Miami outlasts Texas A&M in CFP debut, advances to Cotton Bowl

Miami outlasted Texas A&M 10-3 on Saturday at Kyle Field in the College Football Playoff first-round game, earning a berth in the Cotton Bowl. Malachi Toney’s tiebreaking 11-yard touchdown reception with less than two minutes remaining provided the margin, and the Hurricanes closed it out when Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed threw an end-zone interception in the final minute. Miami had earned the final at-large playoff spot over Notre Dame after a 27-24 season-opening victory over the Fighting Irish.

In a game defined by defense and gusty winds, the Hurricanes leaned on a ground attack that carried them through much of the day. Running back Mark Fletcher Jr. rushed for a career-high 172 yards on 23 carries, giving Miami a balanced approach behind a stout run game. The Hurricanes finally broke through in the third quarter when Carter Davis connected on a 21-yard field goal, a kick that finally put Miami on the board after the first scoreless half in CFP history.

Texas A&M pushed back in the final minutes, driving into the red zone in a bid to force overtime. The Aggies were unable to convert, and Reed’s end-zone interception sealed the win for Miami. The Hurricanes’ victory preserves their pursuit of a sixth national championship and their first since 2001, a title drought that remains part of the program’s narrative.

Miami will advance to the Cotton Bowl Classic to face defending national champion Ohio State on Dec. 31, a test that will pit the Hurricanes against one of college football’s elite programs. The win also completes a remarkable turn for a Miami squad that earned a playoff spot after an early-season win over Notre Dame in the season opener.

Texas A&M’s national title drought will extend at least another year. The Aggies have not claimed a championship since 1939, a gap that has defined a program with recent postseason visibility but limited ultimate payoff.