Behind Enemy Lines: Five Questions for Eagle Insider's A.J. Black

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - After needing a goal line stand to clinch a victory against regional rival Indiana, the Louisville football program is returning home and resuming league play, hosting Boston College for their ACC home opener.

Ahead of the matchup, Louisville Report sat down with A.J. Black of 247Sports' Eagle Insider to find out more about the Eagles:

1. How was Boston College able to come so close to upsetting Florida State while committing 18 penalties?

There were a few things that helped Boston College stay in this game. The play of Thomas Castellanos certainly helped, as he showed some flair for the dramatics making big plays with his legs and arm. But also the defense stepped up, holding FSU to just 2/10 on third down and holding them scoreless on a 19-0 run to end the game. Finally, a few breaks went BC's way, they had a squib kick/fumble and another fumble recovery for a touchdown all in a short time span.

2. The Eagles inserted Thomas Castellanos as their quarterback early in their first game of the season, and seemingly haven’t looked back. What is he able to do that Emmett Morehead can’t?

Run, a lot. But seriously, Castellanos has a lot of traits that could make him an effective quarterback. First and foremost he is quick, and when he doesn't find a receiver open he is able to move the ball with his legs. Morehead clearly wasn't able to do that. He's got a solid arm as well, and doesn't make a lot of mistakes which helps as well. Finally, he is showing the "it" factor, the drive to win, the intangible leadership quality that you know it when you see it, and it rubs off on his teammates and coaches.

3. It seems like BC’s offensive line has taken a massive step forward from last season. How has much has this raised the ceiling for the offense?

They have been very good, and showcased it against an excellent FSU front seven. Guard Christian Mahogany is back, and he was expected to be the leader of the line, and he has, but what has been impressive is that he isn't even the best lineman out there right now. Tackle Ozzy Trapilo has taken a massive step forward, center Drew Kendall looks great, and transfer Kyle Hergel from Texas State has been a massive upgrade. The line really has been the story of the season in terms of positivity around this program.

4. Boston College’s secondary seems to be off to good start both in terms of pass coverage and physicality. Who are some players to watch for in this area of the field?

Elijah Jones is the big one. Against FSU the Eagles went man-press and shut out Keon Coleman and basically kept Johnny Wilson in check for most of the game. Jaheim Bell just ate them alive and that was more on the safeties and linebackers. Jones and Amari Jackson both have had strong starts, they have good instincts and have been coached well.

5. The front seven for BC has both talent and veteran experience, but has gotten off to a slow start in terms of pressure plays and rushing defense. Why is that?

I think a lot of it has to do with the opponents they have played. The first two games were against mobile quarterbacks who made concerted efforts to take a quick drop and just get rid of the ball. They were so quick to get rid of it, that it basically made it impossible for a defensive lineman to get at the quarterback. Against FSU, they played against a good offensive line and were held in check. All that being said, it still is a major area of concern, and the fact that Donovan Ezeiruaku, who was preseason All-ACC only has one pressure in three games, is very concerning. He has been doubled, and chipped, but he still needs to find a way to be more effective.

(Photo of Khari Johnson: Eric Canha - USA TODAY Sports)

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