Miami is set to take on Texas A&M in the first round of the College Football Playoff, and it is set to be quite the battle. After all the chaos of the Hurricanes getting in over Notre Dame, Miami was able to drown out the noise and get to work.
This won't be an easy game by any means for the Hurricanes, but they can lean on their defense to help secure a big upset victory. The Hurricanes have steadily improved on defense throughout the season, but nothing has been better than their front four putting pressure on the quarterback and stopping the run.
According to NCAA rankings, Miami is the No. 7-ranked rushing defense in the country. That top-ranked defense will be going up against a Texas A&M rushing attack that is ranked No. 25 in the country. The Aggies have a balanced attack with three different running backs who have over 300 rushing yards and five touchdowns this season.
Leading rusher Rueben Owens II spoke about Miami's rush defense in a recent interview, and it should give the Hurricanes all the bulletin board material they need.
"I wouldn't say as much of a challenge," Owens said.
Reporter: “How do you approach a defense that has made their bones topping the run game?”
— BLEED ORANGE AND GREEN (@Brabra_Savage24) December 16, 2025
Texas A&M running back:
“I WOULDNT SAY AS MUCH OF A CHALLENGE “
“THEY SAID MISSOU HAD A GOOD RUN DEFENSE AND WE PUT OVER 200 YARDS”
🤫🥾🪖 pic.twitter.com/7VzmgtbAEd
The Aggies' leading rusher tried comparing Miami's rush defense to Missouri's rush defense, which Texas A&M faced earlier in the season. The Tigers ranked No. 17 in rush defense, which is 10 spots lower than the Hurricanes.
While yes, Texas A&M was able to get past what was still a very good Missouri defense, Miami's is a different beast, and it will certainly be a challenge for the Aggies.
Miam vs. Texas A&M will be a game won in the trenches
This matchup is going to be a physical one as both teams have solid defenses and offenses that can go off at any moment. This is a game that will be won up front in the trenches with whoever can get home on the quarterback first.
Miami will have to do its best to keep track of Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed, who not only has thrown for nearly 3,000 yards this season with 25 passing touchdowns, but also has run for 466 yards and six rushing touchdowns.
Reed will be a tough guy to keep track of, but the Hurricanes will have to work to keep him in the pocket with solid pressure on him at all times.