Revenge may be a dish served cold, but for the Miami Hurricanes, that’s impossible ahead of Saturday’s home rematch vs. Texas A&M on Saturday as we’re looking at a 90-degree scorcher.
For the Aggies, opening the season with a 52-10 blowout win over New Mexico behind starting quarterback Conner Weigman’s five-touchdown performance is a product of his natural ability and new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino’s “QB-friendly” system. A 38-3 drubbing of Miami (OH) for the Hurricanes saw a team with potential but notable flaws.
Defensively, the Aggies’ loaded defensive line did its job, limiting the Lobos to only 94 yards on the ground, led by Boston College transfer cornerback Josh DeBerry’s impressive debut, netting ten tackles and an interception on the night.
Receiving less of the spotlight due to his lack of in-game statistics, sophomore defensive end Shemar Stewart’s impact was still felt, making his way to the backfield several times. As a native Floridian himself, this weekend’s pivotal road matchup has its connection to Stewart’s roots. On Monday, Stewart, alongside 12th Man Sam Matthews and Josh DeBerry, sat down with the local media to preview the matchup, leading to Shemar finally revealing why he chose A&M over his hometown Hurricanes.
“Mainly because the coaches and the staff treated me like a family and never lied to me. My parents didn’t want me staying home (in Miami) at all. It’s Miami. The nightlife can be pretty distracting.”
As funny as his answer may be, focusing on his football and academic future will always be the No.1 priority. At the same time, his strong relationships with the Aggies coaching staff sealed the deal less than two years ago.
Like the rest of his Aggie teammates, it’s all business once the plane lands in Miami, and when it comes to the friendships he’s made along the way in the Sunshine State, many of whom play for the Hurricanes, it’s all business on Saturday afternoon.
“I always wanted to go there. When I was first getting recruited, I wanted to go there. I had to choose a different route in the end. I still have many friends on that team, but come Saturday, we ain’t friends anymore.”
Texas A&M sloppily defeated Miami 17-9 behind the then-starting quarterback Max Johnson and former star running back Devon Achane, but let’s be honest, scoring nine points without reaching the end zone and branding this a “revenge game” is quite the choice. Still, Stewart knows that no matter what message is being echoed throughout the weeks, the Aggies are more than ready for the challenge ahead.
“I know they want to get revenge on us after last year. But that ain’t gonna happen this year. Maybe some other time. Not this time.”
Texas A&M will face the Miami Hurricanes on Saturday, Sept. 9, which will air on ABC at 2:30 p.m. CT.
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