It’s that time of the year, folks, as we begin the 100-day countdown to the start of the 2023 college football season, and instead of focusing on mainstream topics such as if the Georgia Bulldogs will yet again go undefeated next season, it’s time to take a closer look at the best nonconference matchups the game has to offer.
CBS Sports released its list of the best conference games next season earlier this week. Patrick Conn of College Sports Wire provided his take on each matchup, including the anticipated early season rematch between Texas A&M and Miami. Last season, the Aggies defeated the Hurricanes behind the arm of quarterback Max Johnson, who was aided by an impressive defensive effort, including eight tackles from then-freshman safety Bryce Anderson.
This season, both teams are more talented and experienced after enduring disappointing finishes in 2022, leading to changes at the offensive coordinator spot as Bobby Petrino has joined Texas A&M, While Shane Dawson has made his way to South Beach. For Patrick Conn, this may be a season definer ahead of conference play.
These two programs will meet for the fifth time since 1944. The Aggies won the first game of the series and won last year, 17-9. Both had higher expectations than they way they finished and both made changes at offensive coordinator. Jimbo Fisher brought in former Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino as the offensive coordinator, and he will work with five-star QB Conner Weigman. Weigman didn’t play in this game last year but will be the guy this time around.
Tyler Van Dyke returns for the Hurricanes after speculation that he was unhappy in Miami. It turns out that was false and now the focus shifts to the upcoming season. The Hurricanes are looking to return to the ACC title picture in year two of the Mario Cristobal era. New OC Shannon Dawson comes over from Houston, the hope being that the offense is much more lethal this time around. Houston was No. 16 in scoring offenses with 36.1 points per game. The Canes were No. 97 at 23.6 points per game.
Texas A&M will open their 2023 season at Kyle Field vs. New Mexico on Saturday, Sept. 2, as times will be announced before the start of the season.
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