The Miami Hurricanes looked as sharp as they have in more than 2 months Friday as they routed host Boston College 45-20.

Miami (7-5 overall, 3-5 ACC) snapped a 3-game losing streak and clinched a winning record.

Those are modest accomplishments for a team that had risen to No. 17 in the nation back on Sept. 9 with a win against Texas A&M.

With the regular season now complete and just a minor bowl game left to be played, here’s a breakdown on Miami’s year:

Offensive MVP: Slot receiver Xavier Restrepo had a monster season with 74 catches for 993 yards and 5 touchdowns. During his first 3 seasons at Miami combined, Restrepo had 46 catches for 625 yards and 4 TDs.

Defensive MVP: Linebacker Francisco Mauigoa, after playing his first 2 years at Washington State, made a major impact in his 1st year in Miami. He led the Canes with 15.5 tackles for loss, a career high.

Special teams player of the year: Kicker Andres Borregales was almost automatic this year, making 21 of 25 field-goal attempts and 41 of 42 extra-point tries. Anytime he missed, you wondered what was wrong with the rest of the operation, which was the case Friday, when he a field-goal try blocked.

Most improved player of the year: In his 1st 2 years at Miami, wide receiver Jacolby George had a total of just 20 catches for 313 yards and 1 touchdown. This season, he had 55 catches for 851 yards and a team-high 8 TDs.

Offensive assistant coach of the year: Line coach Alex Mirabal led the most improved unit on the team. He molded a group that included 2 transfers (center Matt Lee and left guard Javion Cohen); one true freshman (Francis Mauigoa), a holdover guard switched to left tackle (Jalen Rivers) and a 1st-time starter (right guard Anez Cooper). They did a solid job and remained healthy all season.

Defensive assistant coach of the year: Coordinator Lance Guidry led a standout unit that dealt with some injuries, most notably lineman Akheem Mesidor, who was able to play just 3 games. Last year, he produced 10.5 tackles for loss in 11 games.

Offensive rookie of the year (tie): Running back Mark Fletcher Jr. and right tackle Francis Mauigoa share this award. Fletcher missed 3 games because of injury or his impact would’ve been much greater. As it is, he showed power and speed, rushing for 511 yards, a 5.0 average and 5 touchdowns in 9 games. Mauigoa started every game at a very difficult position, right tackle, making some highlight blocks downfield while, yes, allowing some sacks and penalties.

Defensive rookie of the year: The injury to Mesidor opened more playing time for end Rueben Bain Jr. Bain came through with 8.5 tackles for loss, which ranks 2nd on the team. He also tied Francisco Mauigoa for the team lead with 6.5 sacks, which is superb because he spent roughly half the season as a reserve.

Most disappointing offensive player of the year: Quarterback Tyler Van Dyke was erratic, although offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson said he was dealing with a hand injury for most of the season. Van Dyke got Miami off to a 4-0 start, including his signature performance – a 5-TD effort against Texas A&M. Then he went through a 4-game slump during which Miami was 1-3. During that stretch, he also missed a game for injury, and he was benched for a contest.
Finally, for the past 2 games, TVD has looked sharp again, throwing for 327 yards, 1 touchdown and no interceptions against Louisville and 290 yards, 2 TDs and 0 picks against BC.

Had Van Dyke played the entire season the way he started and finished, Miami might have been in the ACC title game. Ten of Van Dyke’s 12 interceptions this year happened during his 4-game slump. He had just 1 pick during his other 6 starts and 1 when he didn’t start against No. 4 Florida State.

Most disappointing defensive player of the year: Tackle Leonard Taylor, a former 5-star recruit, took a step back this season with just 3.5 tackles for loss in 10 games. Last season, he had 10.5 tackles for losses in 12 games.

Most inspirational offensive player of the year: True freshman quarterback Emory Williams won his 1st start, beating Clemson. His 2nd start was a 27-20 loss to Florida State during which Williams made a courageous dive for extra yardage. He got the 1st down but suffered a season-ending injury to his non-throwing arm. It remains to be seen if he can win Miami’s starting job next season, but Williams showed guts.

Most inspirational defensive player of the year: Free safety Kam Kinchens missed 3 games with a scary injury, which is believed to have been a concussion. Fortunately, he returned and led the team with 5 interceptions.