Freshman TE Kemari Averett rushes 22-yards for a touchdown in the first quarter against Boston College. It was Averett's first career touchdown. Louisville ultimately lost the game, 45-42. Photo by Seth Spalding, River City Cards
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defense falls apart in third, cards lose homecoming game

A few shots from the 45-42 loss to Boston College in Louisville's homecoming game. Photos by Seth Spalding, River City Cards

Hoping to forget an abysmal loss to NC State, something worse happened. Louisville hosted Boston College Saturday, and lost to the Golden Eagles 45-42, in Louisville's homecoming game. The Cards had an early lead, but defensive miscues led to Louisville's loss.

Louisville scored its first touchdown the first drive of the game. It was a nine-play, 75-yard drive capped off with a 22-yard pass from Louisville QB Lamar Jackson to TE Kemari Averett. The pass went along the near sideline, and barely broke the plane on the corner. The play was originally called an out-of-bounds at the two, but was ruled a TD after a lengthy review. It was also Averett's first career TD.

Jackson took it himself for Louisville's next score. He made a perfect fake handoff, slipped through BC's front seven, and outstretched his left arm over the goal line. It was Jackson's 40th career rushing TD, placing him within one of tying the school record. The drive went six plays for 80 yards. 

Boston College scored a TD their next drive. It was a 42-yard pass to BC wide receiver Thadd Smith. He was left open on the far side, and had room to run on second down. At the end of the first quarter, Louisville led 14-7. 
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​With five minutes left in the second quarter, RB Reggie Bonnafon broke through the middle and rushed 64-yards for a long touchdown. It was the former QB's third rushing TD of the year. It was also the only play of the drive. 

Boston College responded with a lengthy touchdown drive. It went eight plays for 48 yards, consuming 1:48. It was capped off with a one-yard rush from BC's RB AJ Dillon. At the end of the half, Louisville led 21-14. It looked like a sure-fire win. 

But then, the third quarter happened...
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Boston College tied the game with five minutes left in the third. Dillon rushed up the middle three yards for the score. It was a 14-play, 72-yard drive. Then, Jon Hilliman scored on a six-yard TD rush, putting Louisville down for the first time. At the end of the third, Louisville trailed 28-21.

Things only worsened in the fourth. Dillon again rushed untouched into the end zone five seconds into the quarter. 

The comeback attempt began with 12:13 left. Jackson heaved a long pass downfield to the corner of the end zone. Freshman sensation Dez Fitzpatrick came down with it. Fitzpatrick tied the school record for most TD receptions for a freshman with his seventh. The pass went 40 yards, and capped off a six-play, 84-yard drive. 

Then, the defense left Dillon with just one defender, and he rushed 75 yards into the end zone for his third touchdown of the day. 
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Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino, as well as Lamar Jackson, Reggie Bonnafon, Jaire Alexander, Jon Greenard, and Jaylen Smith give a few comments on Louisville's 45-42 loss on homecoming to Boston College.

Jackson tied the record for the most rushing TDs in school history with 8:59 left. It was a nine-yard run up the middle; finishing a 10-play, 79-yard drive. Then, he set the new school record with 5:03 left. Jackson broke free, and rushed 41-yards for his 42nd career rushing TD. It tied the game at 42-all. 

A late fumble gave possession back to Boston College with a minute left on the clock. Boston College. At the last second, Boston College kicked a field goal, leading to the final score.
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Louisville moves to 4-3 on the season (1-3 ACC) with the loss. They will try and get back on track against a disappointing Florida State Seminole team on October 21st.