Boston College @ Miami preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 24, 2007 ) Miami 14, Boston College 28

THE STORY: With NCAA sanctions likely coming, Miami announced Sunday it would not accept a bowl bid this season. The Hurricanes had won four of their last six to become eligible, playing like a team on the rise. Now Miami will try to insure an above .500 season when Boston College visits Friday. Jacory Harris continues to run an efficient Hurricanes’ offense, with 19 touchdown passes and five interceptions, along with running back Lamar Miller. They should get a test from linebacker Luke Kuechly and an improved Boston College defense, which has allowed just 26 points the last two weeks. Miami has won 14 of the last 15 in the series, but BC beat the Hurricanes in the last meeting 28-14 in 2007.

TV: ABC. LINE: Miami -14.

ABOUT BOSTON COLLEGE (3-8, 2-5 ACC): Kuechly, a Butkus Award finalist as the nation’s top linebacker, has put up amazing numbers. The junior averages 16.55 tackles to lead the nation and broke the ACC career record with 523. He is one short of the school record set by lineman Stephen Boyd (1991-94). He has double-digit tackles in 33 straight games. The Eagles hope to get more from their offense. Quarterback Chase Rettig has 10 touchdown passes and nine interceptions and Rolandan Finch has rushed for 609 yards.

ABOUT MIAMI (6-5, 3-4 ACC): Sean Spence, who was a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, averages 9.2 tackles for a Miami defense that has allowed an average of 15 points the last five games. Harris is 10th in the nation in passing efficiency. Miller has six 100-yard games rushing, but just one in the last five. He has 1,158 yards, the fifth best single season for a Miami running back. He has a chance to catch Clinton Portis (1,200) and Ottis Anderson (1,266). Tommy Streeter has been the top receiver with 41 receptions and 764 yards.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Miami has outscored opponents 153-88 in the second half and 101-55 in the fourth quarter.

2. Boston College has lost eight games for the first time since 1995 and hopes to avoid its first nine-loss season since 1989.

3. Miami receiver Travis Benjamin is sixth on the school’s all-time list in both receiving yards (2,071) and receptions (128).

PREDICTION: Miami 27, Boston College 10 – The Hurricanes will make this their final statement of 2011.