive collapse that proved decisive.

According to reports from ESPN and The Athletic, a critical weakness finally caught up with the team. A stout run defense earlier in the year completely broke down in the second half. This failure handed Miami the victory and a ticket to face Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.

Hurricanes’ Fletcher Unstoppable as Aggie Defense Falters

The first half was a defensive stalemate. Neither team could score a point. Miami running back Mark Fletcher Jr. was held to just 40 yards before halftime. The game’s momentum shifted dramatically after the break.

Fletcher exploded in the second half. His first carry went for 24 yards. The junior running back saved his best work for the fourth quarter. He broke a massive 56-yard run, stiff-arming a defender for over 20 yards.

That run set up Miami’s only touchdown. It was a critical sequence. Fletcher finished the day with 172 rushing yards on 17 carries. His performance directly led to the Hurricanes’ go-ahead score with under two minutes left.

Season Ends on Final Drive Interception

Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed tried to mount a last-minute comeback. He drove the Aggies down the field valiantly. Controversial calls, including an overturned catch, marked the drive.

Reed’s final pass was intercepted in the red zone. Miami defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald secured the game-ending turnover. The pick sealed the Aggies’ fate and sent the Hurricanes to the next round.

The loss ends a standout season for Texas A&M. Focus now turns to 2026. Miami advances to play the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes on New Year’s Eve. The Cotton Bowl matchup will be a major test for the surging Hurricanes.

The Aggies’ playoff run was stopped short by a fundamental flaw. Their run defense’s late collapse against Miami underscores the fine margins in college football’s biggest games. This defensive failure will be the defining memory of their 2025 season end.

Thought you’d like to know

What was the final score of the Texas A&M vs. Miami playoff game?

The final score was 10-3 in favor of the Miami Hurricanes. The game was a defensive battle, with only one touchdown scored in the final minutes.

Who was the standout player for Miami?

Running back Mark Fletcher Jr. was the standout. He rushed for 172 yards, with a 56-yard run in the fourth quarter being the game’s biggest play.

Where will Miami play next?

The Hurricanes advance to the Cotton Bowl. They will face the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes at AT&T Stadium on December 31st.

Why did Texas A&M lose the game?

The Aggies lost primarily due to a second-half collapse in run defense. They could not stop Miami’s ground attack when it mattered most.

How did the game end?

The game ended on a Texas A&M interception. Quarterback Marcel Reed was picked off in the red zone by Miami’s Bryce Fitzgerald with little time left.