Miami vs Texas A&M Predictions: Canes to Stay Close in CFP First Round

Last Updated: 5 hours ago

After sneaking into the College Football Playoff as the final at-large team, Miami will kick off a first-round tripleheader Saturday (noon ET) against Texas A&M.

While the Aggies are slight favorites, the Hurricanes offer strong payout potential as an underdog.

For a closer look at the betting options for this matchup, let’s check out my Miami vs Texas A&M predictions.

Miami vs Texas A&M Odds

All NCAAF odds used for these Miami vs Texas A&M best bets are current as of Thursday, Dec. 18, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.

  • Moneyline: Miami (+140) vs Texas A&M (-166)
  • Spread: Miami +3.5 (-115) vs Texas A&M -3.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under: Over 48.5 (-105) / Under 48.5 (-115)

Miami vs Texas A&M Predictions

Score Prediction: Texas A&M 27, Miami 24

After losing twice over a three-game stretch midseason, Miami (10-2) rebounded with four straight double-digit wins, including a 38-7 rout of No. 22 Pittsburgh.

The Hurricanes, already toting a head-to-head victory against Notre Dame, snuck into the 12-team field over the Fighting Irish and ACC champion Duke.

Texas A&M (11-1) had a smoother path but still hit some adversity, with a 27-7 loss to Texas spoiling the Aggies’ bid for a perfect season and knocking them out of contention for the SEC title game.

Both teams are battle-tested, and in a game this evenly matched, it comes down to quarterback play.

Carson Beck has been productive, but when analyzing College Football Playoff predictions, I trust his counterpart, Marcel Reed, to make more plays, especially at home.

Miami vs Texas A&M Best Bets

Miami +3.5 (-115)

Texas A&M’s 14th-ranked scoring offense runs through Reed, the dynamic dual-threat who has thrown for 25 touchdowns and rushed for six more.

He’s mobile enough to contend with Miami’s stout front seven, led by Rueben Bain Jr., but the Hurricanes will keep this closer than 3.5 points.

It’s worth remembering that the Aggies have failed to cover three straight and are just 2-5 ATS at home this season.

I’m rolling with Miami +3.5 for my college football pick of the day.

Over 48.5 Total Points (-105)

Texas A&M games went 8-4 to the over, while Miami’s went 5-7. However, the Hurricanes are averaging 37.7 points during their current win streak.

This total has dropped from 52.5 to 48.5 since lines opened — low enough for me to pounce before further movement leading up to kickoff.

Make this wager with our 2025 best sportsbook promotions.

Author

Doug Bonjour

Doug covered college and prep sports in Connecticut for more than a decade, including stints as the UConn women’s basketball and UConn football beat reporter for Hearst Connecticut Media. During his time reporting on the 11-time national champion Huskies, he covered three NCAA Final Fours. He also has written for the Associated Press and New York Times.

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