The Hurricanes got off to a good start to the season with a dominant 38-3 win over Miami (Ohio) last week. But they welcome a different caliber of opponent to Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday.

Texas A&M (1-0) beat Miami in College Station, Texas, last year but had a similarly disappointing 5-7 season. But like the Hurricanes, they had an encouraging Week 1 performance, beating New Mexico 52-10.

To get a better idea of who has the edge in this week’s big showdown in Miami Gardens, we spoke to the Houston Chronicle’s Texas A&M beat writer, Brent Zwerneman, about how the Aggies look entering this premier matchup.

The biggest difference between last year’s Aggies and this year’s team seems to be Bobby Petrino’s offense. What are the biggest changes he made during the offseason?

“Jimbo Fisher’s offense ranked 101st nationally in scoring last season with 22.8 points per game, and the Aggies’ stumbling and bumbling was never more evident than when they had eight — eight! — false starts in a loss at South Carolina.

Fisher, who occasionally appeared out of sorts on the sidelines last season in trying to handle all his duties, was forced to hire a true offensive coordinator and brought in Bobby Petrino.

While their philosophies are similar, the Aggies appeared much smoother and efficient on offense with Petrino dialing up plays from the tranquility of the coaches box. Meantime, Fisher had more opportunities to work with individuals and manage the game.

Early signs are encouraging for the Aggies, but New Mexico also was one of the worst teams in the nation last season. The Lobos at least provided A&M a nice warm-up game leading to Miami.”

Conner Weigman had a great first game last weekend. What are the strengths and weaknesses (if there are any) that you’ve seen from the former five-star quarterback?

“The biggest thing is the offensive line provided Weigman plenty of time to dissect the defense, and he did a good job eluding a minimal pass rush from the Lobos.

The offensive line was A&M’s biggest weakness last season, but appears to be more cohesive and fluid early in assistant coach Steve Addazio’s second season with the Aggies. Weigman seemed in command throughout in becoming the first A&M quarterback to throw five touchdown passes in a non-overtime game since Johnny Manziel in 2013.

The only early criticism of Weigman, and it’s minimal, was occasionally underthrowing receivers against a terrible Lobos secondary (with no interceptions to show for it). He can’t afford to do that against the Hurricanes.”

Just how dangerous is the passing attack? Evan Stewart, Noah Thomas, Ainias Smith and Moose Muhammed III all seem like potential game-breakers.

“Sophomore Noah Thomas had three touchdown catches against the Lobos, but Miami fans should primarily keep an eye on the Aggies’ No. 1, sophomore Evan Stewart, if they want to see plenty of flash and dash in Hard Rock.

Stewart was a five-star prospect who has lived up to the hype, and one who provides Weigman a threat short and long. Moose Muhammad III had been a bit of an afterthought until last season, but stepped up when Ainias Smith was hurt.

Smith is back for another senior season and the Aggies should have one of the top receiving corps in the SEC, if not the nation.”

Which other freshmen from that talent-loaded 2022 recruiting class have taken the biggest steps forward in camp and through one game this year?

“The Aggies are loaded on the defensive line, and Floridians are familiar with one of those guys: Shemar Stewart of Monsignor Pace. Stewart had a solid game against New Mexico (even if the numbers don’t show it) and he’s champing for a return to Miami.

Five-star defensive linemen Walter Nolen, LT Overton and Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy are really coming into their own following a rugged freshmen season of 2022, leading us to …”

The Hurricanes opened the season with a strong running performance, and the Aggies held New Mexico to under 100 rushing yards. How do you think those units stack up?

“A&M was terrible against the run in 2022 (123rd out of 131 teams, allowing 208.8 yards per game) despite all those five-star prospects trying to slow opponents, and run defense was an emphasis in the offseason under defensive coordinator DJ Durkin.

The Aggies looked much improved against the run for openers, but New Mexico hardly provided a test on that front. The verdict? To Be Determined, but A&M will at least have a much better read of its run defense after facing Henry Parrish Jr. & Co. on Saturday.”

What is your score prediction for Saturday?

“Miami 31, A&M 27”