In a game that felt more like a punting clinic than a postseason tune-up, Miami managed to grind out a gritty 10-3 win over Texas A&M. It wasn’t pretty - far from it - but for Ohio State fans looking ahead to that Dec. 31 matchup with the Hurricanes, there were plenty of clues about what kind of team Miami really is.
Let’s break it down - the good, the bad, and the downright ugly - and what it all means for the Buckeyes.
1. Miami’s Ground Game: Quiet All Year, Loud When It Mattered
Coming into the game, neither of these teams had shown much juice in the run game. Miami ranked 142nd nationally in rushing offense, and Texas A&M sat at a modest 63rd. But on this day, it was Miami - behind former Ohio State commit Mark Fletcher - that found a spark.
Fletcher was the difference-maker. He ran for 172 yards on just 17 carries, including a back-breaking 56-yard burst late in the game that helped ice the win.
It wasn’t just the yardage - it was when and how he got it. Fletcher ran with power, patience, and just enough burst to punish a defense that gave him even a sliver of daylight.
For Ohio State, the takeaway is simple: limit Fletcher’s explosive plays, and you take away the heartbeat of this Miami offense. He’s not the type to chip away for four yards a pop - he’s looking for the home run. Keep him in check, and you force Miami to beat you another way.
2. **Kicking Game?
What Kicking Game? **
Let’s just say it was a rough day for the specialists.
Miami kicker Carter Davis went 1-for-4 on field goal attempts. Texas A&M’s kicker missed one as well. Sure, the wind was swirling and made things tough, but this wasn’t just about weather - it was about execution, or lack thereof.
The silver lining for Ohio State? The Dec. 31 showdown is indoors.
No wind. No excuses.
But even then, don’t expect either team to trot out their kicker for anything beyond 45 yards unless it’s absolutely necessary. Field position and red zone efficiency will matter more than ever.
3. Miami’s Pass Rush: Loud and Relentless
If Texas A&M’s offensive line was looking to fire up Miami’s edge rushers with some pregame trash talk, mission accomplished - and then some.
Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor were men on a mission. Bain racked up three sacks, Mesidor added 1.5, and Miami’s defense as a whole got to Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed seven times.
This wasn’t just about individual dominance - it was a full-team effort. Miami’s front four consistently collapsed the pocket, and their blitz packages forced Reed into hurried throws and poor decisions.
For Ohio State, this is a clear warning: protect the quarterback, or pay the price. The Buckeyes’ offensive line will have to be at its best, both physically and mentally. And maybe keep the bulletin-board material to a minimum - Bain and Mesidor clearly don’t need extra motivation.
4. Malachi Toney: The Swiss Army Knife
If Fletcher is Miami’s workhorse, Malachi Toney is their wildcard.
The freshman did a little bit of everything against Texas A&M: he threw a pass, took three carries, caught five balls - including the game’s only touchdown - and returned punts. Every time he touched the ball, he looked like a threat to flip the field.
He’s not just versatile - he’s dangerous. And right now, he’s Miami’s most dynamic playmaker not named Fletcher.
The rest of the Hurricanes' receiving corps? Not exactly terrifying.
But Toney is the kind of player who can change a game with one touch. Ohio State’s defense will need to know where No. 0 is at all times.
Don’t let him get loose in space, or you’re asking for trouble.
5. The Brick Wall: Miami’s Defensive Front Was Dominant
We’ve talked about the pass rush, but Miami’s defensive line was just as impressive in the run game. Texas A&M managed just 2.5 yards per carry, which forced Marcel Reed to drop back 39 times. That’s exactly what Miami wanted - and they capitalized with two interceptions.
This is where Miami’s defense thrives: shut down the run, pin their ears back, and let the pass rush feast.
Ohio State can’t fall into that same trap. Yes, Julian Sayin is a more polished passer than Reed, but even the best quarterbacks become mortal when the defense knows what’s coming. If the Buckeyes can’t establish some semblance of a ground game, Miami’s front will tee off - and that’s a recipe for disaster.
Final Thoughts
Miami didn’t light up the scoreboard, but they showed exactly who they are: a team that wins ugly, leans on its defense, and rides a couple of explosive playmakers on offense. For Ohio State, the formula is clear - contain Fletcher and Toney, protect the quarterback, and stay balanced on offense.
It won’t be easy. But if the Buckeyes stick to their identity and avoid the pitfalls that swallowed Texas A&M, they’ll be in a strong position to punch their ticket to the next round.