Miami defense in CFP win legitimizes team’s title candidacy

The Miami Hurricanes are back.

The program celebrated its first College Football Playoff berth with an incredible defensive effort in a 10-3 road win at CFP No. 7 Texas A&M Aggies (11-2) in the first round of the playoffs. 

The result shows what makes No. 10 Miami (11-2) a legitimate national title contender. With its defense, it can go toe-to-toe with anyone.

Miami’s defense lifts program to biggest win in over two decades

The victory sets up a trip to the Cotton Bowl against No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes (12-1) in a rematch of the 2002 national championship. The Hurricanes haven’t played in a game of that magnitude in the 23 years since, setting up the New Year’s Eve showdown as one of the marquee games of the quarterfinals.

Miami’s defense should be up to the task against the Ohio State offense. It held Texas A&M to 326 yards, its fewest of the season. The Aggies entered the game averaging 454.4 yards per game.

The Canes affected Texas A&M’s quarterback Marcel Reed’s ability to throw with constant pressure from a strong defensive front. Miami finished with seven sacks, including three from 2026 NFL Draft prospect Rueben Bain Jr. Overall, Reed was 25-of-39 for 237 yards (6.1 yards per attempt) and two interceptions.

Miami also limited Aggies running backs Rueben Owens II and Le’Veon Moss to 36 yards on 14 carries (2.6 yards per attempt). 

It was an elite defensive effort, capped with an interception in the end zone to preserve the win.