CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. — On a blustery post-Thanksgiving afternoon in New England, the Miami Hurricanes had an opportunity to finish their regular season on a positive note.
The note they struck was as decisive as they come.
The Canes jumped on the Boston College Eagles from the outset, scoring touchdowns on four of their first five drives and rolling to a 45-20 win at Alumni Stadium Friday.
Miami improved to 7-5 and 3-5 in ACC play and now awaits its bowl destination. Boston College finished 6-6 and 3-5 in conference play.
The Canes displayed an efficient, balanced offensive attack from start to finish, running for 242 yards, passing for 290 yards, averaging 9.5 plays on their six touchdown drives and converting six of seven red zone opportunities. The Canes held the ball for more than 35 minutes and their 532 total yards were their most since UM’s Week 4 win at Temple.
Meanwhile, Miami’s defense kept BC’s offense in check, limiting the Eagles to just 219 yards after a game-opening touchdown drive. The Canes also forced two turnovers.
“It was maybe our most complete game of the year,” head coach Mario Cristobal said. “It was good to watch those guys have fun…we’ve come miles and miles and miles…Miami is trending in the right direction.”
Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke completed 23 of 36 passes for 290 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Xavier Restrepo caught six passes for 117 yards, leaving him just seven yards shy of becoming the sixth Hurricane to register 1,000 receiving yards in one season. Fellow wideout Jacolby George had six receptions for 89 yards and one touchdown, while Colbie Young snagged three passes for 34 yards and a score.
Running back Henry Parrish, Jr. paced the Canes with 111 yards and two touchdowns. Ajay Allen rushed for 68 yards and one touchdown, while Mark Fletcher recorded 44 yards and a score.
Linebacker Francisco Mauigoa again led Miami in tackles with nine, including a sack and two tackles for loss. Safety James Williams had four tackles and a forced fumble. Defensive end Ahmad Moten and linebacker Marcellius Pulliam each had an interception.
BC quarterback Thomas Castellanos completed 15 of 25 passes for 151 yards with one touchdown and two picks. He was also the Eagles’ leading rusher with 130 yards and one score. Wide receiver Lewis Bond caught six passes for 46 yards and one score. Cornerback Khari Johnson led BC’s defense with nine stops.