Boston College rushing attack another challenge for Cardinals

Boston College's AJ Dillon averaging 125 rushing yards heading into Louisville game

Regardless of its opponent, Louisville football prepares each week to stop the run. In consecutive games, the Cardinals are tasked with stopping two of the best ball carriers in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Florida State’s Cam Akers rushed for 112 yards and three touchdowns against Louisville in Tallahassee Sept. 21. The Cardinal defense has another test this Saturday in Boston College running back AJ Dillon.

Dillon is averaging 125 rushing yards per game in his junior year. He posted a season-high 159 yards against Wake Forest last week. Whether it’s Akers, Dillon or any other talented ball carrier, Louisville defensive coordinator Bryan Brown said the team must limit opponents’ rushing attack every week.

“If you can’t stop the run, it’s going to be a long day,” Brown said.

While Akers might be better in space, Brown said Dillon gets downhill quicker. The running backs are two of the best in the ACC, but gain yards in different ways.

“As far as physicality, yes it’s different, but as far as run games in general, schemes are a little bit different, but stopping the run and being able to tackle is going to be key,” Brown said.

Sophomore defensive back Anthony Johnson said the Cardinals need to have good eye discipline against Boston College.

“We are going to have to tackle, we have to have our eyes in the right spot,” Johnson said. “This offense likes to run a lot of motions and things to mess with your eyes.”

Safety Khane Pass said Louisville will need to gang tackle to slow Dillon because of his size.

“He is a big back, he is bigger than all the backs I have played,” Pass said. “He runs the ball hard and he is physical.”

Dillon is no stranger to Louisville’s defense. As a freshman in 2017, he rushed for 272 yards and four touchdowns in a 45-42 Boston College win.