Texas A&M football vs. Miami: Q&A with a Hurricanes site expert

Tonight, Texas A&M football will face-off against an ACC opponent in the Miami Hurricanes in their first matchup since 2008. The Aggies are 1-2 against the Canes in team history, and they look to even the score tonight at 8:00 central time in College Station.

As we wait for kickoff, the site expert at Canes Warning, our Miami Hurricanes partner site, and I have exchanged questions to get a better idea of how we feel about our programs. Here is a link to the questions that were asked to me and my answers, as well.

Texas A&M football Q&A with Miami Hurricanes partner site Canes Warning

"Despite the level of competition he has faced, is quarterback Tyler Van Dyke living up to all the preseason hype so far?“In a new offense, Tyler Van Dyke has not had to do as much through the first two games. Mario Cristobal (new head coach) and new offensive coordinator Josh Gattis have placed greater emphasis on physicality and the run. Van Dyke has struggled at times. Miami misses 2021 leading receivers Mike Harley and Charleston Rambo.”"

Van Dyke has been the focus of a lot of preseason hype regarding players that are ready to breakout in 2022. He currently has accumulated 454 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interceptions with a 73.3 completion percentage this season.

"In a defense seemingly without a superstar, who will be the x-factor against Texas A&M?“The x-factors will likely be Miami linebackers and how well cornerback D.J. Ivey performs opposite the top player for Miami at the position Tyrique Stevenson. Edge rusher Akheem Mesidor was outstanding in the first game before missing last week with an injury. He is expected to play versus Texas A&M.Stevenson and safety James Williams might not be nationally known names but have the talent of superstars. Stevenson was the third-ranked CB in the class of 2019. Williams is a former five-star prospect ready to break out as a sophomore. All three, and particularly Stevenson and Williams have the talent of superstar players.If Mesidor, Stevenson and Williams all have good games, their chance of winning is significant.”"

Mesidor currently has four tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, and a pass defensed in one game played this season. He is Miami’s highest graded defender according to PFF with a 91.8 grade. Ivey, Williams, and Stevenson have seven, eight, and five tackles this season respectively, and all have one pass deflection. Williams and Stevenson also have recorded interceptions this season.

"What do you think is the key to Miami winning?“The x-factor will likely be limiting big plays and who wins on the line of scrimmage. Both teams have been outstanding limiting big plays this year. Also, Texas A&M is 11th and Miami 16th in scoring defense. In a game that should be low scoring, one or two big plays could be the difference in the game.”"

The Aggies currently are listed as -6.5 point favorites over the Hurricanes despite the Canes being ranked in the top-15. Tonight, both teams will be battling it out to prove their worth on ESPN in Kyle Field.