We are super excited to be facing a new opponent tomorrow in UAlbany. This is a really good team from the CAA that dominated Villanova earlier this season; a team that SDSU really struggled with last week. Furthermore, UAlbany’s strengths seem to challenge the Jackrabbits at least on paper. This should be a fun one to watch and this is what the JI team is keeping an eye on.
Stay Balanced on Offense
UAlbany has a phenomenal pass rush (50 sacks) but they are also really good against the run (78 ypg). With both of those stats in mind, the Jackrabbits MUST be balanced on offense. They have been for most of the year but it will be critical to do it on Friday. If UAlbany can pin their ears back and focus just on their pass rush, this turns into a really dangerous game. To go along with that…
#605Hog Rebound
The Hogs had a poor performance early in the game vs. Villanova and rebounded in the second half. We don’t think this is a game that they can start slow. This is the best defensive line they will have faced this season. It’s good on good. If they don’t show up from the jump, it could be a long day for the Jackrabbit offense.
Make THEM One Dimensional
UAlbany can really air it out but they also have the ability to move the ball on the ground behind a big offensive line and two physical runners. It’s weird saying we want to eliminate the run and make UAlbany one dimensional but we feel that may be the best way to beat The Great Danes. We trust the Jackrabbit secondary to do their part and limit the big explosive plays that this offense loves.
Make the Play
The most dangerous guy on the UAlbany offense is Reese Poffenbarger, the quarterback. He is well built, elusive, and has a strong arm. He also looks like he has that grit and determination to make the plays that his team needs. Idaho had multiple opportunities to sack him or intercept him but let him, or the ball, slip through their grasp. The Jackrabbit pass rushers MUST hang on when they get their hands on him. His ability to extend plays is scary. He has tossed 10 interceptions this season so the Jacks need to be ready to catch the ball when he tosses it to them. Make the play!
Win Special Teams
Special teams has proven to be vitally important this postseason. We saw it last week with the Jacks and Montana and to a lesser extent, Albany themselves. The Jackrabbit special teams has the ability to dominate this facet of the game week in and week out but they don’t always. At this point of the season, everything matters and special teams will certainly be a factor tomorrow.
Just Win Baby!
There has been a lot of chatter from opposing fanbases about the ugly nature of last weeks win over Villanova. There are two things they don’t understand. One, the wind. Two, winning is all that matters when it comes to the playoffs. It doesn’t matter if it’s ugly, if it’s come from behind, if it’s one they control the whole way, or if it’s a blowout. Win and advance.
Go Jacks!
Alex, Ben, Brendan, Chad, Dallas, Matt