MIAMI -- Remember Doug Flutie's "Hail Mary" throw to give Boston College a 47-45 win in 1984? Well, that was the last good memory Eagles have in their series with the Hurricanes that has produced some memorable moments. Since Flutie's desperation heave, Boston College is 0-12 against Miami.

BC did give Miami one of its biggest tests last year in Chestnut Hill in a game that featured another unusual play. Trailing 12-7, QB Brian St. Pierre marched the Eagles to the Miami nine-yard line. With less than a minute remaining, St. Pierre's deflected pass was intercepted by Matt Walter. Ed Reed, Walter's teammate, then stole the ball and took it the distance for Miami's game-clinching touchdown.

Keys to the game: Miami

	Ken Dorsey and Miami have a 25-game winning streak.

To avoid a repeat of last year's nail-biter, Miami needs to get on Boston College early. And the trends indicate that is likely. Miami has outscored opponents 45-0 in the first quarter in its first three games. BC has not scored in the first quarter of its two games and has been outscored 9-0. The Hurricanes, pointing to last year's game as motivation --even though they won 18-7 -- will be will be looking to remove any doubts about this game in the first quarter.

Another key for the 'Canes will be to stay away from the turnovers - they had five in last year's game including four interceptions by QB Ken Dorsey. Miami has shown a tendency to give up the ball, committing nine turnovers (5 fumbles, 4 interceptions) already this year. Really, the only way Miami can lose this game is if they give it away.

Whether on the high school, college or professional level, you need defensive linemen -- and the Hurricanes have a bunch of them. BC has to find a way to neutralize Miami's front four, which is the best front four in college football. Six of the eight defensive linemen that play for Miami are seniors and probably have a chance to play professional football. The ability to go seven or eight deep on the defensive line is a tremendous advantage. The 'Canes, led by William Joseph and Jerome McDougle, get a pass rush with only four so they don't have to bring their linebackers up. Miami's got the most unbelievable thing going.

When you break it all down, Miami's success over the past two years has been built on the leadership of QB Ken Dorsey and defensive line. They'll lose both next year.

Keys to the game: Boston College

	Brian St. Pierre needs to avoid turnovers against Miami.

For Boston College to have a chance, Brian St. Pierre can't throw interceptions in this game. He has to take some shots downfield, though, even if he pays the price physically. When you take a look at the film from the Miami-Florida game, Rex Grossman took a beating from the Miami front four. I think BC's offensive line and Florida's are about the same. St. Pierre will be hit and hit a bunch. He needs to weather the attack, come up with some big plays and not commit a costly turnover.

The defensive line is a strength for Boston College. The group, highlighted by Antonio Garay and Doug Goodwin, is really good. If they can stop Miami's run game and get pressure on Dorsey with the backers, they have a chance to stay close.

BC needs a lot of movement in the defensive line. They'll need to change up and use different fronts -- 4-man rush, 5-man rush and the zone blitz. They have to confuse Dorsey somehow. If you don't throw him off rhythm, he'll dissect you. BC knows it can slow Miami's offense. Defensive coordinator Frank Spaziani troops were able to confuse Dorsey into four interceptions last year.

Boston College must make Miami adjust to its running game. Even with William Green gone, BC can be effective in the running game. The Eagles will try use Derrick Knight to punch holes in the Miami defense with the counter and misdirection plays to slow down the 'Canes fast defense.

Keys to the game: Special teams

The other thing is when you play Miami -- and Boston College knows this -- is its great special teams advantage due in part to tremendous team speed. Miami will block kicks and have great kick return teams. Miami usually gets to play on a short field. Last year, BC had the short field. This year Miami plans to give BC the long field.

Matchup to watch
BC's Marc Parenteau vs. Miami's Jerome McDougle
All-Big-East tackle Parenteau will have to contain all-everything end McDougle for BC to have a chance.

Matchup to watch
Miami secondary vs. Jamal Burke
Miami has a young secondary, if Burke can get open, it will open up the field. He's made eight catches already this year and is a breakaway threat.

ESPN college football analyst Mike Gottfried will join play-by-play announcer Ron Franklin and sideline reporter Adrian Karsten on ESPN's coverage of Boston College vs. Miami on Saturday at 7:45 p.m. ET.