Miami @ Boston College preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 25, 2011 ) Boston College 24, Miami 17

Miami and host Boston College quickly renew acquaintances Saturday and jump into ACC action to kick off the 2012 season, vying for turnarounds following campaigns that ended without bowl appearances. The teams actually finished last season on BC's 24-17 victory at Miami on Nov. 25, the Eagles' only win there other than the famed Doug Flutie Hail Mary game in 1984. It was one of the few highlights for Boston College, which finished 4-8 and failed to qualify for a bowl for the first time since 1998. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes showed glimpses of greatness in coach Al Golden's first year, including Top 25 wins over Ohio State and Georgia Tech, but ultimately stumbled to 6-6 for only their third non-winning season since 1979.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC or ESPN2. LINE: Miami -2

ABOUT BOSTON COLLEGE (2011: 4-8, 3-5 ACC): The Eagles tripped over themselves out of the gate last season to a 1-6 record – with the only victory over then-FCS member Massachusetts – before showing some life. An anemic offense, which ranked 112th in points and yards and scored more than 20 points only three times, will be a primary concern for fourth-year coach Frank Spaziani (20-19). Junior quarterback Chase Rettig (1,960 yards, 12 touchdowns, nine interceptions) returns after a mediocre season, though he had one of his most efficient days against Miami, going 13-of-17 for 196 yards, two TDs and no picks. He'll be without junior wide receiver Bobby Swigert, who suffered a knee injury last week and is expected to miss several weeks. The defense lost linebacker Luke Kuechly, BC's all-time tackles leader who was drafted No. 9 overall by Carolina in April.

ABOUT MIAMI (2011: 6-6, 3-5 ACC): Despite last season's inconsistencies, Golden earned a four-year contract extension through 2020 that was announced during the season-ending defeat to BC. Junior quarterback Stephen Morris gets back under center following the departure of Jacory Harris. Morris started last season's opener at Maryland, a 32-24 defeat, as well as four games as a freshman. Junior wide receiver Allen Hurns (31 catches, 415 yards in 2011) will be Morris' main target. Senior running back Mike James should get the bulk of the carries in place of graduated Lamar Miller, after rushing for 275 yards and eight scores last season. Defensive back Brandon McGee, defensive tackle Darius Smith and safety Vaughn Telemaque are on the Senior Bowl watch list.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Miami leads the series 23-5, including a 23-7 triumph in 1993 at Alumni Stadium in the only other season-opening meeting.

2. Eagles RBs Rolandan Finch (705 yards) and Andre Williams (517) both averaged more than 4 yards per carry and will shoulder the load following Montel Harris' dismissal and subsequent transfer to Temple.

3. Boston College will honor Lou Montgomery ('41), the program's first African-American player, by retiring his number at halftime. The running back helped lead BC to Cotton and Sugar Bowl appearances but was not allowed to play in either because of the era's segregation practices.

PREDICTION: Miami 23, Boston College 20