Miami vs. Texas A&M: Scouting the Aggies
Article photo of Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman; credit to Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
The Texas A&M Aggies and Miami Hurricanes were one of last year's top non-conference matchups to begin the year. Despite a close game that particular day, the Aggies and Hurricanes both went 5-7 and missed bowl games.
However, this year's matchup figures to be competitive much like last year's, but with more fireworks from both squads during the contest and throughout the rest of the season. Here is a preview of what the Aggies bring to the table against the Hurricanes.
Texas A&M now has Bobby Petrino as its offensive coordinator and seems to have his offense in a good rhythm, as evidenced by the Aggies' 52-10 win against New Mexico State. Petrino is widely known for his head coaching stints at Arkansas and Louisville, and his offenses are up-tempo and high-scoring.
The Aggies have an elite group of wide receivers with a high-potential quarterback in Conner Weigman. He is a former five-star prospect from the 2022 recruiting cycle who saw action in five games last year, throwing eight touchdowns, with no interceptions, and just under 900 yards.
To start the 2023 season, Weigman threw five touchdowns with 236 yards while going 18/23 passing against the Lobos. Weigman has an elite crop to toss the rock to.
Evan Stewart started his sophomore campaign with a bang, hauling in eight catches for over 100 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore wideout Noah Thomas presents a serious threat with his 6-foot-6, 200-pound frame. The Aggies brought back veteran slot receiver Ainias Smith, and he has caught over 1,500 receiving yards in his career.
The Aggies' passing game presents potentially the largest threat to Miami's success on defense. Miami rotated its cornerbacks quite a bit against Miami of Ohio and for the most part, all did well in coverage. Te'Cory Couch allowed the most catches with six from seven targets. It will be up to defensive coordinator Lance Guidry and secondary coach Jahmile Addae to create the best pairings against the Aggie wideouts.
However, Miami has the potential to create havoc in the Aggies' backfield. The Aggies allowed 14 QB hurries and two sacks against the Lobos according to Pro Football Focus. Texas A&M found success in the ground game against New Mexico St., but it didn't show the effectiveness that Miami's rushing game did against Miami (OH).
The Aggies' front seven is elite. Up front, Walter Nolen, McKinnley Jackson, Shemar Turner and Fadil Diggs make up a large group that is tough to move. Miami (OH) was a solid tune-up for the Hurricanes' offensive line, but their matchup with the Aggies will be their first test. Texas A&M potentially has one of the deepest defensive line groups in all of America.
The Aggies' linebacker group is anchored by Edgerrin Cooper who has been inside the top-five in team tackling since his freshman year in 2021. Cooper is a thumper who flies sideline to sideline. He tallied three tackles for loss against the Lobos.
The A&M secondary is headlined by cornerback Josh DeBerry who transferred from Boston College. DeBerry received All-ACC honors in three of his seasons with the Eagles. Tyreek Chappell, who led the Aggies with eight pass breakups last year, started opposite of DeBerry. Both corners are experienced and have solid ball skills, but New Mexico did go after Chappell a bit more than DeBerry during last week's game.
A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher also returned a key defender in safety Demani Richardson who elected to return for his fifth year. Richardson has started 27 games in his career and has four interceptions to his credit. Jardin Gilbert will play the opposite of Richardson in the free safety spot.
The Hurricanes' wideouts will have a challenge getting open against the Aggies' secondary. That said, Tyler Van Dyke has a good chemistry with at least Colbie Young and Xavier Restrepo, so look for him to work with those two the most. Jacolby George could be interesting as well. Just how deep will the A&M defense go at cornerback?
The Aggies' defense doesn't generate the most turnovers. They do, however, excel in third-down situations. That would be an area Miami did well against Miami (OH).
Mario Cristobal and his Miami team needs to utilize the rushing attack to keep the Aggies off balance on defense. That will also keep the elite group of A&M defensive linemen from consistently pinning their ears back and coming after Van Dyke.
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