The Miami Hurricanes didn’t just win their College Football Playoff opener against Texas A&M-they survived a slugfest in the trenches. In a game that felt more like a heavyweight title fight than a high-scoring shootout, Miami leaned into its identity under Mario Cristobal and came out on top, 10-3. This wasn’t about explosive offenses trading touchdowns-it was about grit, discipline, and dominance at the line of scrimmage.
And in that kind of game, the Hurricanes thrived.
Trench Warfare: Miami’s Defense Sets the Tone
The defensive front was relentless. Edge rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor were practically living in the Aggies' backfield.
The duo combined for 10 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 5.5 tackles for loss-numbers that don’t just jump off the stat sheet, they scream disruption. Every time Texas A&M tried to get something going, Bain and Mesidor were there to shut the door.
Then there was Keionte Scott. The redshirt senior cornerback, returning from a lower-body injury that sidelined him late in the regular season, delivered a performance that reminded everyone why he’s one of the most versatile defenders in the game.
Scott racked up 10 tackles, two sacks, three tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. That’s not just a bounce-back-it’s a statement.
Protecting Beck, Breaking Through Late
While the defense was busy setting the tone, Miami’s offensive line quietly did their job-and did it well. Texas A&M came into this game tied for the national lead in sacks, but the Hurricanes’ front only gave up two. That’s no small feat against a unit that thrives on collapsing pockets and creating chaos.
In the fourth quarter, that protection turned into propulsion. With the game still hanging in the balance, the O-line opened up a massive lane for junior running back Mark Fletcher Jr., who ripped off a 56-yard run that flipped the field and set up the game-winning touchdown by Malachi Toney. That play didn’t just seal the game-it embodied the Hurricanes’ physical identity.
Junior offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa, one of the anchors of this unit, captured the mindset perfectly.
"The o-line always wants to run the ball," Mauigoa said. "Run blocking feels different because you're paving the way.
That’s one thing we take pride in. We were excited to help Mark Fletcher do his thing.
You see him, he’s a bad guy out there. We’re just grateful to be a part of him being able to do his own thing."
Mauigoa’s impact this season has been massive. He’s been a steady presence in both pass protection and the run game, helping keep quarterback Carson Beck among the least-pressured QBs in the country. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed-he earned First-Team All-ACC honors and took home the ACC’s Jacobs Blocking Trophy.
Looking Ahead: Buckeyes Bring the Heat
With the win, Miami advances to face Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinals. And if you thought the Aggies were tough in the trenches, the Buckeyes might just raise the bar.
Mauigoa knows what’s coming.
"Their d-line is the power of their defense," he said. "These guys work so hard and they’re who they are because of them-a lot of All-Americans all around the board."
But the Buckeyes aren’t coming in quietly either. Junior defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, a standout All-American, made his intentions clear.
"I feel like the preparation I put in-I won’t be blocked. Whatever they got for us, we’re coming."
That’s bulletin board material, sure-but it’s also exactly the kind of energy you want heading into a playoff showdown. Miami’s already proven they can answer the call when challenged. They heard the noise from Texas A&M and responded with pads, not words.
Now, another test awaits. Two storied programs, both with something to prove, set to collide on New Year’s Eve at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Get ready. This one’s going to be a battle.