The Jackrabbits (4-1) handled their business in Cedar Falls on Saturday, defeating the UNI Panthers 41-3.  It was an impressive performance in all phases of the game and after the opening few drives, the outcome was never in doubt.  The Jacks didn’t score in the 4th quarter but easily could have.  Rarely can you say a 38 point win wasn’t as close as the score indicated but this may be one of the exceptions.  Victory Rants & Raves, especially after such a solid performance, are always enjoyable to write!

Rants & Raves

Rave: It has been well documented that the passing attack for the Jackrabbits had been struggling in the two weeks prior to the bye.  While the performance through the air vs. UNI wasn’t perfect, it was visually and statistically much better, especially as the game moved along.  Mark looked in control and more confident with his progressions.  The offensive line held up well and guys were open.

Rave: In what to watch, we said the defensive line had to stop the run and get after the QB.  They certainly did that!  UNI was able to rush for some decent gains but a majority of their runs were in that 2-3 yard category.  They ended the game with a  2.1 ypc average and the Jacks harassed the UNI QB’s all game long; logging 3 sacks and numerous more quarterback hurries.

Rant: The Jacks do need to be more efficient in the red zone.  They finished 5 of 7 with just 3 being touchdowns (obviously the final possession in the 4th quarter the Jacks could have scored).  Credit UNI for tightening up their coverage and eliminating the running lanes.  However, if the Jacks want to win against better competition, they can’t settle for field goals.

Rave: But maybe the offense can settle for field goals if the defense keeps playing like this! Since surrendering 7 points at the 14:22 mark in the 4th quarter of the Incarnate Word game, the Jackrabbits have not given up a touchdown.  That is 194 minutes and 38 seconds of football where the opponent has not found the end zone.  That is absurd!  In that span of time opponents should be able to luck into a TD with a fluky bounce or tipped pass or something.  This defense is cooking right now!

Raves: The Jacks are now +2 in turnover margin.  This is a stat the Jacks have dominated in the previous two years.  I feel like we’re headed in the right direction now!  Likewise, the Jacks now sit at 11 total sacks while surrendering just 3.

Rave: I was thrilled for all of the guys who got their “firsts” yesterday.  Kentrell Prejean (TD), Noah Thompson (TD), David Alpers (catch), Lofton Ogroske (catch).  These are all underclassmen.  The future is bright!

Rave: I loved the energy that the team showed on the bench.  This was a huge difference from the opening week vs. Oklahoma State.  The team looked confident and like they were having fun.  Some of the nervous energy we saw on the bench in the weeks before the bye was gone.  Maybe the 5 hour bus ride to Cedar Falls did some good!

Rant: It was better but the TE blocking in the run game still has room for improvement.  Some of the run plays against UNI are so close to hitting but a slipped block from the TEs seems to be the difference.  On the positive side, I also saw plays where Gormley and Gannon were really getting after it.  We’ll say this is an area where improvement is happening but there is still room to grow!

Rave: How cool was that 68 yard catch and run off of the screen pass for Angel Johnson?  His speed just eliminates angles and the #605Hogs did a very good job of blocking that up.

Rave: My podcasting partner Dallas often says that a defensive lineman can play a perfect game and few people will notice because it doesn’t always translate to the state sheet.  That may be the case for Kobe Clayborne this week as he finishes with just 1 fumble recovery but he was all over the backfield.

Rave: My podcasting partner Dallas often says that a defensive lineman can play a perfect game and few people will notice because it doesn’t always translate to the state sheet. But then there are games like the one Jarod DePriest had yesterday where he stuffs the stat sheet with 6 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.  What a day!

Rave/Rant: 15 years ago it felt like beating UNI on a consistent basis was going to be impossible.  Now the Jacks lead the D1 series 10-9 have won 9 of the last 14.

Rant: It is sad to see what has become of the UNI program.  The UNIDome looks awful, the fanbase is disengaged, and this is the least talented UNI roster I can ever remember seeing.  They have buoyed by a couple of strong senior classes the last few years but now that they are gone, I’m nervous about where this program is headed.  The MVFC is a better conference when UNI is relevant.

Rave: The #605Hogs played a pretty good game.  Mark remained mostly clean in the pocket while the run game was workman like and ended up with 139 yards and a 4.1 ypc avg.  I loved the unbalanced look the Jacks showed when they moved Quinten Christensen to the right side of the line.  I think there is still a higher ceiling for this unit as a whole and I’m glad we haven’t seen it yet.  As the season goes along we will.

Rave: Previous Jackrabbit opponents went 3-1 this weekend.  Obviously, Oklahoma State falling off a cliff hurts but UIW should be a playoff team that could make some noise while Augie should still contend for the D2 playoffs.  The other results around the MVFC show that there are clear tiers in place. The next 7 weeks will be interesting.

Rave: I liked how the offensive play callers got Griffin Wilde involved.  A few early passes and then the end around.  He’s so dang talented that the team just has to find ways to get him the ball.  The way the game played out likely contributed to him not having more production.

Rave: I thought Graham Goering responded well to a tough outing against SLU.  He caught 3 passes for 52 yards including the deep bomb down the middle of the field for a 45 yard gain and then the diving 7 yard TD catch.  Great response from him!

Rave: Speaking of responding to adversity, Steven Arrell continues to bounce back from his early season struggles.  He now has an interception in two straight games.  He has hopefully knocked off the rust and is ready for the rest of the season.  I think I had to remember that he missed a majority of last season.  His physical presence is definetely recognized on the field.

Rave: Hunter Dustman continues to utilize every “club in the bag” (A-Team listeners will understand that reference).  He finished with a 48 yard average on 3 punts.  He has simply been sensational in the punt game this season.

Rave: Part of what makes Hunter so good is the excellent coverage units.  Last year it was Matt Durrance and Dontay Johnson making life hard for opposing punt returners.  This year it has been a variety of guys that are just making it happen!  Likewise with the kick coverage unit.  Sergio Morancy dared to return two kicks but had a return of just 20 and 15 yards, costing his team valuable field position.

Rave: Speaking of Durrance… How good have him and Colby Huerter been since stepping into more full-time roles with Tucker Large and Cale Reeder out?  I think I wrote this after either Augie or SLU but it has really been impressive this duo has performed.

Game Balls

Offense: Mark Grownowski- 16/22, 223 yards, 3 TD

Defense: Jarod DePriest- 6 total tackles (4 solo), 2 TFL, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery

Special Teams: Cullen McShane and Noah Thompson- Blocked punt and score

Go Jacks!

Matt