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College Football Predictions 2018: Picks for the biggest games of Week 9

By John Mitchell

JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 28: Elijah Holyfield #13 of the Georgia Bulldogs dives into the end zone for a 39-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of a game against the Florida Gators at EverBank Field on October 28, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. Georgia defeated Florida 42-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 28: Elijah Holyfield #13 of the Georgia Bulldogs dives into the end zone for a 39-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of a game against the Florida Gators at EverBank Field on October 28, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. Georgia defeated Florida 42-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

Miami (FL) at Boston College (Friday, 7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN)

Spread: Miami -3.5

After making the call to hand the keys to his offense over to redshirt freshman N’Kosi Perry a few weeks ago, Mark Richt is going back to senior Malik Rosier this week against Boston College. Perry was benched early against Virginia two weeks ago after throwing two interceptions in his first six pass attempts. Rosier didn’t fair much better, and the ‘Canes offense struggled to move the ball in a 16-13 loss.

If the Hurricanes have any hope of getting back in the Coastal Division race, they’ll need to go on the road and earn a win in Chestnut Hill.

In order to do that, Malik Rosier must take care of the football while also showing an ability to stretch the field to soften up the Boston College front to allow Travis Homer and DeeJay Dallas to find rushing lanes.

Miami is led by a dominating defensive front, anchored by Gerald Willis III. Willis and company will try to stop a potent Eagles ground game.

As good as Miami has been on defense this year, they have struggled at times against physical attacks, particularly in the season-opening loss to LSU where they allowed the Tigers’ Nick Brossette to rack up over 100 yards rushing.

Boston College should see the return of star running back A.J. Dillon this week, who could find some lanes against the Miami front. The Eagles rank 21st in the country in rushing yards-per-game, racking up 226 yards-per-contest. If they can run the ball effectively, then quarterback Anthony Brown should find some open receivers against the Miami back end.

I think Miami is going to suffer a similar fate on the road this week as they suffered at Virginia, and be doomed once again by subpar quarterback play.

Pick: Boston College 27, Miami 23

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