Exploring one of most intriguing story lines of UM-Texas A&M. And Canes chatter
“Something has got to give” ranks among the most mockable sports cliches, alongside “nobody can take that away from us” or needing to “go 1-0 this week.”
But that first cliche actually can be applied to the Hurricanes-at-Texas A&M first-round playoff game on Dec. 20 (noon, ABC, ESPN).
The Aggies have 41 sacks, tied with Oklahoma for first in the nation.
Miami has permitted only 11 sacks, tied with Ohio State, Eastern Michigan and Utah for seventh-fewest in the country, behind only Army (five); Cincinnati and Navy (seven), Georgia Tech and Maryland (nine) and Tulane (10).
That battle in the trenches stands among the most intriguing story lines of the first-round playoff game.
UM must slow front seven players Cashius Howell (11.5 sacks), Dayon Hayes (4.5) and Daymion Sanford (3.5).
Here’s how the Canes’ heavy usage offensive linemen faired in pass protection this season, per Pro Football Focus:
▪ Right tackle Francis Mauigoa, projected as a first-round draft pick, allowed two sacks and just nine pressures in 414 pass blocking snaps. (He caught a touchdown pass against Syracuse, giving him one fewer pass-blocking snap than three other starters.)
▪ Left tackle Markel Bell permitted no sacks and nine pressures in 415 pass-blocking snaps. Only 11 FBS offensive tackles played more snaps without allowing a sack. Bell has the ability to apply for another season of eligibility but walked with the seniors on senior day and could turn pro.
▪ Center James Brockermeyer, in his final year of college eligibility, relinquished no sacks and 10 pressures in 415 snaps. Brockermeyer, a transfer from TCU, struggled with run blocking at times but played well late in the season.
▪ Senior right guard Anez Cooper permitted no sacks and eight pressures in 410 pass-blocking chances, capping a very good career at Miami. Only 21 FBS guards played more snaps without giving up a sack.
▪ Left guard Matthew McCoy, a redshirt junior, allowed one sack and seven pressures in 254 snaps while sharing playing time with Samson Okunlola.
▪ Okunlola, a redshirt sophomore, allowed just two pressures and no sacks in 183 pass blocking snaps. He’s positioned to be a full-time starter next season.
▪ PFF blamed running back Jordan Lyle for one sack and attributed several of UM’s sacks to coverage sacks or Carson Beck holding the ball too long. On the flip side, Texas A&M has permitted only 12 sacks, which is tied for 11th best in the country. Miami has 34 sacks, which is 16th most.
UM’s sack leaders are Akheem Mesidor (7.0), Reuben Bain and Ahmad Moten Jr. (4.5 apiece) and defensive backs Jakobe Thomas and Keionte Scott (three apiece). UM has been noncommittal about whether Scott, who sustained a November injury, will be available for the game.
Bain had 58 quarterback pressures and Mesidor 44, followed by Moten’s 24, Armondo Blount’s 23 and Marquise Lightfoot’s 23, which is a remarkable number considering he rushed the quarterback only 128 times.
Here’s my Tuesday piece on how changes to the College Football Playoff will impact UM, and more notes.
Here’s my Thursday piece with a 6-pack of Canes nuggets.
This story was originally published December 12, 2025 at 1:04 PM.
