Peach Bowl Preview: vs. #4 Texas A&M Aggies
Record: 12-2, 7-1 SEC
Head Coach: Mike Elko
Offensive Scheme: Pro Style
Defensive Scheme: 4-2-5
Notable Results
vs. UTSA (9-4): W 41-14
at #11 Missouri (9-4): W 39-34
vs. Arkansas (9-4): W 49-0
vs. Florida (6-5): L 41-6
at Texas (8-5): W 28-10
vs. #22 Tennessee (10-4): L 37-34 [SEC Championship Game]
vs. #9 Clemson (9-4): W 51-48 [CFP]
vs. #12 Boise State (11-3): W 49-21 [CFP]
Similar stats across the board with a better quarterback + neutral site so the Excel formula I use to generate these spreads gave them the slight edge. Let's see if Emory stands on business
Aggies defense dominates as Texas A&M advances to National Championship Game with win over Miami
The Aggies 2022 recruiting class has been the butt of jokes for years with their lack of success, plenty of transfers and Jimbo Fisher's ultimate dismissal. They just helped lead Texas A&M to the program's first National Championship Game in the modern area.
Miami's running game was completely grounded and with backbreaking drops and interceptions from their passing game, Miami's offense never got going in the 17-3 loss to the Aggies in Atlanta.
The Aggies jumped out to an early 10-0 lead and with the way Miami's offense was struggling to get going, the lead was never threatened. The Hurricanes had a to reach the endzone before the end of the first half after the offense sprung into life with back-to-back completions of thirty and twenty-one yards from Emory Williams but on third and one, Williams would be sacked to force the Hurricanes to kick a field goal.
Nine plays later, Conner Weigman found Ashton Bethel-Roman for the 17-yard touchdown with nineteen seconds left in the first half.
The missed opportunities continued for the Hurricanes in the second half, down two touchdowns. After an interception by Damari Brown to give the offense the ball in scoring position, Williams' pass to Joshisa Trader on fourth and four was dropped by the receiver. On the next Miami possession, Williams found Chris Johnson Jr. for a 25-yard gain to get into Aggie territory and when the team settled for a field goal, James Rutter's 40-yard kick sailed wide right.
In the fourth quarter, Mario Williams dropped back to back passes on third and fourth down to turn the ball over on downs. Williams would be intercepted twice in the last three minutes of the fourth quarter as he tried to force the ball down the field. Scoring Summary Quarter 1 Conner Weigman, 18 Yd run (5:33)
Kicking
K James Rutter, Freshman: 19/22 FG, 48 FG Lng, 51/51 XP
Punting
P Dylan Joyce, Junior: 55 punts, 38.0 Net Avg, 15 inside the 20, 2 touchbacks
Returning
WR Ray Ray Joseph, Junior: 26 kick returns, 420 yds
HB Chris Johnson Jr, Rs Sophomore: 12 kick returns, 349 yds, 2 TD
WR Eric Incoom, Freshman: 49 punt returns, 489 yds, TD
Team Stats
Scoring Offense: 32.9 PPG
Third Down Conversion: 45%
Fourth Down Conversion: 62%
Two Point Conversion: 50%
Red Zone Efficiency: 43%
Scoring Defense: 16.1 PAPG
Passing Defense: 255 YAPG
Rushing Defense: 56 YAPG
Sacks: 81
Fumbles: 3
Interceptions: 29
Miami hires former Florida State quarterback, Georgia Tech quarterback's coach Chris Weinke to be offensive coordinator Carlos Navarro -- The Athletic Staff Writer
In a significant move for their football program, the Miami Hurricanes have announced the hiring of Chris Weinke as their new offensive coordinator. Weinke, who previously served as the quarterback coach at Georgia Tech, will replace Shannon Dawson, who recently accepted the head coaching position at TCU.
Alongside Buster Faulkner, Weinke helped orchestrate an offense that averaged an impressive 35.1 points per game. Under their guidance, Georgia Tech’s offense ranked in the top five in both passing and rushing offense within the ACC, showcasing a balanced and potent attack.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chris Weinke to the Miami Hurricanes family,” said Miami head coach Mario Cristobal. “His experience and success at Georgia Tech speak for themselves, and we believe he is the right person to lead our offense moving forward. We are confident that Chris will help us achieve our goals and bring a new level of excitement to our program.”
Weinke, a former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role. His ability to mentor quarterbacks and design effective offensive schemes will be vital as Miami aims to develop its young talent and improve its overall performance.
He played for the Florida State Seminoles, one of Miami’s fiercest rivals, from 1997 to 2000. During his time at Florida State, Weinke led the Seminoles to a national championship in 1999 and won the Heisman Trophy in 2000, becoming the oldest player to receive the award at the age of 28. His success at Florida State is well-documented, and his familiarity with ACC competition will be an asset to the Hurricanes.
Notable Head Coaching Changes
Auburn :: Tim Skipper replaces Hugh Freeze (fired)
Georgia Tech :: Kevin Wilson replaces Brent Key (hired at California)
Notre Dame :: Mike Locksley replaces Marcus Freeman (fired)
Pittsburgh :: Willie Fritz replaces Mike Locksley (hired at Georgia Tech)
TCU :: Shannon Dawson replaces Sonny Dykes (fired)
Tennessee :: Gus Malzahn replaces Tim Skipper (hired at Tennessee)
Wake Forest :: Major Applewhite replaces Dave Clawson (fired)
Wisconsin :: Troy Taylor replaces Jason Candle (fired)
QB Connor Weigman: 31-53, 336 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT
QB Tyler Van Dyke: 21-30, 374 yds, 5 TD
