Mario Cristobal and his Hurricanes pick up the programs biggest win in past 20 years, advance for date against Ohio State
The University of Miami is headed to the Cotton Bowl Classic for the first time since 1991 after winning their first ever College Football Playoff game against Texas A&M, 10-3.
It was an extremely intense defensive battle for both teams, but at the end of it all, it was Corey Heatherman’s defense pulling away. Miami’s true freshman safety Bryce Fitzgerald sealed the game at the end with a game winning interception, coming away with two on the day and increasing his season total to 6 INT.
Miami’s defense came away with 3 turnovers on the day, including 7 sacks. All-American standout Rueben Bain Jr. had his name all over this one, ending his day with 3 sacks. This comes just 12 days after Texas A&M’s offensive lineman Trey Zuhn stated that Bain was “not a threat” that the A&M offensive line had to worry about.
Akheem Mesidor and the returning Keionte Scott also finished their day with multiple sacks, with Mesidor coming away with 1.5, and Scott finishing with 2, including a forced fumble in the first half.
On the offensive side of the football, the Hurricanes offense struggled to come away with points. Hurricanes kicker Carter Davis finished just ¼ on the day, with the wind in College Station playing a huge factor. Quarterback Carson Beck finished his day 14/20 for just 103 yards and a late touchdown on a sweep to Malachi Toney.
Mark Fletcher Jr. put his stamp on this game in the 4th quarter with a huge run of 56 yards on the game winning drive, which also happened to be a career long for Fletcher. The junior running back out of Ft. Lauderdale ended his day with 172 yards, averaging 10.1 yards per carry.
With this win, Miami reaches the 11-win mark for the first time since 2003. Another huge step in the right direction for Coach Mario Cristobal and his team. The Canes (11-2) live to fight for another week and will face off against the Ohio State Buckeyes (12-1) on New Years Eve at 7:30 PM EST on ESPN. Go Canes.
(Photo Credit: University of Miami Athletics)
