Associated Press
MIAMI ó Boston College coach Frank Spaziani took two steps down the sideline, then realized he couldn’t keep up with Luke Kuechly.
Neither could anyone from Miami.
And in what may be his final college game, Kuechly made sure he and the Eagles went out winners.
Kuechly ran one of four interceptions thrown by Miami quarterback Jacory Harris back for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter ó a 45-yard scamper that came just minutes before the Hurricanes announced that Al Golden agreed to an extension through the 2019 season ó and the Eagles beat Miami 24-17 on Friday in the season finale for both clubs.
“Luke is the best player in college football,” said Boston College quarterback Chase Rettig, who threw a pair of touchdown passes to Chris Pantale, the second of those a 32-yarder early in the third quarter that put the Eagles (4-8, 3-5 ACC) ahead for good. “It was just a great play. It’s something everyone expects him to do.”
Rolandan Finch ran for 96 yards for Boston College, while Rettig completed 13 of 17 passes for 196 yards. Opponents completed 66 percent of their passes against the Hurricanes this season, but that wasn’t what doomed Miami (6-6, 3-5).
Harris came into the year with five interceptions. His four on Friday matched a career-worst, and came at the worst possible time.
“Obviously, I’m terribly disappointed for our seniors,” Golden said. “It’s not like we’re not fighting. We’re fighting. We just made too many mistakes to win a game like that. Again, it starts with me. It flat-out starts with me.”
He’s got time to change it now. Golden said he will be in a recruit’s home at 2 p.m. Sunday.