Texas A&M Football: 3 reasons the Aggies will upset the Miami Hurricanes

Tactical advantages

Now, let’s take a look at the tangible edges over the Hurricanes that A&M will be bringing into this game. Miami struggled last week against Southern Mississippi in the first half, but pulled away to win 30-7, with Tyler Van Dyke completing 13 of his final 15 passes.

Still, though, a mediocre Golden Eagles front was able to limit the U to only 3.6 yards per carry. It stands to reason that the Aggies’ elite front seven, though without LB Andre White Jr. and likely without Walter Nolen for this game, can take advantage of the Hurricanes’ trouble on the ground.

Miami’s strength offensively has been their pass game, with highly touted signal caller Tyler Van Dyke behind center for the U. News broke yesterday, however, that the Hurricanes will be without Xavier Restrepo, their top pass-catcher, for this game and going forward following a foot injury in practice. This news, combined with the hopeful return of Jaylon Jones, Myles Jones, Brian George, and Smoke Bouie to the Aggie secondary, could help tilt things in A&M’s favor in the passing game.

However, Miami’s front seven has been no slouch either. USM ended with 1.0 YPC on 24 carries, and the Hurricanes added 3 sacks of the Golden Eagles’ QB on the day.

A&M’s offensive line will need to hold up a lot better than they have been, and when 3rd down rolls around, Devon Achane and co. will need to show up better in the pass blocking game. Bryce Foster’s return to the lineup is sorely needed, and hopefully the A&M OL will show quick improvement with him over the ball.

The key here is for Johnson to get the ball to his playmakers at the TE and WR spots.  It’s time for the TEs to get more involved after the position only totaled two catches in the first two games.

Donovan Green has shown ability as a blocker as well, and Jake Johnson is waiting for his breakout moment. As far as the wideouts go, they just need the ball in space. Haynes often went for the home run immediately, and Max may be more apt to take the easy completion that’s there for him.  With the explosiveness the Aggies have at the position, however, a short pass could turn into a game-changing long gain.

So what do you think? What are your keys to victory for the Aggies? Leave a comment and let me know!