Miami football at Texas A&M named best week 3 game

Mike Huguenin of On3.Com named the Miami football game at Texas A&M the best game of week three. The Hurricanes’ game at the Aggies is the second year in a row that Miami faces a tough SEC team in a non-conference game. Miami lost 44-13 against Alabama in the 2021 season opener in Atlanta.

Miami has not defeated a Power Five team outside of the ACC since a 41-8 victory over Notre Dame in 2017. The Hurricanes enter the 2022 season with seven straight non-conference losses to Power Five opponents. Miami also lost 38-17 to Michigan State in their most recent Power Five non-conference game.

The Hurricanes have a Power Five non-conference opponent scheduled through at least 2032. Improving their play against Power Five opponents in non-conference is critical for success in future success. Miami is 2-1 all-time versus Texas A&M. Texas A&M is expected to be favored in the week three matchup.

During an 8-4 season, Texas A&M had one of the most surprising wins of the year nationally with a 41-38 victory over Alabama on October 9. Miami will likely need a similar offensive performance at Teas A&M. The Aggies will have one of the most talented defenses in college football in 2021. Huguenin previewed the game.

"“Week 3: September 17, Miami at Texas A&M, time and TV TBAThe buzz: Once again, a lot is expected of Texas A&M. Will the Aggies live up to the hype? A lot depends on the quarterback, whether it’s Haynes King or LSU transfer Max Johnson. Speaking of quarterbacks, Miami will have the best one in this game in Tyler Van Dyke. Can the Hurricanes keep him protected?Miami’s best chance would seem to be winning a shootout. This also is an interesting coaching matchup with Jimbo Fisher and Mario Cristobal. Others: UTSA at Texas; Penn State at Auburn; Michigan State at Washington”"

Adding more intrigue to the Miami football team at Texas A&M is that Johnson is the nephew of former Miami head coach and quarterback Mark Richt. Johnson seems likely to be the Aggies starting QB after completing 60.3 percent of his passes for 2,815 yards, 27 touchdowns and six interceptions with LSU last season.

Improving protection for Van Dyke will be a priority for new head coach Mario Cristobal and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal. Cristobal knows the importance of the play upfront as an OL on Miami national championship teams in 1989 and 1991. The Miami football team finished 80th last season allowing 2.5 sacks per game.

Texas A&M was 18th averaging 3.25 sacks per game. Miami might be able to win a high-scoring game. Texas A&M was 56th averaging 29.3 points per game in 2021. Miami finished 23rd averaging 34.1 PPG. Texas A&M replaced defensive coordinator Mike Elko who is now the head coach at Duke with D.J. Durkin.

Miami at Texas A&M will be the first time that Mario Cristobal and Jimbo Fisher matchup as head coaches. Texas A&M will play at Miami in 2023. Cristobal was 35-13 in four seasons at Oregon before leaving for Miami in December. Fisher is 34-14 in four seasons at Texas A&M after leaving Florida State.