Hurricanes vs. BC: And the winner will be….
by Jorge Milian
I’ve covered every Miami game since 1995. But today’s opener against Boston College might be the most difficult to predict during that span.
Nearly half the players on the Hurricanes’ roster have never played a college football game before and many of those that have don’t own much of a track record. By my count, only four players – Brandon Linder, Mike James, Vaughn Telemaque and Brandon McGee — have started 10 or more games during their careers and there will be far more true freshmen playing key roles than seniors.
Former BC linebacker Luke Kuechly destroyed UM last season.
I think Miami’s offense will be okay, especially if Mike James is able to keep some of the heat off UM’s passing game by being productive in the rushing attack. The key to offensive success though will be quarterback Stephen Morris. If he plays well – translation: limited turnovers – there’s enough athletic talent on this side of the ball to keep the Hurricanes in every game. I, like everyone else, can’t wait to see freshman Duke Johnson play. I’ve been told that he will see action early and often this afternoon.
The real worry for UM fans are on defense, particularly in stopping the run. No offense, but the interior of UM’s defense shapes up to be more like the Maginot Line than the Steel Curtain. Most of the depth behind the starting front seven is extremely young. They will have to play plenty, especially early in the season when warm temperatures will be a factor. Youth on defense is not known to be a formula for success. In the secondary, safety Vaughn Telemaque and cornerback Brandon McGee will have to finally live up to their press clippings, giving youngsters like Tracy Howard, Deon Bush and company a chance to grow into their roles. Anthony Chickillo and Denzel Perryman will have to play like All-Americans or it could be a long season on defense.
Having said all that, I think Miami wins today. Boston College has its own personnel questions. Linebacker Luke Kuechly, who beat UM last season nearly single-handily, is gone to the NFL. The Eagles have also sustained a rash of injuries during the preseason that have cost them some of the team’s best offensive talent. BC is also on its third offensive coordinator in three seasons. That also is not a formula for success.
So here’s my prediction (keep in mind that when I make a prediction it’s usually best to take all your money and bet the other way):
UM 23, Boston College 16.