Week 3 is here and we’re starting to hit our stride. We saw some fantastic games across the MVFC last week and it started to cause some moving and shaking among the teams in our race. Let’s have a look below.
Starting at the top although SDSU is as close to the title as they have been thus far this season, so are the Bison who have also closed the gap a little. This is both due to the Bison closing the gap on the Jacks in the models (predicted line from the start of the season until now for The Marker has moved from Jacks -5.5 to -4) and the Bison’s easier schedule continuing to look easier as we move through the season. The Salukis are hot and on the rise and if they keep playing like they have been they just might make it a 3 dog race. In the middle tier UND is emerging as the solid number 4 as UNI tries to stop their free fall. Rounding out this grouping and the top 7 are the Penguins and Redbirds who while don’t look to be a factor for the MVFC title at this point are both getting some love in the polls and hope to factor into the wildcard picture. Western Illinois after their loss to the Redbirds has become the first team to earn the dreaded red box signifying that they do not control their own destiny. Let’s get into the games.
12. Western Illinois (1.61, 0.84) (0-2, 0-1 actual)
Easiest Game Remaining: Lindenwood (1-1) (-4, 59.82%) Week 3
Toughest Game Remaining : @ #2 NDSU (2-0) (+36, 0.4%) Week 8
Last Week: Lost vs RV Illinois State (2-0, 1-0) 18-34
Although the Leathernecks came out strong and even had a lead early the Redbirds battled back. Matt Morrissey played an ok game but asking any QB to throw the ball 40 times is not sustainable. The real issue here was that as a team WIU rushed for -5 yards. NEGATIVE 5 yards. You are not going to win many if any games in the MVFC doing that. The defense actually was respectable early on, but the flood gates opened later ending the day giving up 461 total yards of offense. Former Jackrabbit AJ Coons led WIU in receiving yards in this one. Honestly all considered this was not that poor of a Leatherneck showing they will have to find an ability to rush the football even just pasably, but there were a lot of positives here. The Necks started out 9-0 and battled back to being down 18-20 after allowing 20 unanswered, but ultimately came up short. More below in the Illinois State write up.
This Week: Lindenwood (1-1) (-4, 59.82%) 6 PM CST Sat 9/16, ESPN+
This week sees Western get a crack at future conference foe Lindenwood. Lindenwood is a little hard to read at this point as they blew out a D2 team and got blown out by top 15 SEMO. Last week the Lions turned the ball over 3 times and only mustered 250 total yards of offense. This could be The Leathernecks best chance at a win this year much as the numbers say. Matt Morrissey should have at least an ok day, and if The Leathernecks can find some balance against a team that gave up 211 rush yards last week they should have a good evening in front of the home crowd.
11. Murray State (1.93, 0.91) (1-1, 0-0)
Easiest Game Remaining: Indiana State (0-2) (+2.5, 43.59%) Week 5
Toughest Game Remaining: @ #2 NDSU (2-0) (+35.5, <0.1%) Week 9
Last Week: Lost @ Louisville (2-0) 0-56
DJ Williams got the start in this one and even though Eric Pheonix got his chances as well both were bad against the P5 in state rival. They combined for 8/21 for 72 yds and a Phoenix pick. The Racers once again used a wide variety of ball carriers just this time with much less efficacy. The one bright side in this one was 2 ints on the defense from Kavan Reed and Zayteak McGhee. Other than that there is not much else to say about this drubbing.
This Week: @ Middle Tennessee (0-2) (+28, 2.14%) 6 PM CST Sat 9/16, ESPN+
Looking for a second FBS pay day Murray State will head to Middle Tennessee this week. This is a Middle Tennessee team that is 0-2 after getting beat by FBS #1 Georgia in a blowout and a very close loss to what could be a decent Missouri team this year. Middle Tennessee have been rushing for a very respectable 220 yards per game and passing for 174. If Murray State is going to have a shot in this one they are going to have to find a way to vastly improve upon 203 yards a game they are currently giving up. They are also going to have to find some offense both through the air and on the ground. Murray State has one last chance to launch themselves into the conference slate on the correct foot and they will have to try to take advantage of it here.
10. Indiana State (2.01, 1.95) (0-2, 0-0)
Easiest Remaining Game: Western Illinois (0-2, 0-1) (-7, 66.23%) Week 11
Toughest Remaining Game: @ Ball State (0-2) (-21, 93.66%) Week 3
Last Week: Lost @ Indiana (1-1) 7-41
Indiana State got thrashed in this one. Sophomore Evan Olaes did get the start at QB, but Gavin Screws also got some reps while the Trees continue to wait for Nate Chambers to get healthy. Star RB Justin Dinka had 12 yards in 5 carries. Olaes was actually the second leading rusher with 12. Sophomore Korbin Allen was given some opportunities and ended up being the leading rusher with a meager 24 yards. This was all part of a whopping total 93 yards of total offense. Indiana State’s lone score came on a Maddix Blackwell 75 yd scoop and score in the early 2nd quarter. That was the lone bright spot in this one.
This Week: @ Ball State (0-2) (-21, 93.66%), 1 PM CST Sat 9/16, ESPN+
If The Trees want to get in the win column before conference play they will have to do it against another instate rival, and their most historic, Ball State. The Victory Bell will be up for grabs come Saturday which actually currently resides in the ISUb athletic department after their 2014 upset, the most recent meeting. It’ll be interesting to watch this weird 3 QB dance the Sycamores are doing while trying to see if they can get anything at all going on offense. Ball State’s losses are coming fresh of #1 FBS Georgia and another SEC foe in Kentucky. I’m sure this particular brand of Cardinals will be eager to get in the win column. The key to this one for the Sycamores will be just trying to do something, anything, on offense and slowing down a Cardinal attack that has relied heavily on the air attack. It will be a very tall order, but anything can happen in a rivalry game.
9. Missouri State (4.20, 3.30) (0-2, 0-0)
Easiest Game Remaining: Murray State (1-1) (-18, 90.63%) Week 8
Toughest Game Remaining: @ #1 South Dakota State (2-0) (+23, 5.04%) Week 12
Last Week: Loss @ RV UT Martin (1-1) 31-38
Not to brag or anything, but I called it. I said this would be a super interesting game and it was. This was a back and forth affair that saw The Bears and Skyhawks combine for 31 4th quarter points. Kinkhead Dent led UT Martin to a 24-7 lead early that they held at half time, but the Bears came storming back tying it at 24 in the middle of the 4th and again at 31 with 5 min left to go. The SKyhawks would answer with an 8 play 75 yard drive capped by a Sam Franklin 20 yd TD run taking the lead 38-31 leaving the Bears 1:45 to try to erase the 7 point deficit. They however ran out of time just inside the 30. Talking strictly for the Bears, Jacob Clark had to throw it 42 times and while only completing 23 of those he did it for 332 yards and 3 TDs without turning it over once. However the Bears’ downfall would primarily come on the ground. While rushing for 120 isn’t horrible they need to be getting more out of Jacardia Wright. He is easily the best offensive player on the team talentwise but only had 46 yards off of 18 carries in this one although he did have one score. On the flip side they gave up a whopping 406 yds, 10.2 yds/carry, and 3 TDs. All of which were scored by Sam Franklin who finished with an astounding 259 yards on 20 carries. The MVFC is live and die by your rush defense and this is not the best rushing attack the Bears will face this year. They will need to get this cleaned up in a hurry.
This Week: Bye
The first of all MVFC teams and a very early Bye week for the Bears. While Jacob Clark seems to have firmly won the QB job the Bears will need to use the off week to fix their rushing attack and tune up the defense as a whole.
8. South Dakota (5.51, 3.56) (1-1, 0-0)
Easiest Game Remaining: Lamar (0-2) (-21.5, 95.12%) Week 3
Toughest Game Remaining: @ #2 North Dakota State (2-0) (+22.5, 3.63%) Week 5
Last Week: Won Vs St. Thomas (1-1) 24-0
This one should’ve made the Coyote faithful sweat, at least early as it was a meager 7-0 at the break. The defense played a lights out game led by MVFC Lineman co defensive player of the week and STATS National Defensive Player of the Week Nick Gaes who on that defensive front was a big part of holding the Tommies to a measly 166 yds of total offense. Gaes himself recorded 7 tkls, 5 TFLS, and 3.0 sacks quite the stat line.
Offensively the Yotes are still really struggling to move the ball on the ground only gaining 106 net rushing against a non-scholarship defense. Although I’ve watched some of both of their games I haven’t really paid enough attention to it to give my own thoughts as to what the root cause is. I would assume it’s probably fair to say it is in part to a lack of a push up front, but I cannot swear to it. Whatever the case for this may be we may find out in a hurry if Josh Davis is indeed a great offensive mind and can adapt the offense and blocking schemes, or if he was just good at presenting and trying to implement what he absorbed under Eck and Lujan. Especially since he may be auditioning for the head coaching job when Nielson takes over the vacant AD slot at the end of the season, but that is all just a rumor and I’ve already probably fed into it too much.
Aidan Bouman continued to show he is very capable (16/28 203 yds 2TD 0 INT) and top receiver Carter Bell got back on track to the tune of 6 catches for 87 yards to lead the team after briefly going on a milk carton against Missouri. Bouman can elevate this team enough to win some games this season, but they are going to have to find him some help.
This Week : Lamar (0-2) (-21.5, 95.12%) 1 PM CST Sat 9/16, Midco2/Midco+/ESPN+
Speaking of needing to get the rushing offense on track this game could end up being just what the doctor ordered for USD. Coming into this game the Cardinals are allowing 280 rush yds per game thus far into their 2023 campaign, and overall, in a lot of the advanced metrics despite being a full scholarship team, rank lower than some PFL teams including last week’s Yote opponent St. Thomas. Defensively the Yotes should be able to stay hot as through 2 games Lamar averages less than 300 total yards of offense per game, and really have no standout players to speak of. Sounds like they are attempting a red out so let’s see with the Jacks and both Sioux Falls schools out of town if USD can be the most attended football game in the state this weekend. Northern plays UMary so it could be close.
7. RV Illinois State (7.16, 4.38) (2-0, 1-0)
Easiest Game Remaining: Murray State (1-1) (-19.5, 93.57%) Week 12
Toughest Game Remaining: #1 South Dakota State (2-0) (+17, 10.06%) Week 6
Last Week: Won Vs Western Illinois (0-2, 0-1) 34-18
Another game where if you are a fan of the team the first half had to concern you a little bit. After coming out sluggish and going down 9-0 the Redbirds woke up and went on a 20-0 run from the mid 2nd to the early 4th. The Leathernecks would then score a Matt Morrissey TD run and a FG after a surprise onside to cut the lead to 2 but the Redbirds would tack on 2 more scores to win the game decisively. Zach Annexstad had a somewhat pedestrian game, but the Redbird rushing offense exploded for 276 yards and 4 of the 5 TDs the team scored on the evening. Last year’s starter Wenkers Wright continues to see a limited role while Mason Blakemore led the way for the Redbirds in this one, toting it 19 times for 170 yards and 3 scores earning him MVFC OPW honors. Defensively it was another strong showing especially on the ground and rushing the passer which combined made the Leathernecks end up with -5 net rushing yards.
This Week: @ Eastern Illinois (1-1) (-13.5, 84.52%), 2 PM CST Sat 9/16, ESPN+
The Panthers are allowing 242 passing yards per game so look for Annexstad to have a very big week. Offensively the Panthers have also had much more success throwing the ball than rushing it. We will see how the Redbirds secondary handles the EIU Air Raid. All in all this should be another good momentum builder for a Redbirds squad that is starting to get some love in the polls as we look to turn the corner towards the meat of conference play in the coming weeks.
6. #25 Youngstown State (6.52, 4.55) (1-1, 0-0)
Easiest Game Remaining: Robert Morris (1-1) (-29, 97.21%) Week 3
Toughest Game Remaining: #1 South Dakota State (2-0) (+13.5, 16.70%) Week 11
Last Week: Loss @ #6 FBS Ohio State (2-0) 7-35
35-7 is never a fun score to be on the wrong end of but honestly this wasn’t all bad given the opponent. Mitch Davidson was not asked to throw the ball a lot, but when he was a respectable 12/18 for 98 yds. He did have to leave the game briefly but came back and finished it out. Dra Rushton was back in the line up this week but Tyshon King continued to be the featured back. Still no real emergence among the pass catchers, but Max Tomczak led the way with 3 grabs for 53 yards.
Defensively while giving up 35 is not ideal, this is a top 10 FBS team so realistically this was the most likely outcome. The Penguin defense did a really nice job of making the Buckeyes drive the length of the field most of the game and forced a few punts.
This Week: Robert Morris (1-1) (-29, 97.21%), 1 PM CST Sat 9/16, ESPN+
The Penguins will host the NEC’s Robet Morris this week. The Colonials give up 220 a game on the ground so look for Tyshon King to have a big one. The Colonials have also struggled to rush the ball themselves with most of their measly 280 yds/game of total offense coming through the air. The one thing Robet Morris has done well so far this year is win the turnover battle being +2 on the year. That is something the Penguins will have to pay mind to, but if they do it should be smooth sailing come Saturday.
5. (-1) RV Northern Iowa (5.634, 4.73) (0-2, 0-0)
Easiest Remaining Game: Western Illinois (0-2, 0-1) (-25.5, 96.56%) Week 10
Toughest Remaining Game: @ #1 South Dakota State (2-0) (+15.5, 13.22%) Week 7
Last Week: Loss Vs #9 Weber State (2-0) 17-34
UNI starting 0-2 was always a fair possibility, but The Panthers would have preferably shown some edge in the two losses. Apart from the first half this week that has not been the case. This game was 17-17 at half and then Theo Day tossed 3 INTS in this one, and tack on 3 more Panther fumbles to one lone Kylan Wessier pick the Panthers finished the day -5 TO margin and that puts them an awful -7 on the year. Averaging -3.5 TOs per game is not going to win you many games and the Panther records shows it. Weber racked up 211 rush yards in a not great showing from the supposed improved Panther front although the amount of time they spent on the field did not help. The Panthers seem to have a theme of burying themselves behind the 8 ball to start the season and it was no different in this one. The lone bright spot on the day was Sergio Morency and Sam Schnee both having big days against the Wildcat secondary going for 6 catches 120 yds and 7 catches 97 yds and a TD respectively. The UNI rush offense is still nowhere to be found, only netting 46 yds against the very stout Weber front.
This Week: @ Idaho State (0-2) (-19.5, 90.48%) 5 PM CST Sat 9/16, ESPN+
Even if on the road this game against a bad Idaho State team could not come soon enough for the Panthers. Key number one as discussed above is taking care of the football. -7 TO margin through 2 games is extremely poor and I cannot stress that enough. The Panthers need to take care of the football this week. They should have enough talent to beat the Bengals if they do that alone.
As far as Idaho State goes they have opened their year with 2 FBS opponents (Utah State and San Diego State) and given up a lot of yards on the ground and points. Offensively they have been able to muster a respectable 28 points in both contests given the competition. Although this is one the Panthers should win if they can’t run the ball effectively in this one it may signal more trouble on the horizon. Defensively we should get a look at the UNI secondary as this actually, at least statistically will be the best pass offense they have faced. This should be a very winnable game for the Panthers, but they may have to earn it more than the numbers might indicate.
4. (+1) #14 North Dakota (7.12, 5.00) (2-0, 0-0)
Easiest Remaining Game: Western Illinois (0-2, 0-1) (-24.5, 95.39%) Week 6
Toughest Remaining Game: @ Boise State (0-2) (+16.5, 12.11%) Week 3
Last Week: Win vs Northern Arizona (0-2) 37-22
UND once again came out firing on all cylinders offensively. They boat raced the Lumberjacks into the start of the 4th quarter going up 37-9 before NAU tacked on a couple garbage time scores late to make it look more respectable. Speaking of that is where a few potential cracks in that new look UND defense may be starting to show a little. Yes some of the scores came late but NAU had a drive cut short on a fumble in there too. NAU put up a very respectable 445 total yards of offense, 171 of which on the ground. NAU QB Kai Millner delt to the tune of 20/33, 258 yds, and 2 TDs.
To circle back to and touch on a few things from the offense quickly Tommy Schuster and Bo Belquist once again had game breaking stat lines (21/30, 259 1TD pass 1 TD rush and 8 catches for 123 yds respectively). Even the UND ground attack once again put up modest numbers as a committee hitting an even 150.
This Week: @ Boise State (0-2), (+16.5, 12.11%) 11:00 AM CST Sat 9/16, FS1
While not the Boise State of years gone by, this is still a Boise State team that will pose a challenge to the Fighting Hawks. A 10 am local kick also could play an interesting factor in this one as this is something neither team is really accustomed to. As far as the Broncos themselves go they suffered a blowout loss to #8 Washington on the road and a heartbreaker at home last week against UCF. While not giving up a ton of points last week the Bronco defense gave up 530 yards of total offense leaving their season average through two games around 580. Even though an FCS foe this is not the team you want to pick to try to stop the bleeding against.
Offensively the Broncos have been good not great and a -3 TO margin on the year is a big reason why their roughly 400 yd/game of total offense does not match their 17.5 oppg. I will be interested in the official lines on this one as I think this will be a lot closer than the model says especially if UND can make it a track meet. I think the Hawks have a real shot in this one.
3. #15 Southern Illinois (8.30, 5.65) (2-0, 0-0)
Easiest Remaining Game: Indiana State (0-2) (-25, 97.34%) Week 12
Toughest Remaining Game: @ #2 North Dakota State (2-0) (+10.5, 21.94%) Week 11
Last Week: Win vs Northern Illinois (1-1) 14-11
SIU pulled upset off against FBS rival NIU thanks to a very opportunistic defense lead by co MVFC DPOW S PJ Jules. Jules made his presence know both in the box and on the back end with 11 tkls, 1.5 tfls, and 3 PBUs. The rush defense as a whole for the Salukis was magnificent allowing just 63 net yards. Although Lombardi threw for almost 300 yds a trio of picks from Salukis kept NIU off the board most of the game holding them scoreless in the first half, thanks in part to a pair of missed FGs, and bending but not breaking in the second to only allow 11 points.
Although SIU did miss a FG of their own the opportunistic defense allowed a Nic Baker scamper and a Ro Elliot 10 yd TD plunge to be the difference in this one. Although not super productive the Saluki offense did just enough to get the win. As the Salukis set their sights forward they definitely have a few things to work on out of this one but it is hard not to feel good about it.
This Week: @ #13 SEMO (1-1) (-6.5, 65.11%), 6 PM CST Sat 9/16, ESPN+, *ALEX’S GAME OF THE WEEK*
Speaking of things to look forward to, this just may be the college football game I am looking forward to most across the whole country and any division/subdivison this week. With both schools just outside the St. Louis metro and 50 miles apart this is a huge rivalry game, and better yet like all good rivalries it comes with a trophy. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you The War for the Wheel. To be transparent, although the rivalry itself dates back to 1908 and SEMO’s first ever football game, the trophy was not introduced until 2018. Why a wheel for two landlocked states? Well it’s to honor the Missouri river and its historic use as a highway before highways were a thing. And after burying the lede for you all (although mostly true) it is also of significance as with both schools along the river they used to travel by boat for the games and one year the SIU boat sank on the way. The players all miraculously escaped unscathed, swam to shore, got picked up by trucks, and played the game anyhow. The source I found that claims this does not say which year this was or who won this game.
To add fuel to an already hot fire last year SIU had SEMO stopped on game winning 4th down conversions, twice, last year. However both were erased due to controversial DPI flags (to throw my own two cents in the first was good call, I see what he sees in the second but personally I’d have sat on it given the stakes and situation). Eventually on what was essentially 9th and goal Paxton DeLaurent found Geno Hess for the go ahead score with less than 20 seconds remaining.
As far as this year’s match up goes we still don’t have a clear picture into what SEMO is. They blew out Lindenwood and got blown out by the defending Big XII champs, Kansas State. Both results were somewhat expected and don’t really give us a ton of insight into who the Redhawks are in 2023 just yet. SEMO does return their top 3 offensive players from last year in the form of QB Paxton DeLaurent, RB Geno Hess, and WR Ryan Flournoy. While giving up a lot of yardage both on the ground and through the air for a total of 420 yd/game they Redhawks have played opportunistically taking the ball away 5 times and having a net TO margin of +4.
This SEMO team, even including NIU may be the best offense the thus far stout SIU defense has played this year. Combine that with a game where Baker and the rest of the Saluki offense should be able to move the ball, but will have to mind their Ps and Qs in doing so and we have the makings of a real fun one. Pending how my wife and daughter are faring after the Jacks game I am going to be either trying to find a bar to watch this at in the cities, or hustling home to hopefully make it for the conclusion if not the second half. You can bet this is the prime time game I will have my eyes on and thus making it the game of the week.
2. #2 North Dakota State (9.44, 6.50) (2-0, 0-0)
Easiest Remaining Game: Murray State (1-1) (-35.5, 99.9%) Week 9
Toughest Remaining Game: @ #1 South Dakota State (2-0) (+4, 40.38%) Week 10
Last Week: Win vs Maine (0-2) 44-7
A little bit of the second verse is the same as the first with this one. The Bison offense got off to a little bit of a slow start where they could only muster 6 points off two Panther turnovers and failed on a 4th down themselves. However, a Bison defense that has continued to grow and gel through two weeks made it so that this one was never really in question although at least defensively they were up against a much worse opponent in my opinion (and no EWU taking Fresno State to 2OT does not make that all of the sudden magically a good win can’t believe how many times I’ve seen that scorching take this week). Cam Miller continues to look consistently inconsistent, at least by Bison QB standards making nice down field throws into tight windows on one play and a head scratching miss the next. He finished a modest 14/19 for 152 yds and Cole Payton got to sling it 5 times with almost identical efficiency numbers finishing 3 for 5 for 40. Zach Mathis continues to look like a stud leading the team in receiving in this one on his limited 4 targets for 4 catches and 62 yd. They had a very predictable 264 rush yards but in a little bit of a wrinkle Cole Payton was the leading ball carrier going for 102 yds on 8 carries scoring twice, and Cam Miller was second netting 68 yds on 15 carries and scoring on two. Has Rhoel possibly picked the brain of his buddy Vigen or is Montana State just that trendsetting?
As I said defensively the Bison played lights out, but they should’ve. They played a Maine team that hasn’t been relevant in 8 years. They did force 4 turnovers led by converted safety Cole Wisnieski’s 2 INTS bringing his total on the year to 3. It’ll be interesting to see how he fairs against some stiffer competition, as well as that inexperienced secondary as a whole as they definitely showed some vulnerability against EWU, but Wisnieski may be turning into a little bit of a ball hawk on the back end for the Bison.
This Week: RV Central Arkansas (1-1) (-20.5, 93.40%) 2:30 PM CST Sat 9/16, ABC (North Dakota Only)/ESPN+
This will be the toughest game NDSU has had thus far although that is not a really high mark to clear. UCA is coming into this one with a 70-2 win over D2 Texas College and a respectable 13-27 loss to OK State. This game will be a good barometer for both teams to see where they stand as they play what is closest to the competition level they will see for most of the year. As far as notables for the Bears themselves offensively they are primarily a rushing attack led by ShunDerrick Powell and Kylin James. That is not to discredit QB Will McElvain who is one of the more underrated passers in all the FCS. McElvain will need to play a great game for the Bears to have a shot in this one as we’ve seen many times what happens when you get one dimensional against an NDSU defense. Defensively they are led by their pass rush and edge rushers Logan Jessup and David Walker, both all conference players. However, they will have to play disciplined this week lest the NDSU rushing attack trap, option, wham, or power block you right out of a play using your own speed against you.
I don’t want to make this sound like UCA isn’t a good team because they are. They are receiving votes in the polls for good reasons, and they have a lot of upside. I think they will absolutely contend for the UAC title late in the year and be in the playoff discussion whether as an autobid or a fringe at large team. But this the MVFC, and not just the MVFC but one of the two top dogs they have to play this week. If this one is close, like I said, it’s because McElvain is able to pick on the inexperience of the NDSU secondary a little bit, but with the matchups elsewhere on the field I just don’t see it. I hope my friend and honorary Jacks fan Dustin Helton is correct in his pick for an upset in this game this week, but I think NDSU will just man handle UCA on the lines and the Bears won’t really even get a chance to take advantage of their matchups on the outside.
1. #1 South Dakota State (9.62, 6.62) (2-0, 0-0)
Easiest Remaining Game: Neutral Site (Target Field) Drake (0-2) (-48.5, >99.9%) Week 3
Toughest Game: #2 North Dakota State (2-0) (-4, 59.62%) Week 10
Last Week: Win vs #3 Montana State (1-1) 20-16
Wow. I just mean wow. I don’t know what I have to add that anyone else already hasn’t. For the Jacks to not play their best game and still find a way against what is either the second or third best team in the country is equal parts exhilarating, encouraging, and a little worrisome. However, I’m confident in our kids and coaches that not only will they use this as a launching pad for momentum, but to learn and improve as well. Coach Rogers said on his weekly radio show that it was one of the worst execution grades he’s seen on film since he’s been a part of the program but also one of the highest effort graded games he’s seen. I think that’s super encouraging and I’m definitely pumped to get into the meat of the schedule.
This Week: Neutral Site (Target Field) Vs Drake (0-2) (-48.5, >99.9%) 2:30 PM CST Sat 9/16, Midco SN/Midco+/ESPN+
That will not be happening this week. Drake is 0-2 against #14 UND and #1 NAIA Northwestern (IA). While those are both high quality opponents, at least for a team at Drake’s level there isn’t a whole lot to be worried about here. If you can make it to the Twin Cities, or you live in the MSP metro, come on out to the game this weekend. It should be a great atmosphere, and a great day for Jackrabbit football. I’m looking forward to meeting up with some college buddies I haven’t seen in a while who live in that area as well as bringing my family along for as all to take in our first event at Target Field. I hope you will look to do the same.
Week 2 was an awesome week of football and while the SDSU game certainly probably doesn’t peak the interest of anyone outside the fan base there are plenty of other interesting games around the conference. If you have some time to watch college football Saturday tune into some of these games and check them out especially the UND @ Boise State and War for the Wheel games. I think those both are going to be really fun.
Last housekeeping thing for the week if you’re coming to any SDSU games at home the rest of the year and don’t have tickets, get them now. I know a lot of people are beating that horse to death but The Marker game, as best I can tell, is sold out and I’d expect UND and Hobo Day to go within the week.
Go Jacks!
Alex
