Miami-Boston College predictions: Will Hurricanes end 3-game slide in regular-season finale?
No. 25 Miami (6-5) at Boston College (6-5), Friday, noon, ABC
Latest line: Miami is favored by 8 points
Dave Hyde, Sports Columnist: Miami 24, Boston College 20
Miami, 8-point favorites, gets a regular-season finale against a 6-5 team trying to salvage a winning record, just as it is. While Miami has put up fights the last two weeks against Top 10 opponents in Florida State and Louisville, Boston College has lost its last two games to Pitt (3-8) and Virginia Tech (5-6). Simply put, the Hurricanes are the better team and should end their three-game losing streak.
Adam Lichtenstein, Hurricanes Writer: Miami 35, Boston College 24
I expect the Hurricanes to close out this roller coaster of a regular season on a high note. The Eagles, who have surprised many by getting to six wins, are coming off a loss to a dreadful Pitt team. They can be challenging if you’re not careful (as FSU saw in a close game against BC early in the year). But with Tyler Van Dyke and UM’s offense looking better in their loss to Louisville last week, the Hurricanes should get back on the right track on Black Friday.
Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor: Miami 27, Boston College 20
Hurricanes embattled quarterback Tyler Van Dyke bounced back with a solid performance in last week’s loss to Louisville (24-of-39 for 327 yards and a touchdown). Most importantly, he did not turn the ball over after throwing 11 interceptions in his previous five games. Van Dyke should have a big day against Boston College, especially with the emergence of tailback Mark Fletcher, Jr. and wideout Xavier Restrepo. Miami, however, will have to cut down on penalties, which cost them in the loss to Louisville. Boston College has lost two straight following a five-game winning streak.
