South Bound & Down
Fansided

Texas A&M Football: Aggies survive against Miami despite mistakes

By Jonathan Lurensky

COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 18: Running back Devon Achane #6 of the Texas A&M Aggies scores a touchdown in the first quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Kyle Field on September 18, 2021 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 18: Running back Devon Achane #6 of the Texas A&M Aggies scores a touchdown in the first quarter against the New Mexico Lobos at Kyle Field on September 18, 2021 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images) /
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Despite not really fixing the offensive issues, the Aggies survived against the University of Miami at home. Although Texas A&M did have miscues, they were still to able get the 17-9 victory behind a solid defensive performance.

Tyler Van Dyke did not lead the Hurricanes down the field for a touchdown the entire game against the Texas A&M Football defense. The closest the potential NFL Draft pick got to leading the Hurricanes down the field for six was in the third quarter. In the third quarter, Van Dyke and Co. were down 17-3 when they drove to within 2 yards of a touchdown. Rather than go for it on fourth down, Mario Cristobal decided to kick a field goal. This was not a great decision.

While they easily made the field goal, it changed from what would’ve been a one-possession game to a two-possession game. However, it’s not like Texas A&M’s offense was firing on all cylinders so they probably would’ve gotten the ball back with good field position.

Despite the late change at QB before the game, Texas A&M did not change that much from last week. Max Johnson only threw for 140 yards on 10 completions. The Aggies’ rushing attack wasn’t that much better with only 124 yards on 39 carries.

Considering this, Cristobal should have opted to go for it on fourth down late in the third quarter. By going for the field goal, he didn’t really help the Hurricanes’ chances to win the game. Despite this, the Hurricanes still had a chance to win this game late. The Hurricanes had two drives to win the game.

After a quick 3 and out by Texas A&M, the Hurricanes got the ball at the Miami 38. After giving up a quick first down on two plays, Texas A&M was gifted an offensive holding penalty by the Hurricanes. This essentially killed the drive. After another holding penalty by Miami on the next play, it was 2nd & 30. Clearly, the Hurricanes ended this drive with a punt.

Texas A&M muffed the punt return and Ainias Smith, Texas A&M’s punt returner, almost lost the ball. Texas A&M had a three-and-out on the ensuing drive. Despite the Hurricanes getting the ball back, they didn’t really do anything with it. Texas A&M would survive in this matchup as the Hurricanes couldn’t really get their passing game going on the last drive. Texas A&M would get the ball on downs and take the victory.

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This win by the Aggies didn’t really make me think that they had improved since last’s week historic upset loss. The offense still clearly has issues, and if Miami took care advantage of their opportunities, they would have won this game. I don’t really give Jimbo Fisher and the Aggies much of a shot to be successful in conference play this season. We will see if the offense improves enough when they begin the brunt of their SEC play next week against Arkansas.