Tyler Van Dyke shares impressions of Texas A&M's defense

2023 could be a redemption year for the Miami Hurricanes and their quarterback Tyler Van Dyke after a difficult 2022 campaign. The Hurricanes went 5-7 last season after starting the year ranked No. 16 in the nation. One of their seven losses came at the hands of the Texas A&M Aggies, in their third game of the season.

This year, as Miami attempts to bounce back from the nightmare that was their 2022 campaign, they will have to face off against Texas A&M for the second season in a row; this time in Week 2 this season. As Van Dyke prepares to face off against the Aggies for a second time, he shares impressions of Texas A&M’s defense following their impressive defensive showing in their 52-10 victory over New Mexico to start the year.

“Yeah, they have a really good pass rush,” said Van Dyke. “They got some big dudes up there (who) got after me last year. And the secondary is very impressive. (The) number one pass defense in the nation last year. Obviously, some good cornerback transfers. So looking forward to the challenge that they’re going to give us.”

Van Dyke and the Miami offense struggled much of the season against the majority of their opponents, not just Texas A&M. That resulted in head coach Mario Cristobal making a change in offensive coordinator, relieving Josh Gattis of his responsibilities, and bringing in Shannon Dawson. Dawson also doubles as Miami’s quarterback coach as Frank Ponce left the program in the offseason as well.

In last season’s matchup, the Aggies defense suffocated the Hurricanes offense on their way to a 17-9 victory. Texas A&M’s defensive strategy resembled that of a ‘bend but don’t break’ mindset as the Hurricanes outgained the Aggies in total yards 392 to 264. But despite the advantage in yards, the Hurricanes’ offense was kept out of the end zone as the Aggies did not allow a single touchdown in the game.

This year, Van Dyke and the Miami offense will need to put together a complete performance against Texas A&M to pick up the victory. The Hurricanes have the offensive weapons to run up and down on the field against the Aggies’ defense. But this time, Van Dyke must ensure that the drives end in house calls and not field goals. If the Hurricanes starting quarterback can see to it that they finish drives with touchdowns, Miami will be well on their way to getting revenge against Texas A&M while picking up their second win of the season.