The second game of the College Football Playoff features the Miami Hurricanes and the Texas A&M Aggies in College Station, Texas. And Alabama vs. Oklahoma, this is one of the marquee first round matchups. Both Miami and A&M went into the season with national title aspirations and nothing has changed despite minor hiccups along the way. These teams are ranked in the top ten, with the ‘Canes coming in at 10-2 and the Aggies boasting an 11-1 record.
Let’s get into my predictions for Miami vs. Texas A&M.
Miami Hurricanes vs. Texas A&M Aggies odds
Cash line: Miami +130 / Texas A&M -155
Spread: Miami +3.5 (-118) / Texas A&M -3.5 (-102)
Total: Over 48.5 (-110) / Under 48.5 (-110)
Miami Hurricanes vs. Texas A&M Aggies best bet #1: Under 48.5 (-110)
This has the characteristics of a defensive competition. Each team has held opponents to less than 22 points per game while ranking in the top 20 nationally in total defense. Both the Hurricanes and Aggies are top 12 in third down defense. Another important handicap statistic is the speed of play. Miami is No. 129 in the nation in that department; Texas A&M is No. 110. Neither side really likes to push the ball downfield with a lot of urgency. If these teams continue to score goals, those road trips will likely be the way they are – using up a lot of clock.
Taking care of the ball will be key in a meeting between two defenses that rank in the top 10 in offense created out of garbage time and top 25 in sacks and tackles for loss. That could be especially problematic for the Aggies. QB Marcel Reed is more prone and has made 11 turnover-worthy plays since Week 9. Texas A&M is outside the top 100 in turnover rate and has averaged 2.3 turnovers per game over its last three games. Miami quarterback Carson Beck can be a separation machine at times, too.
Miami Hurricanes vs. Texas A&M Aggies best bet #2: Girard Pringle Jr. Over 38.5 rushing yards (-120)
As RB Mark Fletcher Jr. after missing two weeks in November with an injury, Pringle has been the most productive member of the Hurricanes’ backfield. In the final two games of the regular season against Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh, Pringle carried 24 times for 131 yards (he also had two receptions for 21 yards and a TD). Fletcher had just 16 attempts for 49 yards in that same span.
The coaching staff has full confidence in him now, so Pringle should get plenty of touches again on Saturday. That will give him every opportunity to find success against the Aggies run defense. Texas A&M is absolutely dominant against the pass, but is allowing 127.1 rushing yards per game on 4.0 yards per carry.
