Malachi Toney’s 11-yard touchdown reception with less than two minutes left lifted No. 10 seed Miami to a 10-3 victory over No. 7 Texas A&M in the College Football Playoff.
A Game-Changing Finish
The Hurricanes’ final play was a 11-yard pass from Carson Beck to Toney that crossed the goal line as the clock ticked down. That score gave Miami a 10-3 edge that would hold for the rest of the game. The play was the only touchdown for the Hurricanes and the sole point of the Aggies’ offense.
Mark Fletcher’s Rushing Dominance
Mark Fletcher Jr. rushed for a career-high 172 yards, including a 56-yard run that set up a scoring drive. He added four more runs that pushed Miami into the red zone before the final touchdown. Fletcher’s performance helped the 11-2 Hurricanes secure a berth in the Cotton Bowl against second-seeded Ohio State on Dec. 31.
Toney’s Early Setback
Earlier in the game, Toney caught a pass that was knocked away by Dalton Brooks. Daymion Sanford recovered the fumble at the Texas A&M 47, and the Aggies forced a punt. Miami’s teammates surrounded Toney on the bench, offering encouragement after the mishap.
Coach Cristobal on Team Energy
Mario Cristobal said, “Forty-plus days ago, we were lower than low and found a way to just bring a different level of energy every single day and lift each other and the program up.” He added, “And here we are with a chance to keep playing, and that’s all that matters now, 1-0.”
Trust in Toney
Cristobal continued, “You saw the entire team just go right to him after the fumble… Everybody trusts him. A lot of the reason why we are here today is his playmaking ability… they knew that there was going to be some more football to be played, and he was going to be a big part of the reason why we were going to have a chance to pull out the game.”
Defensive Pressure on Reed
The Hurricanes’ defense sacked Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed seven times and forced him into a mistake-filled performance. Reed was 25 of 39 for 257 yards but could not move the ball into the end zone for the first time this season. The defense also intercepted Reed twice, including a pass in the end zone.
The Aggies’ Missed Opportunities
Reed fumbled in the first quarter, and the Hurricanes could not capitalize. A 59-yard reception by Mario Craver moved the Aggies to the 11 early in the second, but they were unable to sustain the drive. A 22-yard field-goal attempt was blocked by Rueben Bain Jr.
Field-Goal Struggles
Florida’s kicker 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 gave the Canes a score after the first scoreless first half in CFP history. The Hurricanes opened the second half with a 21-yard field goal to make it 3-0.
Randy Bond’s Tie
Randy Bond finally got the Aggies on the board when he tied the score with a 35-yard field goal with about eight minutes to go. That kick made the game 3-3, setting the stage for the later defensive battle.
Toney’s Punt Return
Toney’s 55-yard punt return moved the Hurricanes to the 25 with about six minutes left in the second quarter. He would have scored if not for a shoestring tackle by Marcus Ratcliffe. The return was the longest of the game for Miami.
Beck’s First Season
Carson Beck was in his first season at Miami after transferring from Georgia. He was 14 of 20 for a season-low 103 yards. Beck also threw the 11-yard touchdown pass to Toney.
Aggies’ Final Attempt
After the touchdown, the Aggies had a chance to tie the game. Bryce Fitzgerald intercepted a pass for the second time, this time in the end zone, to end the rally. The interception sealed the 10-3 victory.
Miami’s Defensive Stifling
The Hurricanes’ defense stifled Texas A&M’s powerful offense, which entered the game averaging 36.3 points a game. They flushed Reed out of the pocket and forced him to make tough throws repeatedly. The defense forced seven sacks and numerous turnovers.
Reed’s Season Reflection
Reed said, “We thought this season obviously could have been a lot better than what it ended at, but we’re proud of what we accomplished. We’re growing.” He added that the team would learn from the loss.
Coach Elko’s Perspective
Mike Elko, Texas A&M’s second-season coach, said, “We were not an elite program ready to compete for a national championship when we took over. We’re still not. We’re working to become it. We’re battling to become it. I think clearly these last two games have showed there’s still room in areas that we have to continue to grow.”
Miami’s CFP Validation
The Hurricanes proved they belonged in the CFP after some questioned if they should have gotten in ahead of Notre Dame. Their win over Notre Dame in the opener earned them the last at-large bid.
Future Opportunities
Miami now moves on to the Cotton Bowl, where they will face Ohio State. The win gives the Hurricanes a chance to win their first national championship since 2001 in their first appearance in the CFP.
Key Takeaways
- Toney’s late 11-yard touchdown gave Miami a 10-3 win over Texas A&M.
- Mark Fletcher rushed for 172 yards, including a 56-yard run.
- The Hurricanes’ defense forced seven sacks and two interceptions.
The game showcased Miami’s resilience and defensive prowess, setting the stage for a high-stakes Cotton Bowl matchup.
