If this writer was Scott Satterfield, he wouldn’t pick up a newspaper, watch television sportscasts, listen to sports talk radio or look at Facebook or Twitter. The critics are out en masse. Everyone seems to want Satterfield and his coaching staff out after the University of Louisville football team’s 34-33 loss to a hapless Boston College team.
The Eagles (2-3) came into the game as a two-touchdown underdog and last in the Atlantic Coast Conference in offense, averaging 283 yards a game. They were different team Saturday, compiling 449 yards of offense, including 304 yards passing by quarterback Phil Jurkovec. He was 18 of 21 with one interception.
Zay Flowers the BC All-American candidate had touchdown catches of 57 and 69 yards. He totaled five catches for 151 yards.
“Getting some big plays on us. That was the difference in the game,” said Louisville coach Scott Satterfield. “Zay Flowers is a tremendous player. We knew that coming in. Bottom line gave up too many big plays in the passing game.”
UofL led most of the game until Connor Lytton’s 26-yard field goal with 1:56 remaining.
Louisville went for it on fourth and fourth at the BC 39 late and didn’t make it. Backup quarterback Brock Domann’s pass for Ahmari Huggins-Bruce was knocked away by Elijah Jones. BC takes gets the ball and drives for the winning field goal.
More pressing matters is the health of quarterback Malik Cunningham who went to the dressing room in the fourth quarter. Tiyon Evans sat on the bench in the second half with a boot on his right foot. “ Major losses if they are not available.
“We‘ll evaluate Malik when we get back home and see Sunday and Monday,” said Satterfield. “Tiyon had a lower leg injury. Malik just couldn’t go back in the game.”
A big play near the end of the third quarter was a call against Louisville. It appeared Jawar Jordan scored on a 48 yard touchdown. The play was called back because Trevor Reid was called for a chop block. “That would have put us up two scores. Instead it’s second and 20. I’ll have to take a look at it on film,” said Satterfield.
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Louisville travels to Virginia (2-3) to play a struggling Cavaliers team under first year coach Tony Elliott, the former Clemson assistant. The Cavaliers lost at Duke 38-17, Saturday. Somehow the Cardinals are a four-point favorite against another struggling team.
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Another coach was fired Sunday. Wisconsin (2-3) released Paul Chryst. He joins Scott Frost, Nebraska, Geoff Collins, Georgia Tech, Herm Edwards, Arizona State and Karl Dorrell, Colorado among the early fired this season.
During his weekly news conference a couple weeks ago, Satterfield was asked about his thoughts on during the season dismissals. “I don’t like them. I don’t think they are necessary.”