### Miami Hurricanes Upset Texas A&M in Historic College Football Playoff Matchup The Miami Hurricanes, ranked No. 10, achieved a significant upset by defeating the No. 7 Texas A&M Aggies 10-3 in the first round of the College Football Playoff (CFP) on December 20, 2025. This victory marked Miami's debut in the CFP and showcased a strong defensive performance alongside a standout offensive display from running back Mark Fletcher Jr., who rushed for a career-high 172 yards. The game, held at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, was characterized by its low score, making it the lowest-scoring game in CFP history. Miami's win secures them a spot in the quarterfinals against No. 2 Ohio State on New Year's Eve at the Cotton Bowl in Arlington, Texas. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Game Overview** - Miami's victory was clinched with a late touchdown reception by Malachi Toney, who caught an 11-yard pass with less than two minutes remaining. - The Hurricanes' defense was pivotal, with Bryce Fitzgerald intercepting Texas A&M's Marcel Reed twice, including a crucial pick at the Miami 5-yard line in the final moments of the game. 2. **Player Performances** - **Mark Fletcher Jr.**: Rushed for 172 yards, including a 56-yard run that set up the game-winning touchdown. - **Malachi Toney**: Scored the decisive touchdown, contributing significantly to Miami's offensive efforts. - **Carson Beck**: Completed 14 of 20 passes for 103 yards and one touchdown, marking a season-low in passing yards. - **Marcel Reed (Texas A&M)**: Threw for 237 yards but struggled with two interceptions, while also leading the team in rushing with 27 yards. 3. **Historical Context** - This game is noted for being the lowest-scoring in CFP history, highlighting the defensive strategies employed by both teams. - Miami's win not only advances them in the playoffs but also ends Texas A&M's national title hopes in their first-ever CFP appearance. ### Supporting Evidence and Statistics - **Final Score**: Miami 10, Texas A&M 3 - **Key Statistics**: - **Miami Offense**: 278 total yards, with Fletcher accounting for over half of that. - **Texas A&M Offense**: 237 passing yards, 27 rushing yards, and two interceptions thrown by Reed. - **Defensive Highlights**: Miami's defense held Texas A&M to just three points, showcasing their ability to stifle a high-scoring offense that averaged 36.3 points per game prior to this matchup. ### Conclusion: Miami's Path Forward In summary, the Miami Hurricanes' 10-3 victory over Texas A&M not only marks a historic moment in their program's history but also sets the stage for a challenging quarterfinal matchup against Ohio State. The combination of a strong running game, effective passing, and a formidable defense were key to their success. As they prepare for the next round, Miami will look to build on this momentum and continue their playoff journey. 1. **Miami's Upset Victory**: Clinched by a late touchdown and strong defensive plays. 2. **Player Highlights**: Mark Fletcher Jr. and Malachi Toney were instrumental in the win. 3. **Historical Significance**: The game is the lowest-scoring in CFP history, emphasizing defensive prowess. For further details, you can refer to the original articles [Yardbarker](https://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/college_football_playoff_roundup_no_10_miami_ousts_no_7_texas_a_m/s1_17047_43232568), [WSVN](https://wsvn.com/sports/malachi-toneys-heroics-lift-miami-over-texas-am-in-college-football-playoff), and [Herald Extra](https://www.heraldextra.com/sports/national-sports-apwire/2025/dec/21/cfp-roundup-miami-tops-texas-am-in-defensive-battle).