Louisville Football 2017: 3 Takeaways from upset loss to Boston College

1. Let Lamar Jackson run

“Pocket Lamar” has been at the forefront of the Louisville offense all season long. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner did more than a little bit of rushing to secure the award last season. Jackson has his eyes set higher than another Heisman in 2017; he wants to work his way up in the NFL Draft.

To do that, Jackson has made a concerted effort to stay in the pocket and prove he has what it takes to be a next-level passer. Through the first half of the season he’s proven his point. Jackson had four 300+ yard passing performances a year ago. Including Saturday he has 5 such games this season. That doesn’t include the game against Kent State where he finished with 299 yards through the air.

The film is there. Jackson can throw, we get it. Now let him use his legs. The Louisville offense lost a lot of talent during the offense and the burden on Jackson has only grown. Head coach Bobby Petrino needs to not overthink this offense. Let Jackson loose and he’ll find ways to cause problems through the air and on the ground.

Next: Latest 2018 NFL Mock Draft entering Week 7

Jackson did not have a single full game with less than 10 rushing attempts in 2015 or 2016. He’s had two such games this season. Today he carried the ball 22 times for 180 yards three touchdowns.  He keeps the defense honest, and that’s an irreplaceable asset for any offense.