We are down to just 3 teams who control their own destiny for a shot at the MVFC title and the FCS playoff autobid. The big talking point for the week is obviously the Youngtown upset of Southern Illinois and it can be shown below.
The SIU loss sends them tumbling 3 spots. It also creates a fair bit of a jumble for 4th-7th while also giving the Jackrabbits an effective 1.5 game lead. Illinois State also dropped a spot with their loss while Youngstown, UNI, NDSU, and South Dakota all propelled themselves up one spot in the rankings.
12. Western Illinois (0.56, 0.56) (0-5, 0-2 actual)
Easiest Game Remaining: @ Indiana State (0-5, 0-2) (+8, 30.39%) Week 11
Toughest Game Remaining : @ #6 NDSU (4-1, 1-1) (+38, 0.4%) Week 8
Last Week: Loss @ #15 North Dakota (3-2, 1-1) 10-49
Matt Morrissey continues to be a bright spot for the Leathernecks and not much else does. He went 19-27 145 yds 1 TD and 1 INT in a very ok showing. The rush offense only mustered 40 yards on 27 carries. Chalk this one up as another loss in another bad year for the Necks as their losing streak extends to 22 games.
This Week: Vs Missouri State (1-4, 0-2) (+16.5, 12.59%) 3 PM CST Sat 10/14, ESPN+
11. Indiana State (1.09, 1.09) (0-5, 0-2)
Easiest Remaining Game: Western Illinois (0-5, 0-2) (-8, 69.61%) Week 11
Toughest Remaining Game: @ #13 SIU (4-1, 1-1) (+24.5, 97.21%) Week 12
Last Week: Lost VS RV Northern Iowa (3-2, 2-0) 20-27
There was a bit of a mixed bag for the Sycamores in this one. They showed some really good stuff offensively moving the ball well and eating up 40 min of clock. Chambers went 23-30 for 245 yards and 1 TD and 2 INTs as he is starting to look more back to form. Unfortunately that second interception was near the goal line driving late as the Sycamores were looking to send it to OT or even go for the win. The trees losing the turnover battle -2 ultimately undid them in this game despite also outgaining and converting UNI in this one. The trees are looking better than they were early in this year, but they still have a long way to go.
This Week: @ Illinois State (3-2, 1-1) (+16.5, 9.92%), 2 PM CST Sat 10/14 Marquee Sports Network/ESPN+
10. Murray State (2.50, 1.50) (2-3, 1-1)
Easiest Game Remaining: #23 Youngstown State (3-2, 1-1) (+11, 21.15%) Week 12
Toughest Game Remaining: @ #6 NDSU (4-1, 1-1) (+35, 0.4%) Week 9
Last Week: Lost @ #10 South Dakota (4-1, 2-0) 7-38
There were some bright spots in this one, and the Racers had a few sustained drives (unfortunately 2 ended in TO). However on the balance they looked like an unmatched team. There are levels to playing in the Valley and Murray is clearly not on USD’s yet. The Racers did show some fight and they might surprise someone with another win along here somewhere. Not a ton to take away in this one, but it was not the most interesting game unless you were a Yote fan.
This Week: Vs #13 Southern Illinois (4-1, 1-1) (+21.5, 5.08%), 2 PM CST Sat 10/14, ESPN+
9. Missouri State (4.14, 3.14) (1-4, 0-2)
Easiest Game Remaining: Western Illinois (0-5, 0-2) (-16.5, 87.41%) Week 7
Toughest Game Remaining: @ #1 South Dakota State (5-0, 2-0) (+24.5, 4.42%) Week 12
Last Week: Lost Vs #6 North Dakota State (4-1, 1-1) 10-38
USD showed that the Bison are plenty vulnerable this year. However, you have to play a very clean and efficient football game. That is not what Missouri State did this past Saturday. The Bears turned the ball over 4 times in this one including 3 Jordan Pachot INTS who had an otherwise solid stat line (25-44, 269 Yards, 1 TD) showing the Bears were able to move the ball some through the air even without Jacob Clark. I don’t know that Jacob Clark puts them over the hump in this one, but he probably does help convert more of those yards into points. Defensively the Bears did not do anything very well on Saturday if we are being completely honest. There are some bright spots on this team, namely the passing offense, but the rush offense and defense as a whole need to catch up in a hurry. Lastly in this one I would also be remiss if I did not mention the crazy stat line Raylen Sharpe put up, the WR had 13 catches for 153 yards and a score.
This Week: @ Western Illinois (0-5, 0-2) (-16.5, 87.41%), 3 PM CST Sat 10/14, ESPN+
8. (-1) Illinois State (6.21, 4.21) (3-2, 1-1)
Easiest Game Remaining: Indiana State (0-5, 0-2) (-16.5, 90.08%) Week 7
Toughest Game Remaining: @ #15 North Dakota (3-2, 1-1) (+9, 26.56%) Week 12
Last Week: Lost Vs #1 South Dakota State (5-0, 2-0) 21-40
The vaunted Redbird defense must’ve forgotten that it was a night game or something along those lines. 2 fumbles further stacked the odds against them, and ultimately it ended up being a far too big of a hole to crawl out of. Illinois State did have a decent amount of success passing the ball at times, but were slowed on the ground barely eclipsing 100 yards on designed runs. I don’t think you can completely write them off, but there were a lot of questions for the Redbirds after this one.
This Week: Vs Indiana State (0-5, 0-2) (-16.5, 90.08%), 2 PM CST Sat 10/14, Marquee Sports Net/ESPN+
7. (+1) #23 Youngstown State (6.73, 4.73) (3-2, 1-1)
Easiest Game Remaining: @ Indiana State (0-4, 0-1) (-17.5, 88.95%) Week 10
Toughest Game Remaining: #1 South Dakota State (5-0, 2-0) (+13.5, 17.75%) Week 11
Last Week: Won Vs #13 Southern Illinois (4-1, 1-1) 31-3
What a great game from the Penguin front 7. They completely took over this game. The Salukis were able to do nothing in the way of rushing the ball netting just 6 yards, and Nic Baker was uncomfortable all afternoon. Mitch Davidson had a respectable game going 14-18 for 156 yards although he did throw one pick and Tyshon King led Penguin backs with 117 yards with 2 TDs and the team as a whole had 167 yards on 47 carries. This was a statement win for the Penguins to put them squarely back in the playoff race after their UNI loss.
This Week: @ #10 South Dakota (4-1, 2-0) (+1, 47.53%), 1 PM Sat 10/14, ESPN+
6. #15 North Dakota (6.92, 4.92) (3-2, 1-1)
Easiest Remaining Game: Indiana State (0-5, 0-2) (-24, 96.09%) Week 9
Toughest Remaining Game: #6 North Dakota State (4-1, 1-1) (+7.5, 30.14%) Week 7
Last Week: Won Vs Western Illinois (0-5, 0-2) 49-10
North Dakota did what they had to in this one as they dominated from whistle to whistle. Tommy Schuester and Gaven Ziebarth both had short but efficient days as they were saved for the meat of the schedule. Belquist was only targeted twice in this one, but once again was probably more load management more than anything. F’in Hawks roll onto the next one.
This Week: Vs #6 North Dakota State (4-1, 1-1) (+7.5, 30.14%), 1 PM CST Sat 10/14, MidcoSN/Midco+/ESPN+
5. (-3) #13 Southern Illinois (7.92, 4.92) (4-1, 1-1)
Easiest Remaining Game: Indiana State (0-5, 0-2) (-24.5, 97.21%) Week 12
Toughest Remaining Game: @ #6 North Dakota State (4-1, 1-1) (+13, 16.74%) Week 11
Last Week: Lost @ #23 Youngstown State (3-2, 1-1) 3-31
This was a burn the tape game for SIU. They were not able to do a single thing right in this one offensively, and the very good Penguin offense was able to move the ball fairly effectively, and maintained balance in doing so. On their own offense Baker may have ended his Payton campaign with a dismal 12-27 94 yards and 1 INT performance. Ro Elliot did not play and he was severely missed as the Salukis netted 6 rushing yards. I don’t think this is necessarily indicative of the ceiling of the team which I think is quite high still, but I also think this showed their are still not ready to take the next step and be consistent.
This Week: @ Murray State (2-3, 1-1) (-21.5, 94.92%), 2 PM CST Sat 10/14, ESPN+
4. (+1) RV Northern Iowa (6.03, 5.03) (3-2, 2-0)
Easiest Remaining Game: Western Illinois (0-5, 0-2) (-27, 96.88%) Week 10
Toughest Remaining Game: @ #1 South Dakota State (5-0, 2-0) (+19, 9.82%) Week 7
Last Week: Won @ Indiana State (0-5, 0-2) 27-20
This was a bit of a weird one for UNI. They looked pretty clunky offensively at times with Theo Day putting up a good but not very great 16-28 176 yard stat line. Harrison Bey-Buie however had a stellar showing on the ground carrying the ball 20 times for 137 yards and all 3 Panther touchdowns in what was a bit of a role reversal of what you would come to expect from a UNI team of late. Defensively we saw more of the same, the front and run fits were solid, but once again any receiver not being accompanied by Woo Governor had a very solid chance to be running free. The Panthers may be starting to find some balance on offense even in the clunky result, but the secondary continues to be a major liability.
This Week: @ #1 South Dakota State (5-0, 2-0) (+19, 9.82%), 2 PM CST Sat 10/14, Midco2/Midco+/ESPN+
3. (+1) #10 South Dakota (7.28, 5.28) (4-1, 2-0)
Easiest Game Remaining: @ Western Illinois (0-5, 0-2) (-21.5, 94.05%) Week 12
Toughest Game Remaining: #1 South Dakota State (5-0, 2-0) (+16, 12.13%) Week 9
Last Week: Won Vs Murray State (2-3, 1-1) 38-7
An 80% capacity crowd got to see the Yotes handle business for Dakota Day. The rush offense had a really nice showing again led by Travis Thies going for 190 yards and 2 scores on 26 carries. They found nice balance too having Aidan Bouman throw the ball 23 times, completing 17 of them for 195 yards and a score. The defense was stifling as has been the case many a time this year which has them as the top scoring defense in the conference and top 3 nationally. If the Yotes continue to play tough defense and ball control offense they will continue to be a tough match up.
This Week : Vs #23 Youngstown State (3-2, 1-1) (-1, 52.47%), 1 PM CST Sat 10/14, ESPN+
2. (+1) #6 North Dakota State (8.61, 5.61) (4-1, 1-1)
Easiest Remaining Game: Western Illinois (0-5, 0-2) (-38, 99.6%) Week 8
Toughest Remaining Game: @ #1 South Dakota State (5-0, 2-0) (+6, 34.08%) Week 10
Last Week: Won @ Missouri State (1-4, 0-2) 38-10
The Bison were going to make a statement in this game and they did. There are still a few questions in that secondary as they gave up nearly 270 yards to a backup QB in this one, but everywhere else this was a lights out game for the Bison. Cam Miller was fantastic again going 16-20 256 yards and 2 TDs. They once again rushed more so by committee, but amassed 40 carries and 258 yards total. Zach Mathis had an impressive day going 6 catches for 160 yards and 2 TDs. After struggling to find the end zone last week the Bison had it any way they wanted on offense this week. Defensively they were solid up front and did a good job of keeping the Bears out of the end zone, but I think after the last two weeks it is safe to say the early in the year secondary concerns have bubbled their way right back on up to the surface. Logan Kopp however did secure MVFC player of the week by recording 9 tkls 1 FF, and 2 PBUs.
This Week: @ #15 North Dakota (3-2, 1-1) (-7.5, 69.86%), 1 PM CST Sat 10/14, MidcoSN/Midco+/ESPN+
1. #1 South Dakota State (10.01, 7.01) (5-0, 2-0)
Easiest Remaining Game: Missouri State (1-4, 0-2) (-24.5, 95.58%) Week 12
Toughest Game: #6 North Dakota State (4-1, 1-1) (-6, 65.92%) Week 10
Last Week: Won @ Illinois State (3-2, 1-1) 40-21
It was another week of total domination on the offensive line for the Jacks. Isaiah Davis motored behind them to the conference player of the week getting 20 carries for 197 yards and 2 TDs. Other backs added up to 374 yards on the ground for the Jacks on what was supposed to be a very stout front 7. Mark Gronowski started out pretty hot, but it felt like in the later stages of the game he and Lujan both were starting to press a little bit. Defensively the Jacks were solid, but they could’ve tightened up on the back end at times.
This Week: Vs RV Northern Iowa (3-2, 2-0) (-19, 90.18%), 2 PM CST Sat 10/14, Midco2/Midco+/ESPN+
Game Previews:
Missouri State (1-4, 0-2) @ Western Illinois (0-5, 0-2)(-16.5), 3 PM CST Sat 10/14, ESPN+
I’ll be eager to see if Jacob Clark is back in for the Bears. If not I still think Jordan Pachot can do enough to lead the Bears in this one. Yes this is one of the better chances for the Necks to snap their 22 game skid, but I don’t think they will be able to do it. This is the type of gimme game you have to win in a rebuild and look for Missouri State to do so.
Indiana State (0-5, 0-2) @ Illinois State (3-2, 1-1)(-16.5), 2 PM CST Sat 10/14, Marquee Sports/ESPN+
After a very respectable showing against UNI Indiana State will head over to Normal to face the Redbirds. As discussed the vaunted Redbird D was cracked wide open via an Isaiah Davis battering ram last week, and raised some questions about what was otherwise thought to be a stellar defense. However, it was largely done on the ground and that is not the type of game Indiana State wants to play. Justin Dinka might be the biggest let down of the year for me in the Valley and I don’t see that changing this week.
On the other side of the football I think Zach Annexstad will continue to play some good ball. Mason Blakemore also shouldn’t have much issue here as Indiana State is currently getting gashed to the tune of 170 plus yards a game. Look for the Redbirds to roll here.
#13 Southern Illinois (4-1, 1-1) @ Murray State (2-3, 0-2)(+21.5), 2 PM CST Sat 10/14, ESPN+
This will be the get right game that the Salukis need after being embarrassed last week. There is a huge gap between them and Murray. They need to show that and work their way back towards the top.
#23 Youngstown State (3-2, 1-1) @ #10 South Dakota (4-1, 2-0)(-1), 1 PM CST Sat 10/14, ESPN+
There are a couple of very intriguing matchups on the docket this week and this is definitely one of them. Youngstown will make their way down to the DakotaDome for a ranked showdown. Both teams are riding a huge wave of momentum as both are responsible for the 2 big upsets that have shaken up the MVFC early on this season. One one side of the ball it will be Mitch Davidson, Tyshon King, and the rest of the super explosive Penguin offense against the best scoring defense in the MVFC currently. Mitch Davison will really be tested here. He’s looked good in every match up except Ohio State. Can he keep it up here? Especially when Tyshon King may have trouble finding his footing on the ground. Myles Harden deservedly gets the headlines in that Yote secondary, but don’t count out Dennis Shorter either on the other side of the field. For the Penguins to move the ball someone is going to have to win on the outside who is it going to be?
On the other side a smothering front 4 from Youngstown will be put to the test against a USD rushing offense that continues to look better as the weeks go on. I think the X factor in this one will be Aidan Bouman and his WR trio of Martens/Bell/Elidor. If they can stay balanced enough to force YSU to respect their rush attack those WRs are good enough to win some one on one match ups as we saw against NDSU. If things go the Yotes way on Saturday it will be because they are balanced on offense and Bouman is playing efficient. If it goes well for the Penguins it will be because their front 4 completely snuffs out the USD rushing attack and forces them to get one dimensional while Mitch Davidson breaks a play or two on the other side.
#6 NDSU (4-1, 1-1) @ #15 North Dakota (3-2, 1-1) (+7.5), 1 PM CST Sat 10/14, MidcoSN/Midco+/ESPN+ *ALEX’S GAME OF THE WEEK*
Here we are, the game of the week. The “Not Nickel Game” (seriously this rivalry deserves a new trophy) will take place in Grand Forks this weekend. It has been 2003 that UND has managed a win in this one, however it was only played once between then and 2019 when it was renewed as an annual rivalry. I know UND is chomping at the bit in this one as they feel this is the best chance they have had in some time. They are a good football team with an explosive offense, specifically passing attack going against a Bison team that has looked like its weak point is the secondary outside of Safety Cole Wisniewski. This could be the game where the legends of Tommy Schuester and Bo Belquist are born.
However, if you look across to the other side of the ball it becomes apparent that if UND does indeed have any hopes of pulling the upset it will be in a shootout. NDSU continues to have one of the better offenses in the FCS and UND is very much on a trend defensively of holding their own against inferior competition, but getting gashed against other top FCS opponents. Maybe this game will be the remedy needed for a still somewhat uncharacteristically clunky NDSU run game? Who’s to say for sure but either way it hopes to be a good one in what is this week’s game of the week.
RV UNI (3-2, 2-0) @ #1 SDSU (5-0, 2-0)(-19), 2 PM CST Sat 10/14, Midco2/Midco+/ESPN+
Well. It’s UNI. It’s Hobo Day. Theo Day may test the Jacks secondary, but in reality we know as soon as the ball is kicked we are all going to head into the Twilight Zone for 2-3 hours. In theory Mark Gronowski and Isaiah Davis should be able to lead an explosive offense while the defense picks up some key stops and turnovers by getting Day uncomfortable enough to keep him from distributing the ball to his top WR corps while the Jacks cruise to a safe and comfortable win, but being that the streaks are what they are (UNI is undefeated on Hobo Day since losing in 2009 and no team in this series has won 2 in a row since 13/14) I will be happy with any result that ends with the Jacks having more points on the scoreboard.
Last week I said I didn’t know if we’d see another crazy week and we did. So out of an abundance of caution I’ll just say this, I hope everyone gets to enjoy a little college football this weekend, and I hope my fellow Jackrabbits enjoy a safe and fun Hobo Day.
Go Jacks!
Alex
