Malik Cunningham rushed for three touchdowns, including a 14-yard clinching run with 2:53 remaining to cap a milestone performance, and Louisville overcame four turnovers to beat Boston College 28-14 on Saturday to snap a two-game losing streak.
Seeking a rebound coming out of a bye following consecutive losses by four total points, the Cardinals (4-3, 2-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) followed a BC touchdown with 21 unanswered points to take control, or so it seemed. Cunningham tossed two interceptions and Hassan Hall fumbled in between their TDs, that thwarted chances to paid their lead.
Even after Josh Minkins picked off BC’s Dennis Grosel in the end zone midway through the fourth quarter, Louisville freshman Trevion Cooley coughed it back up on the next play to set up the Eagles at the Louisville 36. Jaelen Gill’s 6-yard scoring pass got BC within 21-14 and made it interesting before Cunningham’s run sealed a rain-soaked win.
The mobile quarterback reached 2,000 career yards rushing and became the fourth Louisville player with 30 rushing TDs on a drive capped by his 1-yard run. Cunningham rushed 16 times for 133 yards and completed 9 of 17 passes for 107 yards. Cooley carried 13 times for 112 yards as Louisville rushed for a season-high 331 yards, the most since 2019 against Syracuse.
PHOTOS | Louisville beats Boston College
Grosel completed 17 of 32 passes for 141 yards and a TD, but threw two interceptions as Boston College (4-3, 0-3) dropped its third consecutive game. Alec Sinkfield’s 11-yard TD run midway through the first put BC up 7-0 before Cunningham took his time to look for receivers before sprinting left for a 10-yard, game-tying score.
THE TAKEAWAY
Boston College appeared poised to break from recent scoring woes by scoring the game’s first touchdown. However, the Eagles’ struggles continued despite forcing four turnovers, as they allowed three sacks and seven tackles for loss.
Louisville looked like its fourth quarter defensive issues would continue as it allowed BC to get within a touchdown in the fourth. Fortunately, Cunningham and the Cardinals’ offense did what they needed to do in the first half despite the mistakes. The defense also came up with needed plays to give their QB a chance to clinch the game.
UP NEXT
Louisville visits No. 18 North Carolina State on Saturday.
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