Well, as far as must-win games go, for Louisville football this feels like a 9.5 out of 10 on the urgency scale.
While the Cards’ 3 losses have each come by 7 points to currently ranked foes, not winning any of those big-time matchups has placed the onus on not slipping up in games they should win.
And while, on paper, Louisville football should beat Boston College relatively easily, there are some concerns about a Friday night trip to Chestnut Hill.
Who: Louisville (4-3, 2-2) at Boston College (4-3, 1-2)
Where: Alumni Stadium | Chestnut Hill, MA
When: Friday, October 25th, 2024 at 7:30 PM ET
How to Watch: ESPN2
How to Listen: 93.9 FM in Louisville
Series History: Louisville leads 9-7
Last Meeting: Louisville won 56-28 last season
Spread Check: Louisville -7.5
Thread Check:
Keys to Victory
Contain Thomas Castellanos
This is the story of the game.
Thomas Castellanos is one of the best QBs in the country than nobody talks about.
He racked up over 2,000 passing yards and 1,100 rushing yards a season ago and was a serious problem for some of the best teams in the ACC.
Under first-year head coach Bill O’Brien, Castellanos has undergone a bit of a transformation. The staff apparently wants Castellanos to become more of a pocket passer and to only use his legs when necessary.
However, against this Louisville football defense, all bets may be off.
Let’s be honest, Louisville has been a sieve up the middle on QB runs all season.
While the Cards are stout on designed runs, when opposing QBs get loose, they have gashed Louisville repeatedly.
If O’Brien is willing to let Castellanos have a bit more freedom, dude could probably torch this Cardinals defense.
One would think Louisville wants him in the pocket.
Will conditions have an impact?
Louisville football has not won two consecutive road games in the same season since 2016.
If the Cards are going to buck that trend on Friday, they will have to go in to a difficult road environment and find a way to win.
Additionally, this has been the season of good weather for the Cards. They’ve yet to play a night game or even touch the mid-60’s temperature-wise.
Every game has been hot and sunny with the exception of a brief spout of rain in South Bend.
Louisville will see temps at 50 degrees at kick, dropping down around 45 at halftime.
Just something to look out for.
Predictions
Matt McGavic: BC +7.5
Jacob Lane: Louisville -7.5
Vince Lococo: Louisville -7.5
Keith Arutoff: Louisville -7.5
Pres’ Picks
If the Cards don’t find a way to win this one, I could see a world where the entire season begins to unravel.
Louisville football has to play sound, fundamental defense and keep improving upon solid offensive showings.
Louisville is undefeated under Jeff Brohm when it wins the turnover battle.
Get Castellanos is in uncomfortable situations and you win this game.
Castellanos HIGHER than 41.5 rush yards
Tyler Shough HIGHER than 1.5 pass TD
Mark Redman HIGHER than 0.5 TD
Isaac Brown HIGHER than 20.5 yards longest rush
Louisville 31, Boston College 23
