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Our college football betting expert offers his best betting picks and predictions for the matchup between Miami and Texas A&M scheduled for Saturday at College Station, Texas, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.

No. 24 Texas A&M is feeling the heat after being beaten by Appalachian State, while No. 13 Miami is looking to record the first big win of the Mario Cristobal era.

The Aggies (1-1) had just 186 yards in their woeful effort against Appalachian State. Miami (2-0) sees the opportunity for a statement win and has a significant edge at quarterback with Tyler Van Dyke.

Texas A&M not only lost 17-14 to App State but only one of its two touchdowns was produced by the offense. Devon Achane’s 95-yard kickoff return score was easily the Aggies’ best moment of the day.

The Sun Belt team had a 22-9 edge in first downs, 315-186 advantage in total yards, and controlled the ball for a whopping 41:29 to Texas A&M’s 18:31. The evidence points to this: Texas A&M is not that good of a team early this season.

Coach Jimbo Fisher hinted that Haynes King might not be the starting quarterback against Miami after passing for just 97 yards. But the running game wasn’t all that potent if you take away gains of 31 and 26 yards. The rest of the game, the Aggies had just 32 yards on the ground.

Miami’s defense has allowed 20 total points in two games and figures to ensure this is a close battle. Taking the Hurricanes and the points seems like a super play based on Texas A&M’s issues.

Our Pick: Miami to cover +5.5 spread

Van Dyke finished last season by throwing for at least 300 yards and three touchdowns in six consecutive games. He put his name on the radar and big things are expected of him this season.

He hasn’t hit 300 yet this season — he has a total of 454 through two games — but expect him to be fired up for this game. Texas A&M is one of the opponents NFL talent evaluators will be watching closely.

A nice complement to Van Dyke is running back Henry Parrish Jr., who has topped 100 rushing yards in both games this season. Miami certainly has noticed the manner in which App State controlled the ball and will be striving for similar success.

The Hurricanes have a big red circle on the schedule for this game. They will be hyped up and you can expect this total to go under when you factor in the Texas A&M offensive issues.

Our Pick: Under 44.5 total points to be scored

King has passed for 461 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions and it’s alarming he could be removed as the starter after two games. LSU transfer Max Johnson would be the probable replacement and he’s thrown just four passes this season.

Achane has rushed for 108 yards and two touchdowns but that average of 54 yards per game isn’t going to cut it. Wideout Ainias Smith has nice season numbers (10 catches for 185 yards and two touchdowns) but had just four grabs for 21 yards and no scores against Appalachian State.

Van Dyke passed for 261 yards with one touchdown and one interception in last Saturday’s 30-7 win over Southern Miss. That first 300-yard effort of this game is looming.
Right now, it might be best to avoid Texas A&M offensive players. You don’t know if you can count on them, but you know things should be fine with Van Dyke.

Our Pick: Tyler Van Dyke over 285.5 passing yards

Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.