A football game always a great diversion for whatever ails a fan base, the University of Louisville vs. Boston College game attracting 41,486 fans on an overcast day at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium.
Whether it was the gloomy weather forecast or the SkankGate fallout that resulted in the lowest turnout since PJCS was expanded to 55,000 seats will never be known for certain. Those who chose to stay home missing a good opportunity to shake the cobwebs, focus on the positive.
The Cardinals prevail 17-14 in a game that is decided at the 1:17 mark as the UofL defense continues its almost total domination. Boston College is only in the game because of costly turnovers by Louisville’s offense, a muffled punt in the second quarter and a late fumble in the third quarter.
The outcome very much up in the air until late with a Boston College quarterback named Troy Flutie, the nephew of Doug Flutie, inspiring ugly visions of an unlikely comeback similar to the historic last second Hail Mary pass in 1984 giving Boston College a 47-45 upset of Miami.
As long as the UofL defense was on the field that wasn’t going to happen. Louisville would allow BC only four first downs in the game, holding the Eagles to minus 14 yards rushing and 93 yards through the air.
Defensive end Sheldon Rankins recovers a Boston College fumble in the second quarter and returns the ball 46 yards for a touchdown, the first of his college career. Linebackers James Burgess and Keith Kelsey will have six and four solo tackles each, respectively.
Louisville’s offense, meanwhile, is losing two fumbles, giving up an interception, getting a punt blocked, and, at one point, committing three false starts in a single offensive series. Quarterback Lamar Jackson again struggling in rainy conditions but managing 230 yards passing.
To be fair, Boston College’s defense was ranked No. 1 coming into the game. Despite all the self-imposed barriers, UofL was credited with 365 yards on offense. The 139 yards rushing the most allowed on the ground by Boston College this season.
The college football season passes all too quickly. Only two home games remaining for UofL — against Syracuse on Nov. 7 and Virginia on Nov. 14. No way a Lazy Boy seat is better than one at Papa John’s.
It’s time to stop using the”I’m not going because noon football games are just to early for me”excuse, fans of big time football programs show up for their teams games regardless of the start time. Charlie Springer once said “It’s your football program that gets your school national respect,not your basketball program”.Support the football Cards no matter what time the game starts.
That was a while back but it probably still holds true. As strong as the affinity for basketball is in this state, college football drives the bus nationally.
The noon game start time was the biggest reason many did not come. I attended the game, but I hate the damn noon games!
Noon games are horrible. Some of us thought they were a thing of the past when we entered the ACC but the TV networks still have slots to fill. When we get nationally competitive again, there will be fewer noon kickoffs.
I have to admit that I was a little surprised at the attendance at today’s game. Yes, the weather was nasty but I have sat thru worse (a lot worse) & with all the recent events surrounding the Basketball program aka #Skankgate you would think fans would be ready for a little distraction despite the rain. So while we endure the rabbit punches from the local & national media I hope the fans step up & support all of these kids because they need us more than ever. So come on Card fans it’s time for us to step up our game !
Couldn’t have said it better, Brad. We wanted ACC football and we have it. The bandwagon fans will be back when Petrino gets his team rolling again.