Boston College Summer School 2018: Miami Week

The Boston College Eagles renew their storied rivalry with the Miami Hurricanes this year at home at Alumni Stadium. It would be hard not to be excited about this game as there have been countless moments in this series, including of course the Doug Flutie Hail Mary pass to Gerard Phelan, Ed Reed’s foot causing an interception to ice the Eagles, and even more recently Luke Kuechly winning a game pretty much on his own. This year the stakes are high for both teams, Miami is coming in as a Top 10 team, while Boston College is hoping to really make waves in the ACC. Mix in the Red Bandana Game, and a Friday night game at Alumni Stadium and this has all the makings of what could be a special game.

Of course if anyone watched college football last year, you saw what 2nd year head coach Mark Richt did with the Hurricanes. They were a team oozing with talent, energy and confidence, with a ferocious defense . Many will remember their “turnover chain” that defenders would don when they made a turnover, but they were also tough to score on, finishing 28th in the country in points allowed. While they showed the flash for most of the year, they faltered down the stretch finishing the season on a three game skid, while allowing an unbelievable 70% pass completion rate in those games. It was certainly a step in the right direction for the program, especially winning the ACC Coastal Division, but they still have a lot to prove.

Miami will be featuring a lot of talent on defense, especially at the linebacker position. Shaq Quarterman, Michael Pinckney and Zach McCloud are dynamic, and could be the best group in the ACC. Both of Miami’s leading INT corners are returning, with Michael Jackson and Jaquan Johnson coming back to the Canes.

On the offensive side of the ball, Miami was middle of the pack last year. They finished 60th in the country in points scored, 71st in rushing yards, and 54th in passing yards. Malik Rosier started off the year as the quarterback, but really struggled during the three game losing streak. Richt has three other freshman that he could plug in if Rosier can’t win the starting job (N’Kosi Perry, Cade Weldon or Jarren Williams). Miami of course has a ton of speed on offense with Travis Homer, Jeff Thomas and Mike Harley providing explosive options.

It gets fun anytime Miami comes to town (minus the Spaz years), and this game should be no exception. We will have reviews of the past five games, an interview with Cam Underwood of State of the U, and much more information. Make sure to return to BCI for more info!