Miami Hurricanes: Biggest Concerns vs Texas A&M Aggies?
Article photo of Miami wide receiver Xavier Restrepo; credit to Brian Smith
For the Miami Hurricanes, anytime there’s a big game like the one versus the Texas A&M Aggies, questions come with that contest.
Here’s where Miami needs to answer the bell with the biggest concerns against Texas A&M.
1) How will Miami players handle adversity such as Texas A&M creating a turnover or scoring a touchdown?
This category is especially concerning if it’s during the first five minutes of the contest. The Canes have over 40 new players on the roster. There’s no guarantee they are ready to overcome adversity – as a true team – with it being the second game of the 2023 season.
There will be adversity though. Truly great teams and great cultures fight through it. Look at Clemson last night as it lost to Duke 28-7. That Tigers team simply does possess the right type of grit to overcome for whatever the reason (at least not yet).
How Miami comes back after a fumble is lost or A&M hits a big running play, that's the true measuring stick of how good this Miami team can become.
2) Can Miami win with 100 rushing yards?
By holding New Mexico to 92 yards on the ground, it’s a sign that A&M once again possess a powerful front that cannot easily be run on. No person should automatically assume the Canes will go for 150 yards or more like they would against the majority of opponents.
Thus, can Miami be clutch with its runs, i.e. converting third downs and be impactful in the red zone? Further, will it be enough to augment a passing attack that’s going to be battling to keep the Aggies from sacking Tyler Van Dyke with talented defensive linemen?
3) How will Miami’s cornerbacks handle the Aggies' size and talent at wide receiver?
Evan Stewart is just flat out a playmaker and tremendous route runner. He’s a problem for every A&M opponent. He’s likely NFL bound after three years of college. Stewart is going to make plays, but the Canes need to limit him from just going off.
The other receiver to watch, that would be Noah Thomas. At 6-foot-6 and 200 pounds, he has 3 touchdown receptions already, with his size being a major part of the reason for him winning 50-50 balls.
Miami has quite a bit of talent at cornerback. Perhaps the quesiton could be, will the Canes play a lot of zone and mix in man coverages here and there to keep A&M off balance?
Here are the offensive statistics for Miami and A&M through one game
It will be interesting to see how Miami defensive coordinator Lance Guidry utilizes the incredibly unique size and talent of safety James Williams versus A&M. He could be key here and being in a matchup with Thomas would be tremendous.
How fun would be a couple of fade balls in the end zone between Miami's Williams and A&M's Thomas?
4) Without blitzing, can the Hurricanes consistently move A&M quarterback Conner Weigman off his spot and force poor throws, and maybe even poor decisions?
Weigman is obviously throwing to big-time talents. Now, can he be effective if he’s under duress? If Miami cannot get to him, it’s going to be hard to handle the A&M passing game.
If the Canes move Weigman off his spot, however, that’s a different story. Quarterbacks generally struggle when their rhythm is thrown off. Let’s see what Weigman does in those situations.
5) Hitting deep passes, how many over-the-top passes can Miami complete?
This does not need to be a number like five, but yes, the Canes absolutely must connect on a few bombs. That’s not only to score faster and easier, but also to back off the A&M safeties from crowding the line of scrimmage and helping against the Miami running game.
Look for Miami to test the Aggies secondary. It’s talented, but not on the same level as that defensive front. Do not discount the Canes from using players like Xavier Restrepo and Nathaniel "Ray Ray" Joseph going deep from the slot either.
There's honestly nothing that's off the table against a quality defense like A&M's. Expect Miami to display a diverse passing game versus A&M.
6) Utilizing Mark Fletcher, Jr. as a runner is one thing, but is he ready for pass protection as a true freshman?
Mark Fletcher, Jr. is a talent that has to get the ball, but will it come at a cost? Close games like the Miami versus Texas A&M contest could come down to a blitz pickup being made. How comfortable is Fletcher with his assignments and how much confidence do the Miami coaches hold with the true freshman from American Heritage?
7) How well will Miami’s special teams units perform during a big-game atmosphere?
There was no pressure against Miami of Ohio. Can Miami’s special teams handle punting out of their own end zone or making a 48-yard field goal at the end of the first half?
These pressure situations impact each person differently. Miami needs to win the special teams battle on Saturday, as it could be the difference for which school comes out victorious.
8) Can Miami hold down A&M’s run game?
The Aggies want to be an offense that runs and passes equally well. It’s honestly not all that different from Miami’s offense. Slowing down Amari Daniels and Le’Veon Bell will be difficult because of their talent, but the Canes front seven looks like it’s up to the challenge.
Need to see Branson Deen, Leonard Taylor III, Jahfari Harvey, Nyjalik Kelly, Rueben Bain, Jr., et al, make plays up front. That's a really talented group of defensive linemen and the support from the linebacker corps looks promising as well.
This should be a tremendous battle and a lot of fun to watch. If the Canes can hold down the rushing attack from the Aggies, to say 100-110 yards, the chances of winning will be significantly higher.
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