COLLEGE STATION, Texas. — Freshman safety Bryce Fitzgerald recorded two interceptions and Mark Fletcher Jr. capped a late drive with a long run to help No. 10 Miami defeat No. 7 Texas A&M 10-3 on Saturday in the first round of the College Football Playoff, giving the Hurricanes their first CFP victory in program history.

Miami won the coin toss and elected to kick. Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed moved the Aggies early with a mix of passes and scrambles, but the Hurricanes’ defense stiffened, forcing a punt after a false start stalled the opening drive.

Miami quarterback Carson Beck, making his first CFP start after going 34-5 as a starter in college football, struggled early.

However, the Hurricanes’ defense kept them afloat, forcing a turnover when nickelback Keionte Scott returned from a foot injury to sack Reed, with defensive lineman Armando Blount recovering the fumble.

Both offenses sputtered through a scoreless first half.

Miami missed two field goals, including a 47-yarder by Carter Davis, while Texas A&M also came up empty on a scoring chance when Miami’s defensive front got a hand on a 22-yard field goal attempt by Jared Zirkel.

Beck finished the first half 8 of 12 for 31 yards, while Fletcher led all rushers with 40 yards on seven carries. Reed threw for 113 yards and ran for 39 more but was largely contained outside a 59-yard completion to Mario Craver.

Miami broke the scoreless tie in the third quarter after Fletcher ripped off a 24-yard run on third down to set up a 34-yard field goal by Davis, giving the Hurricanes a 3-0 lead.

Texas A&M answered in the fourth quarter with a 35-yard field goal by Randy Bond to tie the game at 3 after Miami recorded its fifth sack of the day.

The turning point came midway through the fourth quarter.

Fitzgerald intercepted Reed and returned it 36 yards to set Miami up in Aggies territory. Though the Hurricanes failed to capitalize immediately, the defense continued to pressure Reed, forcing another turnover on downs.

On the ensuing possession, Miami leaned on Fletcher.

The running back broke free for a career-long 56-yard run, then added another 12-yard gain to push the Hurricanes inside the red zone.

Two plays later, Beck hit Malachi Toney, who scored on an 11-yard pass to put Miami ahead 10-3 with 1:44 remaining. Davis added the extra point after missing three field goals earlier in the game.

Texas A&M drove into Miami territory on its final possession, aided by a roughing-the-passer penalty, but Fitzgerald sealed the victory with his second interception of the game.

Game notes:

• Fletcher finished the game with a season-high 172 yards on 17 carries.

• Toney continued his historic freshman campaign with the game-sealing touchdown.

• The Hurricanes finished with seven sacks in Saturday’s game. It was the most Reed has been sacked in a game this season.

• Miami’s 10 points were the fewest scored by a winning team in CFP history.

Up next:

Miami will face No. 2 Ohio State in the second round of the CFP at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Dec. 31 at 7:30 p.m.

Fitzgerald’s 2 interceptions, Fletcher’s dominance lifts No. 10 Miami past No. 7 Texas A&M in CFP

Miami will play Ohio St. in Cotton Bowl on Dec. 31 at 7:30 p.m.

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Ryan Mackey