Miami’s Malachi Toney’s 11-yard tiebreaking touchdown with less than two minutes left lifted the No. 10 seed Hurricanes to a 10-3 victory over No. 7 Texas A&M in the College Football Playoff.
Miami’s Path to the Playoff
The win marked Miami’s first playoff appearance and set the stage for a national title run, the first since 2001.
Toney’s Game-Changing Play
Toney’s touchdown came after a shaky moment earlier in the second half when a fumble by the freshman was recovered by Daymion Sanford on the A&M 47. The play left the team in a slump.
Teammates Rally
Teammates surrounded the visibly upset Toney on the bench, encouraging him to stay positive and focused on the next drive.
Defensive Stop
Rueben Bain Jr. sacked Marcel Reed twice in three plays, forcing a punt and giving the offense a fresh opportunity.
Fletcher’s Rushing Surge
Mark Fletcher Jr. answered with a career-best 172 rushing yards, including a 56-yard run that moved Miami to the A&M 30.
Four More Runs
Four additional runs by Fletcher set up a short pass from Carson Beck to Toney, who sprinted into the end zone for the decisive score.
Aggies’ Chance to Tie
The Aggies had a chance to tie the game after the touchdown, but Bryce Fitzgerald intercepted Reed for the second time, this time in the end zone, sealing the win.
Defensive Dominance
Miami’s defense forced seven sacks on Reed and disrupted his rhythm with multiple forced fumbles and interceptions, stifling a 36.3-point-per-game A&M offense.
Reed’s Performance
Reed finished 25-of-39 for 257 yards but could not find the end zone, marking the first time this season he failed to score a touchdown.
First Playoff Appearance
The Hurricanes’ victory was a culmination of disciplined play on both sides of the ball, giving Miami its first CFP appearance.
Carter Davis’s Field-Goal Struggles
Carter Davis missed three field goals in a gusty win after missing only two before Saturday; his 21-yard kick early in the third quarter finally put the Canes on the board after the first scoreless first half in CFP history.
Beck’s Stats
Carson Beck, in his first season at Miami after transferring from Georgia, was 14-of-20 for 103 yards.
Drives and Field Goals
The offense’s drives included a 35-yard field goal by Randy Bond and a 72-yard drive capped by a 21-yard field goal, illustrating the team’s ability to grind out points.
Key Takeaways
- Malachi Toney’s 11-yard touchdown capped a 10-3 win over Texas A&M, giving Miami its first CFP appearance.
- Mark Fletcher Jr. rushed for 172 yards, including a 56-yard run that set up the game-winning score.
- Miami’s defense forced seven sacks and two interceptions, stifling a 36.3-point-per-game A&M offense.
Closing
The Hurricanes now advance to the Cotton Bowl against No. 2 Ohio State on Dec. 31, carrying the hope of a national title after a 24-year drought.
