Not a lot of points today, but a win is a win.
Yes! The Miami Hurricanes won its first CFP game in program history today against Texas A&M in front of a raucous home crowd at Kyle Field, 10-3. It was a defensive performance for the ages by Miami: holding the Aggies to only three points at home, while forcing three turnovers and having seven sacks.
Let’s get to the three stars of the game.
1. The defense
Wow. What a game by Corey Hetherman’s defense. The defensive line was great containing Marcel Reed while also stuffing the run game. Bain and Mesidor (the best defensive end duo in the country) combined for ten total tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 5.5 TFL. The linebackers didn’t let A&M’s running backs get behind them. Thoughts and prayers to Mo Toure. I hope he’s okay. They also kept Reed contained for much of the game. And then there was the secondary. Ballers. Keionte Scott came back in a big way: ten total tackles, two sacks, three TFL, and a forced fumble. He looked like he hadn’t missed a step. Huge. Freshman safety Bryce Fitzgerald alerted non-Miami fans across the country how good he is today. He had two interceptions, including the game-clinching one in the end zone. Just a straight up masterclass today on all three levels.
2. Mark Fletcher Jr.
I heard D$ say recently on a Canes In Sight episode that he could see Fletcher having a big game today. Boy, was he right. The powerful back finished with 172 yards on 17 carries. He also had the longest run of his career today, a 56-yard dash that showed Fletcher’s speed and power. Beyond the running, he was good in the blocking game as well, leading the way on Malachi Toney’s game-winning touchdown. What a day for Big Fletch.
3. Malachi Toney
The Aggies did a good job defending Malachi Toney today. He only had 22 yards on five receptions, plus committed a turnover with his fourth-quarter fumble. Still, Miami’s superstar freshman came up big when it mattered most. First, he was about an inch away from returning a punt for a touchdown in the first half. So close. Toney stayed patient and kept grinding. He knew his team would need him at some point. That fourth-quarter-third-down-touch-pass play call from Beck was executed to perfection. Toney strolled into the end zone with little resistance. I love the celebration too.
Honorable mention:
None today. Time to celebrate the win! Let’s go!
Who were your three stars of the game? Let us know in the comments below.
GO CANES!
Category: General Sports
