Texas A&M and Miami entered the season as two of the biggest programs that had yet to make the College Football Playoff. So it makes sense that when the Aggies and Hurricanes both qualified for the first time this season they would meet in the first round.
The programs are not unfamiliar foes, having met in 2022 and 2023 with Texas A&M winning both matchups. They also share a common opponent this season. Both defeated Notre Dame in the first two weeks, earning each its biggest win.
Miami enters the game with momentum after winning its last four games by at least 17 points. That followed two losses in three games that put the Hurricanes in playoff peril. Texas A&M won its first 11 of the season and rose to No. 3 in the US LBM Coaches Poll. But the Aggies stumbled at Texas in their last game and missed out on the SEC title game.
Did that game show cracks and possible indicate an opportunity for Miami to pull off a road win? Our experts offer their predictions for the matchup.
Matt Hayes
Miami won four straight to end the season and force the CFP committee’s hand, but beat no one of significance. A wild crowd at Kyle Field, and hot quarterback Marcel Reed will get the Aggies to the quarterfinals. Texas A&M 31, Miami 23.
Jordan Mendoza
Plenty of questions remain on whether Texas A&M is legit after not beating a real contender since September, and it doesn’t get tougher for a first round match than a hot Miami team. However, Marcel Reed is the most talented quarterback the Hurricanes have faced and can create problems. The home field advantage also helps Texas A&M squeak by. Texas A&M 30, Miami 28.
Paul Myerberg
Giving Mike Elko extra time to prepare could mean trouble for Miami’s offense. But the Hurricanes are easily the hotter of the two teams after surging through the finish line of the regular season. Confidence plus enough athleticism to combat the Aggies’ skill talent give Miami a good shot at a minor upset. Miami 34, Texas A&M 23.
Erick Smith
This is truly one of the unpredictable matchups that you want to have the College Football Playoff. Is the surge of Miami in the last month a sign of they rounding into form or just fool’s gold? Can A&M rebound from its less-than-stellar finish and show the form it had in the first half? Look for the Aggies to pull out a close game that could go down to the last minute. Texas A&M 24, Miami 21.
Eddie Timanus
The Aggies have been slow out of the gate of late, but the Hurricanes are notorious for not holding leads. As such, this one could come down to the wire, so we’ll go with A&M getting the needed boost from its famous home crowd. Texas A&M 28, Miami 27.
Blake Toppmeyer
The 12-team playoff will get a first-round upset for the first time if good Carson Beck makes the trip to College Station and leaves bad Carson Beck at home. Miami finished the season playing well – so much so that it forced the CFP committee to re-evaluate its resume. Texas A&M finished the season playing worse than it played in September and October. Miami has the better defense. That tips the scales in the most compelling matchup of the first round. Miami 26, Texas A&M 23.