Louisville football: Time, TV, important match-ups, predictions vs Boston College

Louisville football faces off against Boston College this Saturday in Cardinal Stadium. Here’s how to watch and what to expect.

Louisville football comes off a bye week out for revenge after a solid comeback but heartbreaking collapse at Florida State in week four.

The Cardinals will play host to a Boston College squad that has beaten them their last two times out and are coming off a close loss to 22nd-ranked Wake Forest.

We take a look at the match-ups to watch and give our predictions for Louisville’s biggest game of the season.

What: Boston College Eagles at Louisville Cardinals

When: Saturday, October 5th, 2019

Where: Cardinal Stadium, Louisville, KY

Point spread: Louisville -6.5

After opening as 3 point favorites, the Cardinals have seen virtually all of the money come their way. It’s interesting to see given how evenly the two teams figure to match up.

How to Watch: The game will be broadcast on Fox Sports South

Players to Watch

AJ Dillon, Boston College RB

There’s not a better player in the ACC than Boston College running back AJ Dillon. Their workhorse, and likely first-round NFL draft pick had his breakout game two years ago in Cardinal Stadium in a shocking upset of the Cardinals.

Now, Dillon looks to replicate that performance and get his team back on track. Dillon is listed at 245-pounds, and he has solid breakaway speed. He is an absolute bear to tackle and finishes every play falling forward.

Louisville’s defense is going to key on Dillon first and foremost.

Rodjay Burns, Louisville LB

The unit tasked with stopping Dillon and Boston College’s versatile rushing attack is Louisville’s undersized linebackers.

If the Cards are going to limit Dillon, they will have to do so as a unit, because Dillon is heavier than every linebacker on Louisville’s roster expected to play on Saturday.

This includes 6’0,” 190-pound “Card” linebacker Rodjay Burns, who has been a big-time breakout star for the Cards. The team’s third-leading tackler and sacks leader has a knack for getting into opposing backfields and cutting plays short. He will have to bring solid form tackling to be able to handle BC’s big skill position players.

Anthony Brown, Boston College QB

Perhaps the most under-the-radar quarterback in the ACC, Anthony Brown has become a success story in three seasons at Boston College.

At 6’2,” 220-pounds, brown has become a quarterback that is tough to bring down as a rushing threat but has been consistent through the air as well. He is on pace to shatter his career highs in every statistic and has accounted for 9 total touchdowns for the Eagles.

Brown is underrated as a passer, but his 66 percent completion rate against conference foes is not something to take lightly. When Dillon gets things going, it frees up Brown to dissect opposing defenses.

Javian Hawkins, Louisville RB

Louisville’s leading rusher became only the third player in school history to eclipse 100 yards on the ground as a freshman. Hawkins got off to a hot start, accounting for more than 250 yards on the ground through his first two games.

However, since Malik Cunningham took over at quarterback, Hawkins’ production has fallen off. Louisville needs their starter to be able to take advantage of a down BC run defense in order to open things up in the passing game.

Hawkins struggled against Florida State, averaging only 3.1 yards per touch, with his longest gain being 7 yards. The Cards need Hawkins and his stablemate Hassan Hall to return to form in this one.

Matchup to watch

Boston College passing game vs. Louisville’s secondary

The Eagles are known for their running attack with AJ Dillon, but they are also a prolific offense in the passing game- particularly on play-action.

Brown has more “big-time throws” this season than any other quarterback in the ACC. Boston College will beat you on the ground, but they will test you through the air when you least expect it.

Additionally, Louisville secondary began the season with strong performances against Notre Dame and Eastern Kentucky, but they have allowed a handful of big-time plays in their last two games. That has to change if the Cards want to walk away victorious.

Predictions:

Presley: Louisville 37, Boston College 31

Alex: Louisville 34, Boston College 24

Jacob: Louisville 24, Boston College 21