When Al Golden’s Miami Hurricanes take home turf in Sun Life Stadium on November 25th against the Eagles, they’ll do so as the team wondering about the year that escaped them. Tight losses to squads like Virginia Tech and Kansas State have launched the ‘Canes into the ncaa football wilderness this year.

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Despite the fact that the offense has performed inconsistently at times, the killer for the hurricanes has been on the defensive side of the ball. An injury-riddled defensive tackle unit that can’t stop the run has been undermining strong to remarkable qb strain from senior defensive end Marcus Robinson and freshman eye-popper Anthony Chickillo.

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Add in a secondary that has produced simply 2 interceptions this year, and it’s no wonder Miami ranks 51st among Division I squads, allowing 372.1 yards per game. Qb Jacory Harris has what it takes to make the offense hum, but does his defense watch his back?

Like the under-performing Miami Hurricanes, Frank Spaziani’s Eagles started the year with their head coach whispering Orange Bowl dreams into their ears, simply to collapse into a 3-7 catastrophe. They presently own a depressing ranking of fifth in the ACC Atlantic division, and their only hope of post-season bowl action is the local bowling alley.

The greatest handicap on the offensive side of the ball for the Eagles has been the loss of their top playmaker, senior running back Montel Harris. It has not helped that sophomore qb Chase Rettig has come to a halt in his progress. Defensively, this unit has been left with a pitiful team defense ranking of 89 among Division I squads as a result of a deficiency of depth in the secondary and the loss of senior defensive tackle Kaleb Ramsey.

Boston College managed a victory in their last outing against North Carolina State, yet they won’t win this one. Watch for the hurricanes to become bowl eligible on the 25th, if they do not do it the week before against South Florida. And look for them to do it big.