While not ideal, missing the SEC championship allowed No. 3 Texas A&M to have a few weeks to get healthy and move on from a 27-17 upset loss at the hands of rival Texas to end the regular season.
More News: Legendary College Football Coach to Step Down After Bowl Game
The Aggies will host No. 10 Miami on Saturday in the first round of the College Football Playoff. After suffering two losses in three games, the Hurricanes finished the regular season strong by blowing out their final four opponents.
Texas A&M needed some time to make adjustments before the CFP. The Aggies played poorly in their final two SEC games, narrowly avoiding an upset by South Carolina at home before losing to the Longhorns.
More News: CFP Committee Explains Controversial Notre Dame-Alabama Decision
In those two games, quarterback Marcel Reed threw five touchdowns, four interceptions and lost one fumble.
Brad Crawford of CBS Sports thinks Miami’s opportunistic defense could take advantage of Reed if they get enough pressure up front. Crawford picked the Hurricanes to upset the Aggies on Saturday.
“Turnover margin is going to decide this game, which I think will be the best of the playoff’s opening-round,” Crawford wrote. “Miami has 20 takeaways this season, more than double Texas A&M’s total and if the Hurricanes can pressure Marcel Reed, that’s going to lead to a critical mistake in the passing game.
“Give me the Hurricanes on the moneyline in a nail-biter at Kyle Field. … Miami 27, Texas A&M 24.“
Reed has shown flaws against better defenses in the SEC. He threw two picks in a 49-25 win over LSU on Oct. 25. However, he was able to overcome those turnovers with his legs, adding 108 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
If Reed keeps control of the ball, the Aggies have a chance. Reed has thrown for 2,932 yards, 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The dual-threat quarterback has rushed for 466 yards and six touchdowns.
For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.
