Can you believe that it’s already the final home game of the college football season for No. 21 Miami?

As the oldies prepare for Senior Day a little before noon on Saturday, I’m sure they’re all asking what could have been. Maybe a better four-year period of football from one of the top all-time programs?

The Class of 2010 has had to suffer through 7-6, 5-7 and 7-6 seasons.

Alas, this weekend’s matchup pits the Hurricanes (7-3, 4-3) against the Duke Blue Devils (5-5, 3-3) in a game that means nothing more in an already-decided Coastal Division.

It does, however, serve big implications for both teams in terms of bowls. If the Dukies win, they qualify for a bowl game with six victories. Miami must win out to assure itself a decent bowl, and to stay in the top 25.

Tune in to 90.5 FM, or wvum.org Friday from 6-7 p.m. as I’ll be on Ibis Sports Weekly to talk Hurricane sports!

Here are things to note for the game:

• This isn’t your mom and dad’s Duke football team that used to go winless.
• Quarterback Thaddeus Lewis returns home for family and friends with the ninth-best passing unit in the nation (297 ypg). He, along with Riley Skinner of Wake Forest, who gave the Hurricane secondary trouble, are among the ACC’s best quarterbacks.
• Attendance is going to be BAD on Saturday. I saw a commercial on WSVN 7 today, and that never happens. Plus, lower-bowl and end zone seats are being sold for just $19.
• At today’s pep rally, there was hardly anyone there. With three losses and the hope of an ACC championship dashed yet again, not even free Chipotle or Power Pizza could hook people in. Oh, and those “U Invented Swagger” shirts? Not flying off the shelves anymore.
• The punt game will miss injured returner Thearon Collier.
• Can Aldarius Johnson please show up? Supposedly the most talented of the deepest receiving corp, he has been a no-show as Leonard Hankerson (whose old self showed up against North Carolina) has stepped up.
• Which Jacory Harris will show up? With an injured hand, will Randy Shannon be more inclined to yank him if he’s struggling for true freshman A.J. Highsmith?
• Last year’s meeting was a high-scoring affair in Durham when Harris, then a backup, led the Canes back to victory. They have won the last five meetings, dating back to 1976.
• Don’t expect Duke to run the ball. With three receivers averaging over 50 yards a game, Lewis has the talent surrounding him. The key is for the defensive line to provide pressure and help Brandon Harris and DeMarcus Van Dyke.
• Will this game be reminiscent of the Virginia or Clemson game? That is the question.

INJURY REPORT

Safety Vaughn Telemaque (shoulder) and linebacker Sean Spence (leg) are game-time decisions.

Safety Ray Ray Armstrong (leg) and quarterback Jacory Harris (hand) are expected to play.

Cornerback Sam Shields (leg), fullback Patrick Hill (ankle), running back Lee Chambers (leg) and receiver/punt returner Thearon Collier (leg) are out.