Miami College Football Playoff Win Over Texas A&M Sends Hurricanes to Cotton Bowl Showdown

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COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - Miami delivered a breaking update in the College Football Playoff timeline Saturday night, defeating Texas A&M (10–3) in College Station to advance to the Cotton Bowl and keep its national championship outlook alive.

Malachi Toney caught the tie breaking 11 yard touchdown pass with less than 2 minutes remaining, lifting the Hurricanes through a defensive driven playoff opener defined by execution and resilience. Miami improved to 11 wins on the season and now moves on to face a (12–1) Ohio State football team in the Cotton Bowl, with the Buckeyes entering the matchup following a loss to Indiana.

The game developed into a grinding defensive battle from the opening kickoff. Neither team scored in the first half, marking the first scoreless opening half in College Football Playoff history. Miami broke through early in the third quarter with a short field goal to take a 3–0 lead before Texas A&M responded with a 35 yard kick to tie the game later in the quarter.

Momentum shifted multiple times as both offenses struggled to sustain drives. Toney appeared to be at the center of a turning point early in the fourth quarter when he lost a fumble after a reception, briefly giving Texas A&M favorable field position. Miami responded immediately on defense as Rueben Bain Jr. recorded sacks on 2 of 3 plays to force a punt, resetting the timeline and keeping the Hurricanes within striking distance.

Mark Fletcher Jr. delivered the defining run of the night, breaking free for a career long 56 yard carry that moved Miami deep into Aggies territory with just over 3 minutes remaining. Fletcher finished with a career high 172 rushing yards, providing balance and control throughout the second half. Miami leaned on him again to close the drive before quarterback Carson Beck connected with Toney on a short pass that turned into the game deciding touchdown.

Texas A&M had one final opportunity to respond, but Bryce Fitzgerald intercepted Marcel Reed in the end zone for his second interception of the night, sealing the outcome. Miami defense limited an Aggies offense that entered the game averaging more than 36 points per contest and held Texas A&M without a touchdown for the first time this season.

Reed finished 25 of 39 for 257 yards but was sacked 7 times and committed multiple turnovers under constant pressure. Miami consistently collapsed the pocket and forced hurried decisions throughout the night.

Beck, in his first season with the Hurricanes after transferring from Georgia, managed the offense efficiently and finished 14 of 20 for 103 yards. While the passing numbers were modest, Miami emphasized ball security and situational execution.

Special teams also played a significant role. Miami kicker Carter Davis missed 3 field goals in gusty conditions after missing only 2 all season entering the game. The Hurricanes also blocked a short field goal attempt in the second quarter, continuing a trend of timely defensive plays in high leverage moments.

What this means for Miami is a clear validation of its place in the playoff field after earning the final at large berth. The Hurricanes have now won 5 straight games and remain in pursuit of their first national championship since 2001. Their next steps bring a high profile Cotton Bowl matchup against an Ohio State team that finished (12–1) and will be looking to respond after its loss to Indiana.

For Texas A&M, the loss ends a season that began with 11 consecutive wins and marked the program first College Football Playoff appearance. Head coach Mike Elko acknowledged progress while noting the remaining gap between playoff qualification and championship contention.

There were no reported medical or roster implications following the game. Miami now turns its full focus to preparation for the Cotton Bowl, while Texas A&M enters an offseason centered on offensive consistency and late season execution.