Finding defensive success on first down
Even in Boston College’s two losses this year, AJ Dillon has found his way to over 150 plus rushing yards in each game. This guy is nearly impossible to completely shut down. The best way to go about this is to force BC into some longer second and third down plays.
If Dillon and Bailey are both able to sustain that five yards per carry in Louisville, it’s going to be a tough game to win. But if the Cardinals can slow down this rushing attack on first and10, they may be able to force the Golden Eagles into some play calls that they’re less fond of.
Boston College’s quarterback Anthony Brown has been solid at times this season, but this is the guy the Cards have to make beat them. He ranks 102nd out of 124 qualified NCAA quarterbacks when it comes to completion percentage.
Forcing Brown and this Golden Eagle offense into some second and nines and some third and tens could really change the trajectory of this game. Coach Satterfield knows these running backs are going to be tough and that this is a must.
Satterfield: 1st Down is critical for us this week. We have to keep them in 2nd and Long. Their RBs are very physical
— Mark Blankenbaker (@UofLSheriff50) September 30, 2019
The Boston College running backs will have success on Saturday, but the Cards can’t let that be what beats them. They’ll need to stack the box early and often and make Anthony Brown be the one who earns this road victory.