The Jackrabbits are headed to Philadelphia to take on the CAA Champs on Saturday. The Jacks took out the Big Sky champ last week so the team might as well assert MVFC dominance across the FCS. Villanova is similar to the Jacks in so many ways. Tough, physical, hard-nosed, and they “do what they do” outside of a few trick plays sprinkled in. It looks like the weather may not be as big of a factor as it looked like earlier in the week and the rain should be done by kickoff. Here’s hoping for a good game and a Jackrabbit victory!
Shut-down the Run
Villanova can pass the ball but it is clear that its offense is predicated on the run. They average 175 yards per game on the ground and have a huge offensive line. Their QB is also a threat to run the ball and is a former thousand thousand guy at Campbell (his previous school). After two weeks of teams looking to pass the ball, can the Jacks readjust to stopping the run? We think so as the Jacks have been really good at keeping opponents run games in check throughout much of the year.
Reduce the Mental Errors
Last week the Jacks had two false starts penalties that killed drives. The week prior they had 12 men on the field twice (only one was called). At other times, drops have been an issue and throughout the season there have been sideline penalties, taunting, and unsportsmanlike conduct. Can the Jacks put those penalties and errors to rest? If this team is the championship contender, we know they are, then this should be no problem.
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The Golden Goose
The Jackrabbits have been mostly excellent at protecting the ball and forcing turnovers in their wins. Even in their losses they are forcing turnovers. However, they have not been so good at protecting the ball in those losses. On the flip side, Villanova has been excellent forcing turnovers and protecting the ball themselves. They have forced an interception in every game this season besides their win over JMU bringing their total to 18. They have also recovered 7 more fumbles. The Jacks must protect the ball in order to win this game. Villanova is too talented to spot them a short field.
Run the GD Ball
The Jacks have been dominant running the ball for much of this season. For whatever reason, they get away from it at times. Tomorrow should be the day where they run it down their throat even though Villanova is allowing just 99 yards per game on the ground. The spring season brought the CAA champions Delaware to Brookings for the semi-finals. They too had a stout run defense (114 ypg avg) out of a funky alignment and the Jacks still managed 168 yards on the ground on 32 attempts (a 5.3 ypc average). The Jacks can run the ball on this defense, the pieces are in place. Do it.
Bonus: Next Man Up
Coach Stig has intimated that the Jacks are beat up following the Sacramento State victory. We’re not sure of the specifics other than who has been named publicly. However, this team has been tested by injuries throughout the season. Next man up. Let’s go!
Go Jacks!
Ben, Brendan, Chad, Dallas, Kyle, Matt
