Louisville vs. Boston College Prediction, Game Preview

The Louisville Cardinals (2-4) and the Boston College Eagles (3-4) will be looking to rebound from losses when they meet Saturday at Papa John’s. Check out the Louisville vs. Boston College prediction and game preview.

Louisville vs. Boston College Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 24
Game Time: 12:30 ET
Network: ACC Network

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Why You Need To Care

Boston College and Louisville are at that point in the season when finishing above .500 and qualifying for a December bowl game are the goals. Both teams have four losses, so the margin for error is quickly evaporating. The Eagles are in a tailspin, having dropped four of the last five since the FCS portion of the schedule came to an end. The Cards have been the victims of a rugged schedule, including last weekend’s loss to Florida State in Tallahassee.

Why Boston College Will Win

While the Eagle D buckled last Saturday against Clemson QB Deshaun Watson, the unit has generally been a rock throughout the year. There’s no running the ball on Boston College, which is allowing less than two yards a carry. And since the Louisville passing game is still in the development stages, throwing as many picks as touchdowns, how does this team reach the end zone on Saturday?

Why Louisville Will Win

Louisville is basically Boston College, but with more options and speed on offense. True, the Cardinals are averaging just 23 points against fellow FBS opponents. But the Eagles? They’re standing at eight points, while getting virtually nothing from the passing game. At the very least, the Cards can lean on emerging rookie QB Lamar Jackson, who’s elusive outside the tackles and improving as a passer.

Player Who Matters

It’s going to be a long afternoon for the quarterbacks, since both front sevens are outstanding … and both O-lines are vulnerable. BC has 61 tackles for loss, headlined by linemen Harold Landry and Mehdi Abdesmad and linebackers Steven Daniels and Matt Milano. Louisville’s push will come from linemen Sheldon Rankins and an aggressive corps of linebackers. Draw plays will be popular this weekend at Papa John’s.

What’s Going To Happen?

Points will come at a premium on Saturday, as is often the case when Boston College is in the building. And Louisville is in a much better position to move the chains with Jackson, who’s beginning to get more comfortable with WR James Quick. Quick will get loose on multiple occasions, exposing the Eagles’ weakest unit, the secondary, and helping set up field goal tries for PK John Wallace.