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BC aims to beat Miami on 22nd anniversary of Flutie "Miracle"

Nov 22, 2006 - 12:15 AM No. 18 Boston College (9-2) at Miami Fl (5-6), 7:30 pm EST

MIAMI (Ticker) - In order to have a shot at reaching the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game, Boston College will have to snap a lengthy losing streak against an old foe.

The 18th-ranked Eagles look to snap a 14-game skid against Miami when the old Big East Conference foes meet Thursday night.

Boston College (9-2, 5-2 ACC Atlantic) has not won in the series since the "Miracle in Miami" exactly 22 years ago, when Eagles quarterback Doug Flutie threw a "Hail Mary" touchdown pass on the final play. Flutie will be broadcasting Thursday's game for ESPN.

The Eagles went 0-11 against the Hurricanes in the Big East and are meeting for the first time as ACC foes.

Boston College is in a three-way tie with Wake Forest and Maryland atop the ACC Atlantic. To win the division, it must beat Miami and have the Terrapins defeat the Demon Deacons in College Park on Saturday.

The Eagles routed the Terps at home last Saturday, 38-16, as Jolonn Dunbar returned a pair of fumbles for touchdowns, tying an NCAA record.

Miami (5-6, 2-5 Coastal) has lost four straight games since edging winless Duke on October 21 and must win to become bowl eligible for a ninth straight season.

Last weekend, the Hurricanes fell to Virginia on the road, 17-7. Miami scored its lone touchdown with just over three minutes remaining on a 77-yard touchdown pass from Kirby Freeman to Lance Leggett.

This could be the final game for Hurricanes coach Larry Coker, who is expected to be fired after the season.