Miami at Boston College Staff Predictions
It's Week 13 for the college football regular season and the Miami Hurricanes are traveling north to play the Boston College Eagles.
Here's what the AllHurricanes staff believes will happen with this final regular season game.
Brian Smith, Publisher - Miami 34 Boston College 20
This game will be straightforward. Miami’s ability to run the football will be augmented by Boston College’s horrific rushing defense; the Eagles are giving up 255.7 yards per game from the prior three contests.
Miami, meanwhile, is a line-of-scrimmage program. Miami head coach Mario Cristobal and close friend and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal possess one of the best offensive lines in the country. The Miami offensive line is going to open big holes on Friday.
When the Eagles do have the football, it must find a way to protect quarterback Thomas Castellanos more. He’s been running too much – with 50 total attempts from the prior three games – and that’s likely why Castellanos is also struggling to throw the football. He's getting beaten up, if one will.
He’s only 43 of his last 82, a porous 52.4%, with 3 touchdown passes and 4 interceptions, during those same three games.
In the end, Miami running back Mark Fletcher, Jr. goes off against Boston College with over 150 yards on the ground, and the Canes pull away for a 14-point victory.
Alex Donno, Writer/Podcaster - Miami 33 - Boston College 24
It was great seeing Tyler Van Dyke play like his old self again last week. It was also nice seeing Xavier Restrepo record a career game and earn ACC Player of the Week honors. Mark Fletcher had a career game, too. Miami's defense has played like a College Football Playoff-caliber unit but got burned last week against Louisville. The Canes will need to put it all together against Boston College.
Miami has the talent to get it done in Chestnut Hill but will be challenged by Eagles dual-threat quarterback Thomas Castellanos.
Miami is too talented to finish 6 and 6. I expect Miami's defense to bounce back and for the Canes to control the line of scrimmage on both sides. I expect a steady diet for Van Dyke and Restrepo to lead to a close victory in an offensive duel.
Liam Willerup, Writer - Miami 24 Boston College 20
It's been a minute since I've picked the Hurricanes, but I feel like Miami ends the season off with a win. It's been a rough stretch for them with injuries and tough loses, but I can't see Mario Cristobal going 6-6 on a season that's seen so much improvement.
The biggest threat to Miami will be Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos, who has 24 total touchdowns on the season. His dual-threat abilities could cause serious problems for Miami if he's able to get outside the pocket and work from there.
Xavier Restrepo is just 124 receiving yards away from hitting 1,000 yards on the season, so I wouldn't be surprised if he's heavily involved again in the offense. Colbie Young could also be a top option as well, as he hasn't been
I do see this ending in a close game, but I think Miami will finish out on top and go 7-5 this season. Still some improvements to be made, but a start in the right direction.
Corey Carmona, a.k.a. Chalupa Batman, Podcaster/Writer - Miami 27 Boston College 17
Miami's reputation as a defensive powerhouse will test Boston College's dynamic quarterback, Thomas Castellanos. Known for his ability to create plays with both his arm and legs, this season Castellanos has emerged as a formidable offensive weapon. However, his vulnerability to interceptions, having thrown 11 this season, provides an opportunity for Miami's safeties, James Williams and Kamren Kinchens, to play a pivotal role in disrupting Boston College's passing game. If the Canes' defensive unit can capitalize on Castellanos' mistakes, it may well be the key to securing a victory.
On the offensive side of the ball, Miami will look to wide receiver Jacolby George to lead the charge. George has become a reliable and explosive target this season no matter which quarterback is under center. His emergence as an explosive playmaker has made him a key factor in Miami's offensive success this season.
Alongside him, star freshman running back, Mark Fletcher Jr., who is coming off his best collegiate game last week against Louisville, rushing for an impressive 126 yards and two touchdowns, will need another strong performance if the Canes want to walk away with a win this weekend.
Miami's vaunted defense will need to rise to the occasion against BC's Castellanos, while their offensive stars, George and Fletcher Jr., aim to exploit the weaknesses in the Eagles' defense. With disciplined play on both sides of the ball, the Hurricanes will secure a hard-fought victory.
Rowdy Baribeau, Writer - Miami 27 Boston College 20
I do not believe the Hurricanes will end their season with a loss. The Hurricanes have given valiant efforts in their last two ball games, both decided by one score. Tyler Van Dyke got into a slight rhythm against Louisville. If he can carry his momentum from last week into the end of the year, he gives Miami a good chance of victory.
Miami must contain Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos, who is a true dual threat out of the backfield. Castellanos is atop the ACC in QB rushing yards and second in the nation in the same statistic. The Hurricanes did a good job of containing Jordan Travis in their game against the Seminoles. If the Canes can repeat the same strategy, they should have minimal issues with Castellanos on the ground.
The key to Miami's victory will be if it can find success through the air and sustain drives. While freshman tailback Mark Fletcher has been impressive as of late, the Hurricanes need to divvy up the snaps among the other running backs.
It seems as if the by-committee attack has dwindled in recent weeks. It will be interesting to see how the Hurricanes plan to use the run game in their final regular season game of the year.
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