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Miami Defense Dominates Texas A&M, Secures Cotton Bowl Berth
COLLEGE STATION, TX – The Miami Hurricanes are heading to the Goodyear Cotton Bowl after a dominant 10-3 victory over the Texas A&M Aggies. The Hurricanes defense put on a stellar performance, silencing the Aggies offense and ending their season.
The game’s only touchdown came late in the fourth quarter when Malachi Toney took a pop pass into the end zone, giving Miami a 10-3 lead with 1:44 left in the game. But the story of the game was the Hurricanes’ defense, led by Rueben Bain, who finished with 5 tackles – 4 for a loss – and 3 sacks, while also blocking a field goal attempt.
The defensive unit as a whole recorded nine tackles for loss and forced three turnovers. Freshman Bryce Fitzgerald sealed the win with an interception in the end zone with 24 seconds remaining. He had two interceptions on the day.
The Hurricanes’ defense effectively shut down the Aggies’ run game, limiting them to just 89 rushing yards. The defensive line consistently pressured Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed, sacking him seven times – tied for the most sacks in a game for Miami in the past six seasons.
Miami coach Mario Cristobal praised the defense’s performance, highlighting the impact of new defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman and the contributions of players like Fitzgerald, Keionte Scott, and transfer Xavier Lucas in revitalizing the secondary. Cristobal added that the confidence the defense brings is off the charts.
On the other side of the field, Aggies coach Mike Elko lamented his team’s inability to establish a run game and protect their quarterback.
Miami will now face Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, riding the momentum of their defensive resurgence.
First Piper 