The Jacks did what they were supposed to do on Saturday and walked out of Target Field with a 70-7 win AND at first blush, it looks as though they remained mostly healthy. They now have two weeks to prepare for a solid UND team who will be motivated after dropping a game to Boise State. The Valley schedule is a gauntlet this year for the Jackrabbits. There are NO easy weeks. Rest up and get ready to roll.
Rants & Raves
Rave: I thought the Twin Cities Alumni group did an awesome job organizing the #JackTheLoop event. We were blown away by the turnout at Cowboy Jacks. I have heard the other stops were really cool as well.
Rant: The atmosphere inside Target Field simply wasn’t there. It had the feel of a Tuesday afternoon game held in June against the Mariners. It was just meh and that is on us as fans.
Rave: However, the players and Coach Rogers obviously loved it given their comments during the postgame. What a neat experience for the team and I’m glad they got to have it!
Rave: As for the game itself, I loved what I saw out of the offense. It didn’t matter if it was the first, second, or third team, the Jacks moved the ball well. Dustman punted only twice and Mark threw the one interception as the Jacks were looking to move the ball at the end of the first half.
Rant: The Jacks started the 2022 season with just 2 sacks in their first 3 games (both came vs. Iowa) before breaking out in the MVFC opener against Missouri State with 4. This season they have ZERO sacks through three games and they really haven’t found a way to provide consistent pressure. I’m officially concerned about this.
Rave: Three games into his career, Griffin Wilde has three touchdowns. Pretty awesome start!
Rave: Drake finished the day with just 47 yards rushing and a good number of those came at the end of the game when the Drake QB scrambled. Really a solid day stopping the run!
Rave: Last week we were all down on the special teams and this week they performed great! Punt protection was clean, coverage units were exceptional and the punt and kick return games were amazing. Tucker Large finished with 4 punt returns for 149 yards. There have been seasons where the primary Jackrabbit punt returner doesn’t have 149 total yards! This was an exceptional effort by Tucker and by his blockers. Likewise, Amar’s 51 yard kick return was electric!
Rant: Obviously, I did not like the opening possession by the Jackrabbit defense. Drake had 89 yards passing after that first drive. DyShawn and Dalys were beat clean. Neither player had help over the top. With UND and their passing offense coming to town, these two need to be much more dialed in to start the game.
Rave: I loved how the second team offense performed. The offensive line opened huge holes for the ground game and provided ample time for Chase to scan the field. Chase finished 3/4 passing for 34 yards but it was his 69 yard run that reminded people about his potential. Not to be outdone, Angel Johnson looked really really good finishing with 90 yards and 2 TDs on 4 carries including a 66 yard run that showed off his track speed.
Rave: The #605Hogs played their best game of the season, IMO. Drake had some decent size but the Hogs still had their way with them for the most part. This group just wears on the opponent and it can be a long day for them once the hogs get some momentum.
Rant: The personal foul and unsportsmanlike penalties have to stop. Overall, the Jacks played a much cleaner game but it’s just becoming too much of a thing with these 15 yard penalties. I feel like I am on repeat with this over the last few years. I get the idea of having swag, being tough, etc but there is a line.
Rave: I loved how the Jacks utilized Heins, Jaxon, and Morgan in the first half and got them involved in the offense but the guy that stole the show was Kevin Brenner! Those of you who have read or listened know that I’m a huge Kevin Brenner fan. The guy is a pure football player and does whatever the team needs. Switching positions midway through your career is never easy and for him to get his first catch on a touchdown in Target Field is pretty dang special.
Rave: Cullen McShane looks like he’s going to be a dude. He seemed to move really instinctually and made 5 tackles after Williamson left the game.
Game Balls
Offense: Mark Gronowski- 18/25, 256 yards, 5 passing TDs, and 19 yards rushing and 1 TD
Defense: Daeton Mcgaughy- 7 solo stops
Special Teams: Tucker Large
Go Jacks!
Matt
0 Responses
In a stadium that large it’s hard to create the atmosphere that we see in Dana J. I do think alumni were busy visiting with people they hadn’t seen in a long time so that did contribute to the lack of energy. However, I think so. Many people got to see the jacks play that don’t always get an opportunity and that will only benefit us. Totally agree about the personal fouls…. Has to stop!