Texas A&M (1-0) and Miami (1-0) entered the 2023 season with clean slates after matching each other record-wise with dismal 5-7 finishes in 2022, both experiencing more lows than highs, with their worst finishes in over a decade.
After going head-to-head last season, the Aggies narrowly defeated Miami 17-9 after previously losing to Appalachian State. While many of us saw this as a potential turnaround going forward, the parity of college football took us all for a loop for the preceding nine weeks.
Turn the page to the first weekend of September, as Texas A&M’s took care of New Mexico 52-10 behind starting quarterback Conner Weigman’s five touchdowns, while Miami’s balanced offense and impressive ground game aided the Hurricanes to their 38-3 drubbing of the visiting Miami (OH) Warhawks on Friday night.
Off to solid and convincing starts, the Aggies will now travel to South Beach, which, by most of the Miami fanbase, has been dubbed as a “revenge game,” even though the Hurricanes failed to reach the endzone in their first meeting. Even though Texas A&M holds several advantages on paper, specifically from a talent perspective, I believe that the game will be determined in the trenches between the Aggies’ offensive line vs. Miami’s defensive line.
In years past, Texas A&M’s O-line under Fisher’s reign has benefitted in size but lacked the athleticism and versatility needed to win in the SEC consistently. Still, after several key recruiting gains paired with experienced veterans, things are finally looking up in 2023. Against New Mexico, the Aggies looked much improved in pass protection, only allowing two sacks on the night. While their run blocking is still a work in progress, there’s clear potential.
As Aggies Wire contributor Pete Hernandez recently pointed out, Hurricanes defensive lineman Leonard Taylor, outside of star safety Kam Kinchens, is by far the most dominant defender the program has to offer, recording 24 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, 1 INT last season.
While Texas A&M’s offensive line seems to emulate a revolving door after what the starting unit looked like on Saturday, this is simply a byproduct of the immense depth O-line coach Steve Addazio has at his disposal. Of course, I’m referencing offensive tackle Reuben Fatheree II, who was still recovering from a knee issue before surprisingly suiting up against New Mexico. Instead of lining up at his original right tackle spot, he would shift over as the second-string left tackle behind starter Trey Zuhn. In contrast, vaunted freshman tackle Chase Bisontis made his impressive debut in his place. Now that’s quality depth.
In the interior, the return of center Bryce Foster and right guard Layden Robinson, coupled with the sophomore duo of Kam Dewberry and Mark Nabou at left guard, will be counted on against the likes of Leonard Taylor, who Miaim defensive coordinator Lance Guidry will likely move around throughout the matchup.
This is the first real test for the Maroon Goons, and with everything I’ve just described, there’s simply no excuse for this unit not to find success against a stout opponent like Miami, no matter where the game is played.
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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