Last week my matchups mostly focused on the Jacks offense versus the YSU defense.  The YSU defense lived up to their reputation.  However,  I didn’t envision that the Jackrabbit defense would get steamrolled by the YSU ground game.  This week we are flipping the script and 2 of the 3 matchups will focus on the SDSU defense as they matchup against the SIU offense.

Here are the matchups I’m watching on Saturday.

1. Jackrabbit CBs vs. the SIU quick hitting pass game.
The Saluki offense is predicated off of a quick hitting passing game.  This is part of the reason they have only allowed 1 sack so far this season.  Brown, Washington, and Mosley are good tacklers and can be physical.  I’m very interested to see how the staff handles this challenge and if they ask the CBs to get up and press.  This is risky because if they get beat off the line, they give up a home run.  However, if the CBs sit-back it appears that SIU is completely happy dinking and dunking down the field.  If they do this, the CBs will have to be sure tacklers and not allow any yards after the catch.      

2. Jackrabbit front 7 vs. the SIU ground game
The Jackrabbit defensive line was dominated against YSU.  There is no other way to put it.  Because the defensive line was moving backwards the linebackers were swallowed up in the wash.  SIU had great luck running the ball last week against UNI going for 161 yards and a 7 yard per carry average. As I shared in my preview, their offensive line is huge.  Will SIU follow the YSU blueprint of playing keep-away from the Jackrabbit offense?  Will the SDSU defense respond and shore up their run defense?  We will know for sure Saturday night.    

3. Jackrabbit #2 receiver vs. the SIU secondary
Adam Anderson, Jacob Brown, Alex Wilde, Marquise Lewis, Cade Johnson all have the opportunity and talent to emerge as the third weapon in the Jackrabbit passing game.  Through four games they have all made plays in one game or another.  However, there hasn’t been a consistent presence or consistent opportunity.  The interviews following the YSU game suggested that Jake was bracketed in double coverage most of the game and that Dallas also faced double coverage half the time.  To be honest, I haven’t had time this week to go back and watch the game.  If the interviews were true, it means that one of these other receivers has to break free and get open.  This also means that Taryn has to give them a shot and look their way if SIU continues the pattern of doubling Jake and Dallas. 

Go Jacks!
-Matt