Mark Fletcher Jr. leads Hurricanes past Aggies kicking off CFP run

Miami, Florida – Mark Fletcher Jr. erased any doubt the Miami Hurricanes belonged in the CFP, becoming the difference maker in the 10-3 win over the Aggies. Tied 3-3 with just over four minutes left in regulation, Fletcher literally carried the team down the field on the game-winning drive. The UM running back broke out for a career-long 56-yard gain on the opening play of the series. He rushed four more times for a combined 19 yards, setting up Carson Beck’s 11-yard touchdown play with Malachi Toney. Texas A&M nearly tied the game in the ensuing drive, getting all the way to Miami’s five-yard line before freshman Bryce Fitzgerald picked off Marcel Reed in the endzone, his second interception of the afternoon to ice the Aggies.

THE FRESHMAN IN THE CLUTCH 🔥

Malachi Toney gives Miami the lead 👀 pic.twitter.com/iHiRTBKQZA

— ESPN (@espn) December 20, 2025

Fletcher’s 172-yard performance was a new career-high for the junior. Sidelined for two weeks late in the season due to injury, the Canes’ leading rusher took a backseat upon his return as Girard Pringle Jr. flashed his long-term value. In a contest marked by attrition and high winds, Fletcher was the X-factor, reasserting his workhorse status. Fletcher had 61.9% (172/278) of Miami’s scrimmage yards, making him the first player to have at least 60% of his team’s scrimmage yards in a College Football Playoff game. The winds impacted the air attack and the kicking game for both teams. Carter Davis missed three of four field goals, while Reed and Beck’s passes were far from dropping dimes. Beck was held to 103 yards, managing to complete 14 of 20 passes. Toney, meanwhile, recorded five receptions for 22 yards to go with his TD.

Nowhere to run or hide from the Hurricanes defense 👋#GoCanes | @CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/pplbqh4zfY

— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) December 21, 2025

Heading into the matchup, the lowest point total Texas A&M put up all year was 16 versus Auburn. The potent offense’s inability to get past a field goal speaks volumes about how far Miami’s defense has come. Their seven sacks and two pass breakups complemented Fitzgerald’s two interceptions. Victorious, the Cardiac Canes move on to face Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl for the CFP quarterfinal.

Incredible back-to-back plays by the Miami defense:

-Mohamed Toure big hit to force the incompletion
-Next play, Bryce Fitzgerald ends it with a pick#CFBPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/qCEZ6ht5FI

— 🜲 🜲 🜲 (@fsh733) December 20, 2025

Impressions

I’m glad the guys got a taste of postseason football and came out winning. Huge kudos to the defense and to Corey Hetherman. It goes to show that the Hurricanes had the talent and needed the personnel to wrap it all together. Texas A&M had several chances to score, but the collective efforts of Keionte Scott, Jakobe Thomas, Mohamed Toure, Wesley Bissainthe, Akheem Mesidor, and Rueben Bain Jr., among others, ensured UM would be the one moving on. The Aggies were 1-for-3 in the red zone and suffered three turnovers, which was huge in the tight affair. When you compare the defense to last year, it’s night and day. Hopefully, the offense is more productive for the next round because the Ohio State game will require the team to fire on all cylinders. Julian Saiyan and company will be a difficult task. In coach Mario Cristobal, we trust!

What a story Mark Fletcher is man.

Was committed to Ohio State flipped to Miami so his family can watch him. Plays for his dad and mom drives to every single game.

Best game of his career on the biggest stage.

172 rushing yards & 10.1 YPC
pic.twitter.com/3wxpKqSisK

— Garrett Armbrust (@4thandsaturday) December 20, 2025

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Gabriel Garcia

Just an avid sports fan who happens to have a love-hate (mostly love) relationship with his local teams be it collegiate or professional and also happens to be a news junkie. Mix in outstanding optimism with cold realism and you’ve got yourself a balanced cocktail perfect for champions.

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