Texas A&M vs. Miami: Five things to watch for in CFP matchup

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For the first time in school history, Texas A&M will compete in the CFP in a first-round matchup against the Miami Hurricanes in Bryan-College Station, Texas, at Kyle Field on Saturday.

That achievement is one of many that head coach Mike Elko accomplished in just his second season at the helm. Among the outstanding history-making moments under Elko, the program secured its first 11-win season since 1992 and its second 10-win season in 13 years. 100,000-plus people will fill the stands in College Station this weekend, in hopes of witnessing more history, as the Aggies take on an explosive and dangerous Hurricanes‘ offense.

Talented freshman wideout Malachi Toney has become a breakout star in his first collegiate football season, as he ranks 21st in the FBS with 80.8 yards per contest in 2025. While his inconsistencies have cost Miami at times throughout this year’s campaign, quarterback Carson Beck ranks at the top of college football in completion percentage, while also throwing for over 3,000 yards for the Canes.

The defensive unit features dominant freaks of nature, such as defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor, who ranks in the top five in the ACC in sacks and tackles for loss this year. Against a team as depth-filled as Miami, Texas A&M must be prepared in all facets of the game. There are specific weaknesses that the Aggies could expose on Saturday, however.

Here are five things to watch for as Texas A&M takes on Miami in the first round of the CFP at Kyle Field this weekend:

Can Texas A&M’s secondary prevent Toney from creating explosive plays downfield?

In his freshman season in South Beach, Toney has emerged as one of the top freshmen in college football in 2025. The Liberty City, Florida, native has hauled in 84 receptions for 970 yards and seven touchdowns for the Hurricanes. With an experienced quarterback at the helm, Toney could give the Texas A&M secondary some issues in College Station this weekend, if the Aggies do not come prepared. The Maroon and White pass defense has performed well throughout the year, as the unit ranks 21st in the country, allowing 182.8 yards through the air per game, but Toney is unlike most wide receivers Texas A&M has faced this season.

How will the Aggies’ offensive line hold up against the dominant Miami defensive front?

If Texas A&M wants to talk the talk, they must back it up on the gridiron against a unit that ranks 18th in the country with 34.0 total sacks. The Aggie offensive line’s ability to protect sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed and give him enough time to locate talented wide receivers like Mario Craver and KC Concepcion. Texas A&M’s trenches will also be integral to establishing the ground game against a Miami front that is allowing just 86.83 rushing yards per game this season (7th in the FBS).

Can Reed perform consistently against the Miami pass rush?

Reed has made tremendous improvements in his second year donning the Maroon and White uniform, but his inconsistencies have also reared their ugly head at times. Texas A&M’s key to victory is winning the turnover battle, which means Reed must take what he gets instead of trying to force explosive plays. If he can stay collected in the pocket and take advantage of what the defense gives him, Reed will have an opportunity to lead the Aggies to their first CFP win.

Will Texas A&M’s defensive front rattle Beck?

Texas A&M’s pass rush has been elite in 2025. The unit is tied for first (Oklahoma) with 41.0 total sacks and 3.42 sacks per game, facing the Miami offensive line, which has allowed just 11.0 sacks this season. The Hurricanes have not faced a defensive front as advantageous so far, however. Defensive end Cashius Howell, who became the first player since Von Miller to record multiple three-sack performances in a single season, will be a massive factor in the Aggies’ success in pressuring Beck.

Can Texas A&M’s wide receiving corps create space and explosive plays against the Hurricanes’ secondary?

The Aggies’ ability to give Reed enough time to find his wideouts is essential, but the Texas A&M wide receiving corps must find ways to create space against Miami’s talented secondary. Defensive backs Keionte Scott and Jakobe Thomas have combined for five interceptions and 13.5 tackles for loss this year. Craver and Concepcion’s ability to create space and carve up the defensive backfield could spell success for the Aggies.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M vs. Miami: Five things to watch for

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