GAME NOTES: Already assured a spot in the ACC title game, the 15th-ranked Boston College Eagles will now try to clinch the outright Atlantic Division title, as they host the Miami-Florida Hurricanes in the regular season finale for both programs this Saturday. The Eagles are coming off their most important win of the season, as they defeated Clemson, 20-17 last weekend to clinch a spot in the ACC title game against either Virginia or Virginia Tech on December 1st. The win snapped a two-game slide and improved Boston College to a solid 9-2 overall. It also gave the team a 5-2 record in ACC play and that has Boston College a half-game ahead of both Clemson and Wake Forest in the Atlantic Division. Since the Eagles defeated Clemson and Wake Forest this season, they have already wrapped up a spot in the ACC title game, but they would need a win this weekend to clinch the outright division championship. As for Miami, it was pounded for the second straight weekend, losing a 44-14 decision at Virginia Tech. That result came one week after the Hurricanes were embarrassed by Virginia, 48-0, in their final game at the Orange Bowl. The team has now dropped three straight games and five of six to fall to 5-6 overall and 2-5 in league play. Still, with a win this weekend, Miami would be bowl eligible for the 10th consecutive season. A win would also help the Hurricanes avoid their first losing season in 10 years and only the second in their last 27 years. The good news for Miami, is that it has dominated Boston College over the year, winning 23 of the 26 all-time meetings between the schools. As a matter of fact, the Hurricanes have won the last 15 encounters with the Eagles dating back to the Doug Flutie miracle pass in 1984.

The Hurricanes have really struggled on offense this season, as they are producing just 21.2 ppg behind only 318.2 total ypg. Scoring points and gaining yards isn't the only problem for this offense, as Miami has also struggled to hang onto the ball, committing 29 turnovers. Last weekend, Miami turned the ball over three times and gained only 213 total yards in a lopsided loss to Virginia Tech. Quarterback Kyle Wright was sacked five times in the game, but he did throw and run for a touchdown. He also completed 21-of-36 tosses for 215 yards and an interception. On the season, Wright hasn't really been all that effective, throwing for a modest 172.1 ypg, with 10 touchdowns against 13 interceptions. As for the ground game, it is paced by the duo of Graig Cooper and Javarris James, whom have combined for 1,243 yards and eight scores. Cooper though, has been slowed by a knee injury and he is listed as questionable for this game. James carried the load with Cooper out last weekend, but he rushed for only seven yards on 10 carries.

The Hurricanes' strength is on defense, although the unit has allowed 92 points over the last two games. Still, the defense has done a good job in slowing down its foes for most of the season, as it is giving up 137.5 rushing ypg and just 197.9 passing ypg. The defense has even recorded a solid 31 sacks, in addition to forcing 21 turnovers. In last weekend's lopsided loss to Virginia Tech, Miami allowed just 358 total yards, but it didn't force a single turnover. The defense also notched four sacks in the losing cause. Colin McCarthy paced the team with nine tackles, while Vegas Franklin posted his team-best seventh sack of the year. Tavares Gooden, who leads the club with 96 tackles, added five stops in the game.

Behind the steady play and strong arm of quarterback Matt Ryan, the Eagles are averaging 29.8 ppg behind 438.5 total ypg this season. Ryan, who has been considered a candidate for the Heisman Trophy at times this season, has completed 60.0 percent of his pass attempts for 2,584 yards this year. He has thrown for 300 or more yards on seven occasions, and he has 25 touchdown passes against 14 interceptions. Last weekend, Ryan threw for 315 yards and he connected with Rich Gunnell on a 43-yard scoring strike with 1:46 remaining that lifted Boston College to a thrilling 20-17 victory over Clemson. It was another last minute win for Ryan, who completed 31-of-47 tosses in the game. Tailback Andre Callender hauled in 11 of those passes for 92 yards and he also posted 75 rushing yards on 22 totes. Callender has played a big part in this offense and he leads the team in rushing yards (809) and catches (55). He also has 12 total touchdowns (eight rushing) to his credit.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Eagles have been nothing short of solid this year, holding their opponents to only 20.0 ppg and 338.8 total ypg. The unit has been really effective against the run (64.0 ypg), but it has been beat through the air (274.8 ypg) at times. The defense though, has been able to compensate for some of those passing yards by recording 19 interceptions. Last weekend, Boston College put forth another strong effort on defense, as it held Clemson to just 273 total yards, including only 47 on the ground. The defense forced just one turnover, but it did come up with three sacks. Jamie Silva finished with seven stops in the game, and leads the team with 101 tackles and five interceptions for the year.

Boston College hasn't had much success against Miami over the years, but the two programs appear to be headed in different directions now. The Eagles are simply the better team here and they should be able to get past a Miami club that appears to have already given up on its season.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Boston College 27, Miami-Florida 13