Miami Hurricanes Football: A Preview of Boston College

July 23, 2012; Greensboro, NC, USA; Head coach Frank Spaziani of the Boston College Eagles football team talks to reporters during the ACC media day at the Grandover Resort in Greensboro NC. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-US PRESSWIRE

Only five more days until the ‘Canes travel to BC with the hopes of avenging a somewhat stunning loss at the hands of the Eagles in Coral Gables last year.  I may add that QB Jacory Harris threw four interceptions-just sayin’.

The Eagles beat Miami last year 24-17 in Sun Life Stadium and finished the season a dismal 4-8.  For the first time in 12 years, Boston College failed to qualify for a bowl game.

Doug Martin has been hired as the Eagles new offensive coordinator.  Prior to BC, Martin served as the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at New Mexico State.  He had the Aggies ranked 26th in the country in passing offense and they averaged 398 yards of total offense per game.

Without Martin, it was a different story for the Eagles last year.  In 2011 BC was ranked as the ACC’s worst offense and ranked 100th in passing offense.

Chase Rettig returns as the Eagles starting quarterback.  Last year he amounted 1,960 yards passing with 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions.  He completed 53% of his passes. When the two met in Coral Gables, Rettig threw for 196 yards and two touchdowns.

With the addition of Doug Martin, expect to see an up-tempo offense from BC.

There is no question that the ‘Canes will face a banged up BC.

TE Chris Pantale suffered an injury to his foot which will likely sideline him for the opener.  Also out for the Eagles is WR Bobby Swigert.  Last year Swigert had 44 receptions totaling 470 yards and three touchdowns, respectively.

The Eagles rushing game is also depleted.  RB Andre Williams suffered a leg injury during practice and hasn’t been sidelined as of late.  Rolandan Finch suffered a foot sprain and Tahj Kimble has been battling a leg injury.

As far as defense, BC returns seven starters on the defensive side of the ball.  LB Luke Kuechly is now in the NFL and last year he led the nation with 191 tackles.

Hey ‘Canes recruiting buffs, does the name Albert Louis-Jean ring a bell?  The one-time Miami commit suffered a foot injury that will cause him to miss the opener.  He was expected to be BC’s best player in their secondary.

I expect this to be an easy win for the ‘Canes.  However, after last year nothing appears easy anymore, right?.  BC has fallen victim to injuries and Miami has too much talent to lose this game.

BC’s strength is their rushing defense, but it will be a test in itself to stop Mike James, Eduardo Clements and Duke Johnson.  If QB Stephen Morris can establish an early rhythm, the Eagles are going to have a long day.

Also, remember BC is going to be without their best wide receiver and a pivotal tight end.  While thin at running back, expect Miami to hold the Eagles on third down.  Rettig has shown that he is interception prone and has thrown at least one interception in 14 of his 20 starts.

Miami will meet Boston College at 3:30 on September 1.