The No.18 Boston College Eagles travel to Miami, Florida to play the reeling Miami Hurricanes (5-6), losers of their last four football games, Thursday night with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. (EST). Boston College is 9-2 this season and is still in the hunt for the ACC Atlantic Division title and a berth in the ACC Championship game while Miami is in search of its sixth win needed to become bowl qualified. The game will be nationally televised by ESPN.
To win the Atlantic Division, Boston College needs a win over Miami and then needs Maryland to beat Wake Forest in College Park on Saturday. The Terrapins can still win the division if they beat Wake Forest and Boston College loses to Miami.
The Eagles are coming off a 38-16 victory over Maryland and have lost only to North Carolina State and Wake Forest this year. Quarterback Matt Ryan leads the Eagles' attack. He has passed for 2,531 yards and 14 touchdowns this season. Tailbacks L.V. Whitworth and Andre Callendar have combined for 1,305 yards rushing so far. On defense, Boston College ranks 38th in total defense but 15th in scoring defense.
The Miami defense remains one of the best in the country and has allowed more than 17 points in just two games. Through 11 games, Miami ranks eighth in the country in total defense and fourth in run defense. Defensive end Calais Campbell leads the defense with 16 tackles for a loss and nine sacks.
The Eagles have been installed the favorite by a -4.5-point chalk with a total of 37.5. As of dead-line, no betting trends were available. Bettors should use some caution before betting the house on this game in what appears a solid play on Boston College.
The Hurricanes appeared to be a team that had quit on its coach and school in their disappointing performance at Virginia last Saturday losing 7-17 SU and failing to cover the -3.0 line. If Miami brings that same attitude into the game with BC bettors should bet the bank. Why is there reason for caution? This is the last chance Miami has to resurrect its season and probably the career of head coach Larry Coker.
Boston College is 6-4 ATS this season and has won four games in a row SU. Miami has gone 4-7 ATS this season.
