This Date in College Football Belt History – November 10

November 10, 2001 – The top-ranked, 7-0 Miami Hurricanes of coach Larry Coker met the 6-2 Boston College Eagles & coach Tom O’Brien.  This proved to be a much tougher test than the Hurricanes had anticipated, as the Eagles defense was ready for an upset.  Boston College played without All-American RB William Green, the nation’s leading rusher, who was suspended for a violation of team rules.  A critical interception late in the 4^th quarter helped the Hurricanes avoid the upset with an 18-7 win to retain The Belt.  Both defenses ruled the 1^st half with Miami able to manage only 3 field goals from All-Big East PK Todd Sievers & Boston College unable to score.  The Eagles finally got on the board with 5:50 to play in the 3^rd quarter when QB Brian St. Pierre hit TE Sean Ryan on a 9-yard touchdown pass.  Sievers added his 4^th field goal of the game, this one from 47 yards, with 14:50 to play in the game giving Miami a 12-7 lead.  Each team missed a field goal attempt & exchange punts before Miami took possession at their 12-yard line with 6:09 to play.  With 2:09 left, Hurricanes’ RB Frank Gore fumbled at the Boston College 30-yard line & Eagles’ S Ralph Parent recovered it giving Boston College one last chance to win the game.  St. Pierre drove the Eagles to the Hurricanes’ 20-yard line with 0:22 to play.  His pass for WR Ryan Read deflected off Miami’s CB Mike Rumph & was intercepted by Hurricanes’ DT Matt Walters who gave the ball to All-American S Ed Reed.  Reed ran the final 80 yards for the touchdown as Miami escaped with an 18-7 win.  Miami’s All-Big QB Ken Dorsey threw for 222 yards but with 4 interceptions & All-Big East RB Clinton Portis added 160 yards rushing.  St. Pierre finished with 162 yards passing with a touchdown in the losing effort.  Miami finished the season 12-0; Big East & National Champions while the Eagles finished 8-4 & ranked 21^st nationally.  Boston College would play for The Belt again in 2002.

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