The Jackrabbits dominated the Blue Hens winning 42-6. At halftime the Jacks were up 21-6 and it felt like Delaware may still have a chance to make a comeback, but that chance quickly evaporated with an explosive 3rd quarter by the Jackrabbits. In full transparency, I was watching from Minneapolis where I was attending a wedding. I was able to watch the majority of the game still and am grateful for ESPN+ providing a good broadcast.

Rants & Raves

Rave: Cheers to the fans that were able to make it to Brookings! They impacted the game forcing a false start and making it hard for the Blue Hens to communicate. The cheering and the cowbells came in loud and clear over the broadcast! Hopefully more folks show up next weekend and bring the same type of energy!

Rave: The Jackrabbit defense really had their way with the Delaware offense. They averaged just 1.7 yards per carry, 64 total rushing yards, and a had a long of 14 yards. They were just 16/29 passing for 128 yards. All of this resulted in 7 punts from Ben Dinkel.

Rant/Rave: Speaking of punting… The Jackrabbits made some plays on special teams but there was also the early fumbled punt return by Jadon Janke that could have swayed the momentum. I’m not going to rag on Jadon too hard because he has been so electric on punt return since moving into that role. I definitely don’t anticipate we see a mistake like that again. But moving on, the Jacks blocked a punt and then the previous pressures they had applied on punt return resulted in an anxious Delaware shield man and another blocked punt. The kick returns gave the team good field position and the kick coverage was also solid. Great job special teams!

Rave: The Jackrabbits really got after all three Delaware quarterbacks. They recorded 3 sacks and it sure felt like it could have been more but the quarterback was either getting back to the line scrimmage or just barely crossing it. The deep group known as the Chaingang was relentless in their pressure!

Rave: I love the addition of the warming houses on the sidelines for the players. Smart!

Rave: The Jackrabbit offense was so efficient for the first three quarters of play. The Jacks scored on their first three possessions of the game and did so in workmanlike fashion. The 14-play 58-yard drive to open the second half that ate up 7:33 of clock was so dang impressive. The Jacks will need to put together drives like this next week against Holy Cross.

Rant: Part of this is the scheme Delaware runs on defense but I was disappointed we couldn’t get the tight ends involved a little more in the offense. Kraft, Heins, and Morgan combined for just 2 catches for 11 yards. However, I’m glad we didn’t force something that wasn’t there but I’m sure those three are ready for more opportunities next week.

Rave: The Jacks only committed 3 penalties on the day. Tremendous focus by the players!

Rave: The touchdown catch by Jaxon Janke is one of the best you will see. I think he even got both feet in so it would be good even by NFL rules.

Rant: I’ve been told there weren’t any programs available. That seems weird. Getting to know a new/different opponent and their players is fun and being able to see where players are from and how big/small they are is also interesting. It would be nice to have even just a one sheet roster available. Hopefully they do next week!

Rave: Specific defensive players that need a shoutout are Reece Winkelman, Caleb Sanders, Jason Freeman, Saiveon Williamson, Graham Spalding, DyShawn Gales. There could be many, many more but these guys stood out to me!

Rave: Mark had an awesome game as well. We’ve talked about it before, but he is just so in control out there and nothing seems to surprise him. He finished the day 11/15 for 131 yards and a TD along with 73 rushing yards and a TD. Hard to get much better than that.

Game Balls

Offense: Isaiah Davis: 14 carries, 104 yards, 2 TDs

Defense: The Entire Defense

Special Teams: Matthew Durrance (scoring a TD on specials is an automatic).

Looking Ahead

The Jacks play Holy Cross next Saturday at 11am. Plan accordingly. Get to Brookings, have breakfast at tailgating or at Cottonwood Bistro. Then get to the game and make some noise. I can’t wait to be there!

Go Jacks!

Matt