The history in this series is well documented. For the last dozen years it has gone back and fourth with the road team coming out victorious more than the normal amount for two titans of the MVFC. UNI feels down this year BUT they have reeled off three straight wins. The Hobo Day curse may be real but can a new head coach break it? We’ll soon find out! Here is what the Jackrabbit Illustrated team is watching in this matchup!
Start Fast
As was the case last week, it is important to jump on UNI early. As we learned last year, UNI has the firepower to quickly score points. If the Jacks can be hyper-efficient on offense again this week and methodically move the ball down the field, and shorten the game it will dramatically increase the likelihood of an SDSU victory.
Pressure Day
Theo Day has not looked comfortable this year behind a new look offensive line that has surrendered 14 sacks. He also is not the most mobile quarterback in the MVFC. However, the Jackrabbits have just 3 sacks on the season and have struggled to provide consistent pressure on opposing QBs. This probably isn’t a game where we want to bring extra pressure too often as Day can make opposing defenses pay. It will be interesting to see how aggressive Coach Bobbit is in his play calling.
Win Special Teams
The UNI punt and kick coverage has been suspect this year and the Jackrabbits have been mostly excellent in the return game averaging 24.36 yards on punt returns and 29 yards on kick returns. The UNI return game has not been explosive but the talent is there. Luckily, the Jacks have held opponents to 30 total yards on 5 punt returns but 15 came on a single return. On 14 kickoff return attempts opponents have just a 17 yard return average. If the field goal kicking operation can be better, this should be a phase of the game that the Jacks dominate in.
Strength on Strength
The #605Hogs are the tone setters for this Jackrabbit offense. Likewise, the UNI defensive line is the defenses strength. Gus Miller has been phenomenal this season but UNI’s Khristian Boyd will be his biggest test of the season. If the Jacks can win this specific matchup, they should have their way with the UNI defense both running the ball and through the air. However, this is a big IF as the 3-4 or 4-2-5 or 4-3 defense UNI plays is very unique to them. This will be a challenging game for the Hogs but if they want to be the best, this is one to win.
Take What the Defense Gives
Against Illinois State, the Jackrabbits started hot and were efficient (as we have already said). However, in the middle two quarters in looked like the offense became slightly impatient and fell in love with the long ball. We think this could be a huge game for Mark through the air but he has to remain patient and take the short and intermediate routes that UNI will offer.
This should be a fun one and a beautiful day for football. Happy Hobo Day!
Go Jacks,
Alex, Ben, Brendan, Chad, Dallas, and Matt