A&M's run game vs. Miami's run defense: The Aggies averaged only 3 yards a carry in their first two games, and Miami's front seven is much better, even if defensive end Eric Moncur can't play because of an injury. "They have a big group up front," A&M head coach Mike Sherman said. "Their two inside people are very big, and they control the line of scrimmage very well." The Hurricanes allowed Florida only 89 yards rushing on 27 carries. Miami put the clamps on A&M tailback Mike Goodson last year (nine carries-28 yards), which is why 285-pound fullback Jorvorskie Lane is a key, even though he's been a nonfactor thus far in his switch from tailback in A&M's new pro-style offense. "We need to get him out of his stance a little quicker and continue to work on his blocking," Sherman said. Edge: Miami

A&M's pass attack vs. Miami's pass defense: A&M's switch to a pro-style attack has yet to translate into more yards and more points. It didn't help that quarterback Stephen McGee played only one series against New Mexico, even though Jerrod Johnson got valuable experience in leading the Aggies to victory. There's no quarterback controversy; it would just be helpful if A&M had one quarterback working the new offense with the conference opener in two weeks. The status of wide receiver Ryan Tannehill (ankle) and the development of freshman wide receiver Jeff Fuller is just as important as whoever is throwing the football. It will be a big loss for the Hurricanes if Moncur, a Ted Hendricks Award nominee, can't play. But the Hurricanes still have more than enough speed to pose problems for A&M's offense. Edge: Miami

Miami's run game vs. A&M's run defense: The Hurricanes' leading rusher, Javarris James, is out with a high ankle sprain. Derron Thomas and Graig Cooper should be able to find holes in A&M's defense, which has allowed 471 yards on 83 carries (5.7). UM's offensive line, which averages 6-foot-5, 306 pounds, should be able to make holes. Linebacker Matt Featherston (25 tackles) has played well, but A&M's defense needs more bone-jarring tackles. Edge: Miami

Miami's pass attack vs. A&M's pass defense: Miami freshman quarterbacks Jacory Harris and Robert Marve have completed 59.2 percent of their passes with no interceptions, but they've completed only one pass for more than 20 yards with one touchdown. Secondary is one area the Aggies do have a wealth of experience and depth, and the defensive line has received a boost from the steady play of senior tackle Michael Bennett (17 tackles). Edge: Texas A&M

Special teams: Miami has had a punt blocked and has averaged only 12 yards on six kickoff returns. The Hurricanes are netting only 30.7 yards per punt and are allowing a whopping 11.6 yards per punt return, where A&M's Jordan Pugh can be a factor, even though he fumbled against New Mexico. Miami head coach Randy Shannon said the Hurricanes emphasized special teams with the extra week of workouts. A&M also has kicking issues -- ranked 106th in the country in kickoff returns and 107th in punt return defense. A&M has yet to kick a field goal, but thankfully the Aggies have punter Justin Brantly. Edge: Texas A&M

Intangibles: The Hurricanes have been comparing The Swamp at Florida to Kyle Field, but the Aggies believe there's no better atmosphere than what happens at Aggieland on Saturday. The Hurricanes know that Arkansas State wouldn't have won at Florida. The key remains the players, not the fans. The Hurricanes won't be emotionally charged to play A&M as they were to face Florida. That can be good and bad. A&M needs this game more than Miami. A&M needs to start taking back Kyle Field. Edge: Texas A&M

-- ROBERT CESSNA

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