In a game that felt like a throwback to old-school, grind-it-out football, it was only fitting that a defensive play delivered the final word. Miami’s 10-3 win over Texas A&M in the first round of the College Football Playoff wasn’t just about advancing-it was about surviving a slugfest where every yard was earned and every mistake magnified. And when the Hurricanes needed a closer, Bryce Fitzgerald stepped up.
With just 24 seconds left on the clock and the Aggies threatening to tie-or even steal-the game, quarterback Marcel Reed looked to the end zone. But instead of finding a receiver, he found Fitzgerald. The Miami defensive back read the play perfectly, stepped in front of the throw, and secured the interception that punched the Hurricanes’ ticket to the CFP quarterfinals at the Cotton Bowl, where they’ll face Ohio State.
That pick didn’t just seal a win-it marked a milestone. It was Miami’s first postseason victory since 2016 and their first major bowl-equivalent win since 2003.
For a program that’s been chasing its past glory for nearly two decades, this was more than just a W. It was a statement.
The game itself? A defensive battle from start to finish.
Neither offense found much rhythm, and both quarterbacks had to navigate relentless pressure. Marcel Reed finished with 237 yards on 25-of-39 passing, but he also threw two costly interceptions-including the one that ended it.
Miami’s defense was swarming all night, disrupting timing, collapsing the pocket, and forcing mistakes.
On the other side, Carson Beck didn’t light up the stat sheet either. He threw for just 103 yards on 14-of-20 passing, but he made the most of his opportunities, including the game’s only touchdown-a strike to wide receiver Malachi Toney that ultimately proved to be the difference.
But the real offensive star was Mark Fletcher Jr. The Miami running back delivered a performance to remember, racking up a career-high 172 yards on just 17 carries.
He was the one consistent spark in an otherwise low-scoring affair, slicing through the Aggies’ front seven with vision and power. On a night where points were at a premium, Fletcher’s ability to move the chains and flip field position was invaluable.
Now comes a matchup that brings back some serious history. Miami and Ohio State haven’t met in the postseason since the 2003 Fiesta Bowl-a double-overtime classic that still stirs debate and memories.
MIAMI WITH THE GAME-SEALING INTERCEPTION 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ieY0fCoR3U
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) December 20, 2025
That night, the Buckeyes edged Miami 31-24 in one of the most dramatic national title games ever played. This time, the stakes are just as high, and the Hurricanes are hoping for a different ending.
For Miami, this win isn’t just about advancing in the playoff bracket. It’s a sign that the program is turning a corner-powered by a defense that showed it can carry the load and an offense that found just enough when it mattered most.
The next stop? A showdown with a perennial powerhouse, with a spot in the CFP semifinals on the line.