Louisville Cardinals Player to Watch: Javian Hawkins
This week Boston College travels south for a match with a familiar ACC foe, The Louisville Cardinals. This Saturday, the Eagle’s opponent will be different as they are led by new head coach Scott Satterfield. UL now features a run heavy offense that rely’s heavily on their running backs. Starting running back, Javian Hawkins is a talented one, and most certainly one that the Eagles will have to key in on in order to come away victorious in Louisville this week.
Although Hawkins is not much of a threat in the passing game, actually none what so ever without recording a reception up to this point in the season, his quickness to the outside and toughness between the tackles has the potential to give BC headaches all afternoon long. Fellow back Hassan Hall brings the second half of a 1-2 punch between the two but Hawkins is certainly the more dangerous for the Cardinals offense. He comes into this match up with a 5.9 average a carry. The Louisville running back rushed 19 times for 122 yards against a good Notre Dame defense then followed it up with 11 touches for 123 yards against Eastern Kentucky. After a 93 yard game and his lone touchdown against Western Kentucky, Hawkins was kept at bay for 52 yards by a struggling Florida State Defense.
Boston College has had their struggles this season on defense and Javian should be of concern. It doesn't look as if he is a home run danger based on the season so far, but with his speed the Eagles could be in for a long day if they aren't wrapping the ball carrier up. Expect Javian to get his touches over/under 20 and make each one meaningful and count. He can and will move the sticks with his legs. Also, revenge could be on his mind as he could be looking to return the favor for A.J. Dillon's career day from the 2017 season. Look for Jon Lamot to have another big day for the Eagles against the rushing attack. Joeseph Sparacio will need to step up from his linebacker position as well to slow down the Cardinal's rushing attack. What should we expect out of the battle of these throwback "ground and pound" teams this Saturday?