Protecting Carson Beck might be the Miami Hurricanes’ most important task, which is what Francis Mauigoa seeks to accomplish.
The Miami Hurricanes' offense was operating smoothly in the final four games of the regular season, especially with Carson Beck leading the charge. He completed 89 of 112 passes, 79.5 percent, for 1,125 yards, recording 11 touchdowns and one meaningless interception throughout that span, which gave the program life to make the College Football Playoffs. The redshirt senior is feeling healthier than ever before after undergoing surgery to repair a UCL injury in his right throwing arm.
It couldn't have happened in a more perfect time; however, his ability to execute efficiently against the Texas A&M Aggies' defensive line will be critical for the team's chances of winning and advancing. They tied for the most sacks in the nation throughout the regular season, 41, alongside the Oklahoma Sooners. It's played a massive role in their success and getting them into the College Football Playoffs.
This first-round matchup appears to be the most well-balanced compared to the others when looking at both teams.
The Hurricanes have a great offensive line with Francis Mauigoa at the helm of the group. The junior had an excellent season, which resulted in him being named the Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner, which honors the ACC's top blocker, and earning First-Team All-ACC honors.
The young Samoan understands the "incredible" challenge ahead, but will do everything to keep the Hurricanes' conductor from being touched, or tackled in this case.
"I give props to them, starting from [Cashius Howell], to [T.J. Searcy], to [Dayon Hayes]," he said. "Those are the guys that I prepared for. They do one hell of a job chasing down the quarterback and we're going to do our best to protect Carson Beck."
Each of the three Aggies players Mauigoa mentioned combined for 75 total tackles, 44 solos and 31 assists, 17.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He alluded to their defensive line being "the reason that they're in the playoffs."
Beck may get all the attention when things go right offensively, but since the beginning of the regular season, it all starts from the offensive line. It's going to be an intense battle between the big guys from the line of scrimmage.
Regardless of how it all ends, Mauigoa, who's projected to be a first-round prospect in the upcoming NFL draft, will leave the Hurricanes program better off than how he found it.
"We want to leave with an impact," he added. "I know a couple of years ago, we didn't achieve our goals, but we keep trying and we keep getting after it every day, which leads up to this point. It's not a one-person job; it takes a whole community. I'm very thankful to coach [Mario] Cristobal and coach [Alex] Mirabal for helping us."
It's going to be an excellent showdown on Saturday, Dec. 20th, at College Station, Texas, 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time on ABC.
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