NCAA Football Week 4: Texas A&M Aggies vs. Miami Hurricanes

The Aggies and “The U” both eye a return to greatness.

Aggies vs. Hurricanes Preview:

The Texas A&M Aggies and the Miami Hurricanes were both once the prides of Texas and Florida respectively. Poor decisions in coaching and recruiting have led to both these classic football states finding new schools to lead them. Each of these teams has a world of young talent, great coaches, and a long history that help them enter a new generation of football dominance. This game will be the launching point of both programs back to prominence.

Texas A&M Aggies Overview:

New head coach Mike Sherman is facing a learning curve as a college coach, but his system is rapidly catching on with his players. RB Mike Goodson is at the center of the Texas A&M Aggies offense and is one of the top running backs in the country. RB/FB Jorvorskie Lane is a monster of a man and moves like a cat. Both will have to step their game up to protect an injured QB in Stephen McGee. If the versatile Stephen McGee cannot play, then young and speedy QB Jerrod Johnson will take his place.

The Texas A&M Aggies defense is anchored up front by a series of giant defensive tackles that specialize in stuffing the run in the 4-2-5. DT Kellen Heard is a monster of a man and will occupy many blockers. Small and quick defensive ends like Paul Freeny apply the pass rush. The 4-2-5 alignment puts more DBs on the field with physical freak FS Devin Gregg as the leader of the secondary and the entire Texas A&M Aggies defense.

Miami Hurricanes Overview:

Even with superstar RB Javaris James on the injured list the Miami Hurricanes have a pair of stars in the backfield in speedy Graig Cooper and Derron Thomas. Young QB Robert Marve is a great player in the making and shows great command for a freshman. QB Jacory Harris will also rotate in to give the open Miami Hurricanes offense even more options. As always the Miami Hurricanes offense is fast with WR Leonard Hankerson also becoming a great talent.

Producing NFL stars like Ray Lewis and Jon Beason to name just a few, the Miami Hurricanes defense is always loaded with linebacking talent and nothing has changed. LBs like Spencer Adkins and Darryl Sharpton are only a few of the many rotating defensive speedsters that hunt down the ball carrier. The loss of Calais Campbell to the NFL has left the Miami Hurricanes defensive line younger and smaller but also faster. S Lovon Ponder is the veteran leader of the young secondary.

A&M Aggies Keys to Victory:

Against the speed of the Miami Hurricanes defense the A&M Aggies must punish the undersized ‘Canes with their running game. Stephen McGee has struggled as of late, and RB Mike Goodson has to step up. FB Jorvorskie Lane must play a bigger part in Mike Sherman’s offense. On the defensive side the Texas A&M Aggies have to stop the run. The Miami Hurricanes QBs may be talented but they are young and prone to mistakes. The big DTs of the A&M Aggies have to play up to their size.

Miami Hurricanes Keys to Victory:

With their great speed advantage the Miami Hurricanes can use their outside runs to attack the smaller DEs of the Texas A&M Aggies. RB Graig Cooper is a speed demon and will have to rule in the run, receiving, and return games. QB Robert Marve will have to be careful with the football and keep on the move. The Miami Hurricanes linebackers will look to swarm the football and look for turnovers at every opportunity. If the Miami Hurricanes can stop the Aggies rushing attack, then they can focus on an injured Stephen McGee.

Aggies vs. Hurricanes Outlook:

Both the Texas A&M Aggies and Miami Hurricanes have the young talent to be great teams for a long time. They are also going through growing pains as the youth adapts to the college level. The Miami Hurricanes have an advantage in having done battle with a great team already in the Florida Gators. With renewed confidence and the rude awakening of playing top-flight talent, the Miami Hurricanes know they have the ability to win. Their impressive speed gives the Miami Hurricanes an advantage over the Texas A&M Aggies.