After being a slight underdog versus Texas A&M since the 2023 ESPN Football Power Index debuted, the Miami football team is given a 52.7 percent chance to defeat the Aggies on Saturday. Fanduel lists Texas A&M as a 4.5-point favorite over Miami. The point spread is down from Texas A&M previously being a 7.5-point favorite.
Miami moved up one spot to 20th in the FPI following its 38-3 win over Miami (Ohio) in the season opener on Friday night. Texas A&M fell one spot to 18th after defeating New Mexico 52-10 in its season opener on Saturday. Clemson and Florida State are the only other teams on their 2023 schedule ranked ahead of Miami.
Clemson is eighth in the FPI and Florida State is ninth. The Miami football team is favored in every game this season by the FPI except for at North Carolina and Florida State and versus Clemson. If Miami wins the games they are favored to this season, they should receive a high-level invitation to a bowl game.
Miami lost 17-9 at Texas A&M in 2022. The performances by Miami and Texas A&M in their 2023 season openers were similar. Miami had 493 total yards, 243 rushing and 250 passing. The Hurricanes allowed 215 total yards, 164 passing and 51 rushing on 25 carries. Miami was dominant defensively.
Miami (Ohio) gained 95 yards in the fourth quarter when many of the Hurricanes’ backups were in the game. Texas A&M gained 411 total yards, 277 passing and 134 rushing. The Aggies allowed 222 yards, 131 passing and 91 rushing. Texas A&M quarterback Connor Weigman was 18-23 for 236 yards and five touchdowns.
Tyler Van Dyke was 17-22 for 201 yards, one TD and one interception versus Miami (Ohio). In the postgame on Friday, Van Dyke acknowledged he needs to perform better versus Texas A&M. Miami held back offensively and defensively versus Miami (Ohio). Expect more advanced looks on Saturday versus Texas A&M.
Mario Cristobal, defensive coordinator Lance Guidry and offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson all spoke to reporters on Monday. The game versus Texas A&M should be competitive. It’s basically a pick ’em when the line and analytics are considered. Miami is projected to start the season 5-0 by the FRP.