The second game of the College Football Playoff features the Miami Hurricanes and Texas A&M Aggies in College Station, Texas. Along with Alabama vs. Oklahoma, this is one of the most important matchups in the first round. Both Miami and A&M entered the season with national title aspirations and nothing has changed despite some minor hiccups along the way. These teams are ranked in the top 10, with the ‘Canes coming in at 10-2 and the Aggies having a record of 11-1.
Let’s take a look at my Miami vs. Texas A&M Predictions.
Miami Hurricanes Texas A&M Aggies Odds
Moneyline: Miami +130 / Texas A&M -155
Spread: Miami +3.5 (-118) / Texas A&M -3.5 (-102)
Total: More than 48.5 (-110) / less than 48.5 (-110)
Miami Hurricanes Texas A&M Aggies #1 Best Bet: Under 48.5 (-110)
This has everything to do with a defensive game. Each team is holding its opponents to fewer than 22 points per game while ranking in the top 20 nationally in total defense. Both the Hurricanes and Aggies rank in the top 12 in third down defense. Another important statistic for handicapping is pace of play. Miami is No. 129 in the nation in that area; Texas A&M is No. 110. Neither side really likes to push the ball downfield with much urgency. If these teams continue to score drives, these drives will most likely be methodical and take a lot of time.
Taking care of the ball will be critical in a matchup between two defenses that rank in the top 10 in chaos generated outside foul time and top 25 in sacks and tackles for loss. That could be especially problematic for the Aggies. QB Marcel Reed is very prone to interceptions 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 giveaways per game over its last three games. Miami quarterback Carson Beck can also be an interception machine at times.
Miami Hurricanes Texas A&M Aggies Best Bet #2: Girard Pringle Jr. Over 38.5 rushing yards (-120)
Since fellow RB Mark Fletcher Jr. missed two weeks with an injury in November, Pringle has been the more productive member of the Hurricanes’ backfield. In the final two regular season games against Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh, Pringle carried 24 times for 131 yards (he also had two receptions for 21 yards and a touchdown). Fletcher had just 16 attempts for 49 yards during the same period.
The coaching staff now has full confidence in him, so Pringle should be back at work on Saturday. That gives him every opportunity for success against an unspectacular Aggies defense. Texas A&M is absolutely dominant against the pass, but they allow 127.1 rushing yards per game on 4.0 yards per carry.
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