4 Boston College is the toughest test
The Florida State Seminoles may be Miami’s biggest rivalry, but in October of 2018 the Boston College Eagles will be the Hurricanes toughest test. The Hurricanes face the Eagles in Chestnut Hill, MA on Friday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. on ESPN. This will be a national showcase game on a Friday night in cold temperatures for Miamians. The Hurricanes fans notoriously don’t travel well and the players will have to acclimate to not only the weather but playing a day earlier than usual and the travel situation that comes with a Friday night game.
Boston College is also a good football team. They have star running back AJ Dillon and the recent emergence of quarterback Anthony Brown. Dillon has already rushed for 652 yards (6.2 per carry) and six touchdowns as the Eagles have pushed ahead to 4-1 on the season. Brown has looked good averaging eight yards per passing attempt and throwing 12 touchdowns with only four interceptions. Brown’s favorite target is Jeff Smith who has caught 13 balls for 16.9 yards per reception.
On defense, the Eagles are ranked 47th per the S&P+. Defensive ends Zach Allen and Wyatt Ray could cause issues for Miami’s really weak set of tackles. Allen and Ray have combined for nine sacks and 14 tackles for loss on the season. The defense has also intercepted eight passes with Hamp Cheevers coming away with a team-leading three on his own.
Prediction: Miami 24 – Boston College 23