The Hurricanes will take on Texas A&M in both programs’ first-ever playoff game on Dec. 20.
With the high-stakes matchup looming, the South Florida Sun Sentinel asked the Austin American-Statesman’s Texas A&M beat writer, Tony Catalina, several questions about what Miami is facing at Kyle Field next week.
Q: What are the vibes in Aggieland? A&M was off to a great start, winning their first 11 games, but they had a close game against South Carolina and lost to Texas.
Tony Catalina: “A&M for sure played with fire a little bit down the stretch, culminating in its regular-season finale loss to the Longhorns. However, I get the sense from coaches and players that it has helped center them as they turn their attention to the CFP.
“No one wants to lose a game, but it feels like the Aggies believe they can use the lessons to further drive home how important small details are to help them down the stretch.”
Q: Marcel Reed has played well. What does he do, both in the passing and running game, that makes him such a dual threat?
Catalina: “It’s well known how dynamic of a runner he is, and he’s really improved as a passer. Adding KC Concepcion and Mario Craver has certainly helped, but the Aggies’ offense is built around Reed and his strengths.
“It has felt like his trust within the offense, along with the sense the game has slowed down for him a bit, has allowed him to see the field clearer and in return, helped him make the smart play more times than not.”
Q: Who are the biggest playmakers on the A&M offense that Miami fans will need to keep an eye on?
Catalina: “I think WRs KC Concepcion and Mario Craver rightly get the most attention, but a player that could very well be back for this game is the engine that makes the A&M offense go: RB Le’Veon Moss.
“There was a sense that Moss had a chance to be back later in the regular season, and while that didn’t happen, there’s a belief he could make his first appearance since Week 7.
“Moss is a hard-nosed runner with the ability to break one every time he touches the ball. If he’s available for Round 1, he’s A&M’s X-factor.”
Q: Cashius Howell has burst onto the scene as a dominant edge rusher. What do you think has been the key to his success?
Catalina: “Cashius’s breakout started in the offseason. With an idea that he was going to be the lead guy in the defensive line room, he worked on putting on more muscle, got noticeably bigger, and prepared for the increased workload.
“He’s always shown the ability to be a great athlete who could beat you with his speed, but this year he was able to demonstrate his physicality and durability as well.”
Q: Who are some of the other players on defense who have been key contributors?
Catalina: “The heart and soul of A&M’s defense is LB Taurean York. He’s the QB of the group, the vocal leader, and is everything you want in the middle of a defensive unit. Add in LB Daymion Sanford, who has been excellent as a blitzer and as a run defender, and the linebacker room is a real strength for the Aggies.
“In the back end, CB Will Lee III has quietly been really good for them. It hasn’t been a big statistical year for him, but he hasn’t been tried by opposing QBs too often.”
Q: What is your prediction for the game and what do you think will be the determining factor?
Catalina: “I think these are two evenly matched teams, that both do a lot of good things on both sides of the ball.
“I think whoever wins the turnover and penalty battle will win the game. And if that rings true, I’d take the home team to come out on top, 27-24.”
