Nov. 20, 2006

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MIAMI HURRICANES vs. BOSTON COLLEGE EAGLES

When: Thursday, November 23, 2006, at 7:30 p.m. ET

Where: Orange Bowl (natural grass; 72,319) in Miami

TV: The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, with Chris Fowler (play by play), Kirk Herbstreit and Doug Flutie (analysis), and Erin Andrews (field reporter).

Tape Delay Telecast: On CSS at 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 29.

Local Radio: The Hurricanes Radio Network (WQAM 560 AM) will carry the game live with Joe Zagacki (play by play), Don Bailey Jr. (analysis) and Brian London (sideline reporter).

National Radio: ISP Sports will carry the game live with Andy Demetra (play by play) and Sonny Randle (analysis).

Radio En Espanol: The game will broadcast in Spanish on WRHC 1550 AM with Joe Pujala (play by play) and Joe Martinez (analysis).

Websites: Miami (www.hurricanesports.com) and Boston College (www.bceagles.com)

THIS WEEK'S GAME: The Miami Hurricanes will close out their regular season when they host the Boston College Eagles at 7:30 p.m. in the Orange Bowl. The Hurricanes need to win the nationally televised game on Thanksgiving night to earn a berth in a bowl game for the ninth consecutive season. Miami has lost its last four games and is now 5-6, hoping to avoid its first losing season in nine years and only the second in ther last 27 years. Kirby Freeman will make his third straight start at quarterback and attempt to even the Hurricanes' record at 6-6. The Hurricanes are 2-5 in the ACC.

Last Saturday, the Hurricanes were defeated by Virginia on the road 17-7. Freeman connected with Lance Leggett on a 77-yard touchdown pass, but otherwise the Hurricanes struggled on offense, gaining only 263 yards and 11 first downs.

The Miami defense remains one of the best in the country and has allowed more than 17 points in just two games. Through 11 games, Miami ranks eighth in the country in total defense and fourth in run defense. Defensive end Calais Campbell leads the defense with 16 tackles for a loss and nine sacks.

THE OPPONENT: Boston College is 9-2 this season and is still in the hunt for the ACC Atlantic Division title and a berth in the ACC Championship game. The Eagles are coming off a 38-16 victory over Maryland and have lost only to North Carolina State and Wake Forest this year. Quarterback Matt Ryan leads the Eagles' attack. He has passed for 2,531 yards and 14 touchdowns this season. Tailbacks L.V. Whitworth and Andre Callendar have combined for 1,305 yards rushing so far. On defense, Boston College ranks 38th in total defense but 15th in scoring defense.

THE SERIES: This will be the first meeting between the two schools as Atlantic Coast Conference members. In the series that dates to 1955, Miami has won 22 of 25 games and has not lost since 1984 in the "Hail Flutie" game. In 12 years in the Big East, Miami was 11-0 against Boston College.

THE COACHES: Larry Coker is 58-15 in six seasons and 3-0 vs. Boston College. Tom O'Brien is 75- 44 in 10 seasons and 0-7 against UM.

A HURRICANES VICTORY OVER THE EAGLES WOULD: End a four-game losing streak and give them a 6-6 record for the season and make them bowl eligible for the ninth consecutive season. It would give them a 3-5 record in the ACC Coastal Division and a 23-3 record in the series against Boston College.