Louisville Cardinals

Louisville Football: 5 takeaways from the Cards' win over Boston College

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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We give a look towards our five different takeaways from Louisville football’s huge win over Boston College on Saturday.

Man, did every Louisville football fan need that kind of win against Boston College or what? It was easily one of the best games that entire team has played all season, which bolds very well for the new College Football Playoff rankings on Tuesday night.

It was going to be interesting to see how the Cards would respond after a close win against Virginia and falling to seventh in the playoff poll. However, that let-down against Virginia is now the furthest thing from everyone’s minds at the Cardinals just tore apart a top-ranked defense.

Lamar Jackson had another seven touchdowns in this win over the Eagles on the road. He looked more comfortable than he did last week, but that has a lot to do with the offensive line’s play. They gave Jackson enough protection, which gave him time to run and through the football.

There were many players who came out and dominated Boston College, but probably none more than Lamar Jackson, James Quick, and Jaylen Smith. These three guys showed up big-time for the Cards in a must-win game, even if the Eagles were only 4-4.

In a week where the Cardinals needed to blow out their opponent, they succeeded abundantly.

Nov 5, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Louisville Cardinals wide receiver James Quick (17) is picked up by offensive lineman Geron Christian (74) after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

5. James Quick is showing signs of finishing the season strong

There was a lot of concern about James Quick over the last month of the season. He wasn’t as productive as he had been and had been dropping too many passes. Not to mention, after he dropped three passes against Virginia, we didn’t see him for the rest of the game.

However, it seemed as though he is getting his confidence back as he had two quick touchdown receptions in the first half against Boston College. We talked before the game about how important this week was for James Quick specifically.

There are many young receivers on Louisville’s roster who are making big plays and Quick cannot afford to fall behind the pack.

With that being said, I genuinely believe that Quick is starting to turn a corner and get back on the right track.

Nov 5, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Louisville Cardinals wide receiver Jaylen Smith (9) makes a reception for a touchdown while tackled by Boston College Eagles defensive back Isaac Yiadom (20) during the first quarter at Boston College at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

4. Jaylen Smith has proven his is the receiver of the future for Louisville

Jaylen Smith already came into the game against Boston College leading the whole team in touchdown receptions and he continued his dominance today against the Eagles. In the first half, Smith had 3 receptions for 68 yards and one touchdown. He is quickly becoming one of Lamar Jackson’s favorite targets.

As only a sophomore, it is extremely encouraging that Smith is having such a phenomenal season. Cole Hikutini, James Quick, and Jamari Staples will all leave the program after this season, which will leave many receptions, yards, and touchdowns left to be filled.

However, with the play of Jaylen Smith, Louisville football fans do not need to be worried about the future of the program at receiver.

Not to mention, there are a ton of incoming players who are very talented wide receivers.

Oct 29, 2016; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) prepares to throw a pass against the Virginia Cavaliers in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter at Scott Stadium. The Cardinals won 32-25. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

3. Lamar Jackson is going to win the 2016 Heisman Trophy

As if it has ever really been a questions this season, another great game against Boston College has proven Lamar Jackson will win the Heisman Trophy next month. Boston College is one of the best defenses in the entire country, but Lamar Jackson and Louisville’s offense made them look like a high-school team.

Lamar Jackson had a 69 yard rushing touchdown during the first drive and Louisville never looked back. Also, Jackson had a total of five touchdowns before they even took a snap in the third quarter. It was another dominant performance from Mr. Jackson on Saturday.

With only three game left, Jackson has all but solidified himself as the Heisman Trophy winner. We obviously don’t want to jinx anything, but he is for far ahead of any other player that it isn’t even funny.

We are very proud of everything Lamar Jackson has accomplished this season and we hope he has a chance to put his talent on display in the College Football Playoff.

Oct 29, 2016; Charlottesville, VA, USA; The Louisville Cardinals offense lines up against the Virginia Cavaliers defense in the second quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

2. The offensive line played much better against an even tougher defense

One of the biggest reasons why Louisville struggled to beat Virginia last Saturday was because of the play offensive line. The Cardinals couldn’t control the line of scrimmage, which gave Lamar Jackson no time to throw the football and the running backs didn’t have very many holes to run through either.

We definitely didn’t give the offensive line a break this past week because they just can’t be that bad against an even worse defense. Virginia is one of the worst defensive units in the ACC and Louisville let them look like Alabama.

However, they rose to the occasion and played a very solid football game this week. The play action passing game was on point and that was because the offensive line did a great job of keeping the pressure out of the backfield, not to mention they were opening running lanes well before that.

It was a solid day for the O-line against a very good Boston College defensive front seven.

Nov 5, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Louisville Cardinals wide receiver Jaylen Smith (9) makes a reception for a touchdown while defended by Boston College Eagles defensive back Isaac Yiadom (20) during the first quarter at Boston College at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

1. Louisville should be one of the four teams in the College Football Playoff

Other than losing by six to Clemson, Louisville has done everything that they have needed to do this season. Yes, they have played two close games against Duke and Virginia, but please find me four teams who haven’t played close against against sub-par competition this year.

This was going to be an important week to find out how this football team would respond after having a close game against UVA and slipping to seventh in the College Football Playoff poll.

It looks like the Cardinals are going to be just fine.

Louisville absolutely destroyed the Eagles on offense and it wasn’t pretty. Boston College is a top-level defense, despite their record. However, you wouldn’t have known that if you watched this game on Saturday.

The Cards are doing everything they need to do to make it into the playoff. It will be a real shame if they don’t have a chance to prove themselves on a National stage.