COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) — The Miami Hurricanes took their first road trip of the season today, marching into the tumultuous college football furnace known as Kyle Field.
Texas A&M was anxious to make up for an upset loss to Appalachian State the previous Saturday, and Aggieland was at its raucous best. And they were treated to a 60-minute, nail-biting battle between two tough, punishing squads.
But it was the Aggies who scored and caused the game’s lone turnover. The Canes settled for five field goal tries, three of which they converted. And that was the difference in Texas A&M’s 17-9 victory in front of 107,245 fans, the third-biggest crowd in Kyle Field history and the most for a non-conference game.
The Aggies improved to 2-1 on the season, while No. 13 Miami dropped to 2-1.
“We have to improve,” remarked head coach Mario Cristobal. “I’m glad that we demonstrated that we could compete in a challenging setting, but competing isn’t enough.” You must carry out your plan.
“We played hard and tough.” We played with vigour. We competed ferociously. You must avoid making the same mistakes we did against good opponents in difficult conditions.”
The Canes outgained their opponents by 128 yards, had 175 rushing yards, 27 first downs, four drives of 12 or more plays, and had an 8:40 lead in time of possession. However, four red zone possessions resulted in only three field goals. Meanwhile, the Aggies scored three plays after a muffed Miami punt, stood strong in the red zone throughout the game, and foiled the Canes’ final-second drive.
Tyler Van Dyke completed 21 of 41 passes for 217 yards, while Henry Parrish, Jr. (85) and Jaylan Knighton (77) combined for 162 yards. Will Mallory led the Canes with five receptions for 56 yards. Andy Borregales hit field goals of 28, 22, and 34 yards, but he also missed a 49-yarder and had a 36-yarder blocked.
Miami’s defence racked up three sacks and six tackles for loss, pestering Aggies quarterback Max Johnson and restricting him to 10 of 20 passing for 141 yards and one score. That touchdown came on a 29-yard pass to running back Devon Achane, who ended with 130 yards on the ground.
“The front seven, especially the front four, placed a lot of pressure on them and made them feel uneasy,” Cristobal remarked.
Jahfari Harvey and Darrell Jackson, Jr. both had sacks, and safety James Williams and cornerback DJ Ivey both had two passes defensed.
Miami was still behind by one point when the Canes took over on their own 43 with 1:16 left and no timeouts. Van Dyke connected with wide receiver Brashard Smith for a first down, but the Canes were faced with a 4th and 4 from the A&M 40 with 30 seconds remaining. The Aggies ran out the time after a pass to Smith went incomplete.
“It’s upsetting,” Cristobal commented. “It should catch fire.” It must burn, and it must be motivating to know that we have the potential to be a fantastic squad, but that this will not happen overnight. We must continue to work.”
After going into the locker room with a 10-3 halftime advantage, the Aggies extended it on their first drive of the second half, marching 76 yards in four plays before Johnson hit Achane for a 29-yard sprint to the touchdown zone.
Van Dyke converted a crucial 3rd and 8 by connecting with wide receiver Jacolby George for 24 yards to the Aggies’ 10. But the Canes were unable to score, and Borregales’ 22-yard field goal narrowed the advantage to 17-6.
Miami regained possession, and Van Dyke connected with tight end Will Mallory in the flat for a 21-yard gain to the A&M 44. Mallory had two more receptions on the drive, but the Aggies held at the 16-yard line, and Borregales’ third field goal tied the game at 8:32.
The Aggies displayed some offensive strength early in the game, driving 55 yards to the Miami 9 before defensive tackle Leonard Taylor pushed Johnson into an inaccurate pass on third down. Randy Bond kicked a 26-yard field goal for A&M.
The Canes immediately responded with a powerful running drive, with Knighton and Parrish combining for 46 yards on the ground. Miami again stalled inside the red zone, but Borregales tied the score at three with a 28-yard ( goal.
The Canes forced a three-and-out, but Tyrique Stevenson mishandled the next punt, giving the Aggies a field position at the Miami 28. A&M needed only three plays to score, with running back L.J. Johnson leaping in from a yard out to give the Aggies a 10-3 lead.
A&M defensive back Brian George was dismissed for targeting on the next drive. Van Dyke went to work after the 15-yard penalty advanced the ball to the Miami 41. He gained 10 yards from Michael Redding III before connecting with Key’Shawn Smith for 15 yards. However, the Canes came to a halt at the Aggies’ 31, and Borregales missed a 49-yard field goal attempt wide left. With 17 seconds remaining in the first quarter, Miami forced another three-and-out, and A&M pinned the Canes back to their nine-yard line.
Demani Richardson became the second A&M defensive back to be dismissed for targeting after Van Dyke threw three consecutive incompletions. With new vigour, Miami went back to the ground game, scoring four consecutive runs to defeat A&M 41-41. Van Dyke then faked a play and found tight end Elijah Arroyo open along the left sideline for 29 yards. The Canes then took a step back, when Borregales’ 36-yard field goal attempt was blocked.
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