The Jackrabbits take on the Bobcats tomorrow in Brookings. Everyone is well aware that this is the biggest FCS game of the week and maybe the biggest in the non-conference schedule this season. It is not too often the #1 and #3 team in the country play each other so early. What is intriguing about this matchup is the fact that these two teams have played twice in the past two years and also had a home and home series not too long ago as well. This should be a great game and a great atmosphere!
Slow the Run
It’s no secret, Montana State wants to run the ball. The play action and the RPOs are all setup by establishing the run. Against Utah Tech they rushed for 407 yards and in 2022 they rushed for 311 per game. This team loves to run the ball and they do so in a variety of ways. Montana State wins by getting good matchups for it’s athletes and getting Mellott in space. The Jacks will need to be gap sound and disciplined in their fits. This is a good group that rally tackles and that will need to continue. String out the stretch plays and wait for the calvary to arrive.
Turnovers are Key
Dallas and Chad’s interview with Keaton Gillogly (Voice of the Bobcats) was enlightening for a variety of reasons but the turnover battle is something he mentioned as a key for MSU and it makes sense. SDSU FEASTS off turnovers is already +3 on the season including two pick-6’s. In 2022 they were +16, which is truly an unreal number. On the other hand, MSU is very good at protecting the ball and rarely throws interceptions (8 total in 2022) or fumbles (4 total lost in 2022). To be fair, the Bobcats had zero turnovers in last years matchup with the Jacks as well.
Redzone Efficiency
Chambers makes the Bobcat offense dangerous in the redzone. He is a capable passer and I wouldn’t put it past MSU to run some pot passes with Chambers after Utah Tech showed last week that it is possible to stonewall Chambers. SDSU is terrific in the redzone scoring touchdowns on 74% of their trips inside the 20. Let’s see if the Jacks can be 100% this week because we feel every single point will matter in this game. The Jacks have a variety of weapons in the redzone, including Mark’s legs but the Bobcats also have a number of big time playmakers that can stress defenses.
Trickeration
Both teams have a little razzle-dazzle to them. Some of it is trickeration and some of it is simply deploying the wealth of talent they have in unique ways that stress the defenders with an unscouted look. Do we see some two QB sets? How frequently will we use a pony package (2 RBs)? Could we see trick plays from the past?
We know Montana State will use both Chambers and Mellott on the field together. They showed that in multiple games last year including their huge win over Montana and against Weber State in the playoffs. They also have some tremendous speed with a few of their weapons. Again, it comes down to discipline and making sure that everyone is accounted for.
Trench Dominance
This is boring but its the truth. This game will likely be won and lost in the trenches. South Dakota State controlled the line of scrimmage in December and made it very difficult for the Bobcats to do anything. However, and we have documented this before, Sanders and Winkelman are gone. Montana State returns their entire starting o-line and even replaced a couple of starters, who are still on the roster, with better players.
On the flip-side the #605Hogs created lanes for the Jackrabbit running attack and Mark had plenty of time when he dropped back to pass. The quotes coming out of Bozeman show that the defensive line is aware that they must play better and with greater effort. Can the hogs replicate their December effort? We’ll find out soon!
Go Jacks!
Ben, Brendan, Chad, Dallas, Matt