During the season we will do a breakdown of each upcoming opponent. For now, we are still in preseason mode. Recently, the athletic department released the game times to complete the 2017 schedule. Today is a perfect time to take a quick preview of the schedule.
Duquesne Dukes
Thursday, August 31st, 7pm
“Dairy Drive”
What to Know:
Duquesne had a successful run in 2016 finishing 8-3 and again had a share of the Northeast Conference (NEC) championship for the 6th year in a row. Duquesne is again favored to win the NEC and represent the conference in the FCS playoffs.
The Dukes return 13 starters including 5 on offense and 8 on defense. OL Ben Huss, OL Matt Fitzpatrick, DL Andy Struttman, LB Nathan Stone, DB Abner Roberts, and RB AJ Hines were name preseason all-conference. In addition, Hines was named the 2016 Jerry Rice Award winner which is given to the nations top freshman.
Last season they scored 31 ppg while only allowing 24 ppg. On offense they look to have a pretty balanced attack as they rushed for 168 ypg and passed for 260. Their starting quarterback did graduate so they will look to replace him from a stable of young quarterbacks. Brett Brumbaugh did take a few snaps last season as the backup quarterback.
@ Montana State Bobcats
Saturday, September 9th, 7pm cst
What to Know:
Montana State is a proud program that had a rough 2016 finishing 4-7. However, they are a dangerous team who is on upswing after going through a coaching change before the 2016 season. The Jacks last met Montana State in the 2014 FCS playoffs which was played in a blizzard and featured long Zach Zenner runs into the end zone. The Jacks won that game 47-40. Montana State is picked to finish 8th in the Big Sky preseason poll and returns Freshman All-American and Big Sky Freshman of the Year, Chris Murray. In addition, LB Mac Bignell was picked as pre-season all-conference and CB Bryson McCabe was picked second team all-conference in 2016.
The Bobcats averaged 25.6 ppg but were helped by a 55 point outburst against Division II Western Oregon. There defense held their opponents to a 25.1 ppg average. In addition they ran for 212 ypg and passed for 156 ypg. Their defense allowed 145 ypg rushing and 243 ypg passing. Murray is a true dual threat as he ran for 860 yards last season and passed for 778 yards while totaling 18 total touchdowns in split duty with a graduated senior.
Drake Bulldogs
Saturday, September 16, 7pm
“Beef Bowl”
What to Know:
The Drake Bulldogs had a successful 2016 season going 7-4 and narrowly missing the FCS Playoffs to Pioneer League Champion, San Diego. The Jacks are somewhat famliar with Drake as they met last year in non-conference play with the Jacks coming away victorious by a score of 56-28. The Bulldogs return Honorable Mention All-Conference performers Pason Wick (OL), Ryan Lemke (OL), Mack Marrin (DL), Nathan Clayberg (DL), Tanner Evans (DL), Terry Wallen (S), and Brady Eckert (LS)
Last year the Bulldogs scored and allowed 28 ppg. Gone is monster tight end Eric Saubert who is now in an NFL camp with the Atlanta Falcons. They also lost their leading rusher Conley Wilkins and second leading receiver Drew Lauer. However, they do return leading passer Grant Kraemer who passed for 23 touchdowns and 2400 yards last season. On defense the Bulldogs allowed 175 ypg rushing and 224 passing.
The Jackrabbits have a BYE on September 23rd and will rest-up and regroup before they start the daunting Misouri Valley Football Conference schedule.
What non-conference game are you looking most forward to?
Go Jacks!
-Matt
