Who stands out in this battle of behemoths in the trenches?
If you're a fan of big dudes hitting each other again and again then you are in for a treat this Saturday afternoon, as Miami and Texas A&M have some of the best trench play in college football and deserve your full attention.
We already know how great the Aggies are along both lines — offensively it's a group that's paving the way for their backs to average 4.99 yards per carry and holding opposing defenses to just one sack per game, while the angry Aggie front on defense leads the nation in total sacks. Cashius Howell has been one of the best edge rushers in the sport, and the continuity along this Aggie offensive line has helped them remain sharp all season.
All that said, Miami is one of the few teams in the country that can go pound for pound with the Aggies as it pertains to both talent and production. The Canes have two of the best athletes in the game between offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa and edge rusher Reuben Bain Jr., their offensive line is holding teams to just 0.92 sacks per game, and their defensive line is holding teams to less than three yards per carry while averaging 2.83 sacks per game.
So in a game where the best-versus-best will always reside in the trenches, whoever wins up front will go a very long way in deciding the outcome of this game.