The Jacks and Yotes square off tomorrow in the battle of the #3 and #4 teams in the FCS. The implications for playoff seeding are HUGE and the Jacks need to get back on the right track and the Yotes need to add a quality win to their resume. This matchup is always a little bit testy for fans and players alike but with both teams having something to play for this year, maybe some of the extracurriculars will be skipped this year.
What to Watch
Control the Trenches
Yeah, no kidding guys! Really going out on a limb on this one… Hear us out! Since both teams have been Division 1, SDSU has owned the line scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Even in the two wins that USD has had, SDSU has mostly dominated the line of scrimmage. However, USD is much improved in this regard. The offensive linemen who were pushed around as redshirt freshman are now a few years older, stronger, and more experienced. Their defensive line may not have the depth overall but I think their top-6 are about as good of a top-6 defensive line rotation as their is in the MVFC. SDSU is reloading on both sides of the ball and so far the results have been pretty positive, in terms of line play. This will be a big test for both the #605Hogs and the #ChainGang; especially coming off of the physicality of the Dakota Marker.
Limit the Big Plays
USD has the ability to control the ball and drive down the field but this season their offense has been powered by the homerun play. Their backs can take it to the house on any carry, their tight end and wide receivers can also make a house call on nearly any reception. The Jacks will need to tackle well, rally tackle, and take good angles. The speed of their skill players, at least on tape, appears to rival that of the UIW skill players. This will be a challenging game for the linebackers and the secondary.
Bring the Starter Fluid
It may not feel like it yet but it is getting to be that time of year where tractors and trucks may take a bit of starter fluid to get going in the morning. The Jackrabbit passing attack needs to find their starter fluid. Is it more RPO’s, is it narrowing down the tight end rotation, is it manufacturing touches for Griffin Wilde, is it continuing to give more reps to players who seems to win and be in the right position, or is it some combination of all the above + more. Whatever it is, the Jacks have to get going through the air! They simply can’t be so one dimensional.
Make Special Teams Special Again
The Jackrabbit special teams was good to excellent for the entirety of the year until the NDSU game. And then it was a complete train wreck and likely cost the team the game. Issues on punt, field goal and extra punt, and penalties on nearly every unit are unacceptable. They have to be better throughout the game. Playing just a half or a quarter well is not going to cut it. USD has a good special teams unit so the Jacks special teams aces must do their part to win this game.
Matchups to Watch
Pass Rush vs. QB #2 Aidan Bouman
Aidan Bouman has a big arm and is really dangerous when he is comfortable in the pocket. However, when he gets moved off his spot and forced out of the pocket, he is not as dangerous. The Jackrabbit pass rush was okay against NDSU but has the potential to be really really good. This is a game where they will have to play the run first on their way to the QB but they certainly can’t allow Bouman to sit in the pocket and pat the ball while he waits for someone to break open.
Safeties vs. TE #82 JJ Galbreath
The Jackrabbit safeties have their hands full this week with JJ Galbreath who is one of the best TEs in the FCS. Ideally, Matt Durrance or Colby Huerter would spend a bulk of their time on Galbreath who has terrific size and is very fast for a man his size. They will be counted on to limit his impact in this game. This feels like a matchup where Durrance especially can be utilized given his freakish size and athleticism.
Playmakers vs. MLB #10 Gary Bryant III
Gary Bryant is the leading tackler for the Yotes and if you study the tape, he is an eraser for their defense. They rely on him to make a ton of plays in space in the middle of the field that limit opponents catch and run opportunities. If the Jacks are able to evade him, there are chunk yards and plays on the table underneath. He is still young and doesn’t have a ton of MVFC reps so it will very interesting to see how the Jackrabbits manipulate him and try to slide a few by him.
Sam Hagen & Marcus Hicks vs. DE #90 Mi’Quise Grace
Sam Hagen and Marcus Hicks have been the starting right tackle for the Jacks all season. Hagen had an interesting game against NDSU and their ascending defensive end Toby Anene and allowed for quarterback hurries, although those pressures may have been due to Mark rolling to the right consistently. Grace is a much more polished version of Anene and Hagen and/or Hicks will have their hands full with the talented pass rusher. Grace is the player who turned the tide against YSU and really helped USD slowdown YSUs attack which was so successful early in the game. Again, Grace is a big matchup and whoever is lined up across from him will need to be ready!
Go Jacks!
Alex, Ben, Brendan, Chad, Dallas, Jake, and Matt
