Game Predictions: Texas A&M vs. Miami

For the second time in as many weeks, a Hurricane comes to Texas. This time, Texas A&M has a chance to stop it. Will the Aggies be successful? Websider's experts give you their take.

Hop’s Game Prediction

This is a hard game to predict with so many significant injuries on both teams. The Hurricanes are banged up at running back and receiver, and the quarterbacks are very inexperienced with minimal success throwing the ball. That’s good news for an Aggie defense that must focus on stuffing the middle, and that means more four-man fronts where A&M has been pretty good. However, with the Aggies still trying to establish a running game and pass protection being a real concern, the offense does not match up well with the speedy Miami defense that will be flying to the ball. The Aggies’ best chance is to pound the middle between the tackles with Jorvorskie Lane and Bradley Stephens. It will be a low scoring slugfest but the game is at Kyle Field so I’ll give the Aggies the slight nod.

Texas A&M 17
Miami 13

Dallas’ Game Prediction

While everyone is reeling from Ike on the Gulf Coast, the Miami Hurricanes may have a big name, but they are not the Hurricanes of old. They may be fast, but that speed hasn’t meant much in recent history. Miami is 0-5 in their last 5 games against Division 1 opponents, managing just 5 touchdowns during that span. As long as the Aggie defense doesn’t make mistakes and contains the speedy athletes of Miami, they should keep the ‘Canes in check. With a bye week to prepare, the A&M offense should have a better rhythm, but be concerned at wide receiver with the loss of Jerrod Johnson and Ryan Tannehill at that position, since that could be a factor for the Aggies. The 12th man will be in full force Saturday, which will cause problems for the young Miami quarterbacks.

Texas A&M 23
Miami 20

Taylor’s Game Prediction

For Texas A&M fans longing to get back to the Wrecking Crew era, the total score of this game will be as low as they are used to, the question is who will have the highest of the low scores. Miami will be able to get yards on the ground, but in the red zone where the safeties can play closer to the line, the Aggie defense will tighten and limit the touchdowns. On offense, A&M will have to establish a passing game early with Jamie McCoy, to force the linebackers on their heels and not spying Gray, Lane, and Goodson. In my opinion, this game comes down to 2 things: turnovers and special teams. Whoever wins the turnover battle stands a great chance of winning this game, but unfortunately for the Aggies it might also come down to a last second field goal. In this case, you have to give the edge to Miami, who should be forced to kick many all night.

Texas A&M 14
Miami 16