Louisville 41 Boston College 39: Defense Struggles As Eagles Drop Heartbreaker

Defense couldn't make a stop when they needed to.

It was an explosive offensive battle today in Louisville as the Cardinals dropped the Boston College Eagles 41-39 in a back and forth battle as they earned their first ACC win since 2017. The story of the day was the Boston College defense, who allowed 664 yards to Louisville the most allowed in school history, and struggled mightily on third down (8/16) as the Cardinals were able to carve them up especially through the air. 

Anthony Brown, the Boston College signal caller for the better part of three years was looking strong when he fell on a run that looked eerily similar to the play he got hurt on against NC State in 2017, a non contact injury that forced Dennis Grosel into action. The redshirt sophomore did admirably though he wasn't overly accurate finishing 9/24, but he threw for three touchdowns. But in the end he couldn't drive down the field to win it with 1:02 left on the clock. 

Louisville had no problem moving the ball today against an overwhelmed BC defense who struggled to keep up with the Cardinals speed and scheme. In the opening drive they were able to move down the field easily with chunk plays that was capped off with a touchdown run by Malik Cunningham. The Eagles responded with a huge pass by Anthony Brown to Hunter Long, a play that would be his last touchdown pass of the game, possibly longer. Seth Dawkins caught a 59 yard pass, and once Grosel entered the game he hit a touchdown pass to Korab Idrizi and the offenses were off to the races. 

After multiple scores by both teams let's cut to the fourth quarter, and BC was able to make a stop, seemingly one of the few they were able to make. BC drives down the field led by some determined running by AJ Dillon who finished with 118 yards, and kicker Aaron Boumerhi hits a 45 yard field goal that gives the Eagles the lead. But Boston College couldn't make that stop as they allowed Louisville to hit another big play and that was all the Cardinals needed as Blanton Creque hit a field goal with just over a minute remaining. BC moved the ball on the following drive, but when they had to become one dimensional and just throw the ball they were unable to finish the drive as time ticked away. 

Boston College who now stand at 3-3 have a major issue with their defense who again struggled on third down and could not bring pressure effectively. The Eagles will have to figure out how to adapt their offense around Dennis Grosel, who clearly is a different type of quarterback than Anthony Brown.  Next week is the bye week, which will give them two weeks to prepare for NC State.