Louisville football’s offensive fireworks lead to Boston College win

Louisville football came into this week’s matchup against Boston College needing a big win after the devastating loss to Florida State. We recap the biggest moments of the game.

Louisville football approached this Saturday’s matchup against Boston College with similar uncertainties facing their team as in weeks past.

Who would start at quarterback, being the main question. A question that all Cardinal fans had hoped to have an answer on, especially after a bye week.

Jawon Pass missed his third straight game, Evan Conley got some major clock today and Malik Cunningham went by a different name. Yes, you read that correctly, Malik wants to go by Micale now. Cards fan throughout Cardinal Stadium thought it was a mistake the first time I’m sure, even his mom was surprised by the news.

Despite the consistent theme of uncertainty. The Cards finally earned their first win in ACC play since 2017 today. Here’s how they got it done.

The Golden Eagles got the ball first and they were very close to getting the game’s first score. BC star running back AJ Dillon fumbled on the one yard line to give the Cardinals possibly their biggest forced turnover of the season by Monty Montgomery. Micale Cunningham followed that with the first score. The Cardinals took an early touchdown lead after a Cunningham led, 80 yard drive. The offense would go on to be spectacular all afternoon, even with some quarterback changes to come.

The defense started off solid as well, but a blown coverage in the middle of the field resulted in a 72 yard Boston College touchdown. Louisville’s response came quick however, as Cunningham found Seth Dawkins for a 59 yard touchdown. This was phenomenal to see, as Seth has been a huge, missing piece of this offense so far this year. His breakout party came today.

Both teams were able to get a few stops before Boston College tied this game back up at 14. But the Eagle’s QB, Anthony Brown would find himself on crutches after this drive, putting BC in a similar situation as the Cardinals.

Louisville was far from ready to back down. A gutsy fourth and one call on the BC three yard line resulted in a Javian Hawkins touchdown, regaining the lead for the Cardinals, 21-14.

Both teams forced consecutive three and outs. But Louisville was able to force one more, enabling Cunningham to link up with Dawkins again for 77 yards. Hassan Hall finished the job with a 3 yard touchdown to put the Cards up two full scores with just 1:49 left in the half.

Cardinal fans know, it can never be easy. BC went straight down the field for a touchdown with just 35 seconds remaining in half number one. They even botched their extra point, but somehow that turned into a completed two point conversion.

The Cards had a shot at a field goal before the half, but future hero Blanton Creque went off the crossbar with this attempt, sending this game to half at 28-22.

Louisville started half number two with the ball, but a three and out helped the Eagles regain possession and shortly after, the lead. New quarterback, Dennis Grosel, looked up to the challenge all day, as he threw for a 19 yard touchdown to cap off a very impressive Golden Eagle drive. This gave BC their first lead, at 29-28.

It wouldn’t last long, but the Cardinals left some points on the board, settling for a field goal when they had the ball at the BC 2 due to some costly penalties.

On the next drive for the Cardinals, Cunningham would go out with an injury, making it Evan Conley time for the second time this season. For the second time, he was up for the challenge.

He came in and immediately took the Cardinals down the field, ending the process with a 23 yard touchdown pass to Dez Fitzpatrick. This put the Cards up 38-29.

A huge interception from Anthony Johnson, who was all over the field this afternoon, made this game seem well in hand for the Cardinals. But again, it can never be easy.

BC got the ball back, two 30+ yard rushing plays later, they were back in the end zone and only down 2.

The Louisville offense couldn’t get anything done in a big spot, giving BC a great opportunity to steal this one. They were able to kick a field goal with just 3:32 left, putting the Golden Eagles up by 1 point.

It was time to sink or swim for this Louisville football team, it was Evan Conley’s turn to be heavily relied on. But as Louisville quarterbacks, coaches and fans know, you can trust Javian Hawkins. Another huge run from the Louisville freshman put the Cardinals in a position to kick a game winning field goal. It was far from time to breathe easy, as a fumbled from Conley that was recovered by offensive lineman Tyler Haycraft undoubtedly saved this one for the Cards.

Creque wouldn’t be denied this time, converting on a 41 yard field goal to give Louisville the lead late in the game.

BC would get the ball back with under one minute to play, but this time the Louisville defense would prevail. The Golden Eagles couldn’t make it into Louisville territory on the final drive, preserving a much needed victory for the Cardinals.

The first win in conference play for Louisville came with a little bit of everything. But a win is a win and this one was far from given to the Cardinals.

Their next matchup is at Wake Forest a week from today and it’ll be the first of three consecutive ranked opponents.

The Demon Decons beat Boston College by only 3 at home last weekend, so the Cards chances at big moments may just be getting started.