The Jacks took care of business and improved to 5-2 (Lindenwood doesn’t count) on the season. The Jacks looked really good for most of the game but there were also stretches that made me shake my head.

Rants & Raves

Rave: Overall, what an effort by the defense! It is funny what getting a few starters back will do for a unit! I realize that YSU’s offense isn’t super dynamic but YSU is excellent at running the ball and the Jacks held them to a net of 75 yards (2.9 per carry). They only picked up 13 total first downs and were 1-9 on 3rd down. Those are insane numbers. Bravo!

Rave: Speaking of 3rd down… the Jackrabbit offense FINALLY improved it’s effeciency going 10 for 12 on 3rd down. This is a huge improvement over the previous few weeks. Expecting the team to convert at that rate going forward isn’t realistic but it shows that the team is capable.

Rant: The Jacks continue to give up free yards through penalties. On Saturday they had 9 for 57 yards. Granted, one of the penalties (Michael Griffin pass interference) was completely bogus. As I have said before, this team is just wayyyyyyyyyyyyy too talented and the expectations are too high for this season to commit this many penalties.

Rave: YSU had no answer for Pierre Strong. His 35 yard touchdown run shows what makes him such a special player. The o-line did a fantastic job but Pierre used his speed to get through the hole but then his cut made the safety look silly. Most college running backs are not able to make that cut, or can’t see it, but Pierre made it look easy and was able to elude the tackle and then shift back into top gear for the score.

Rave: The Jacks didn’t punt once in this game. Think about that! If it weren’t two turnovers, they likely would have scored on every possession (outside of the kneel downs to end the game). Bravo Coach Eck on well called game and the players for executing.

Rave: Related but different… the Jackrabbits held the ball for 37 minutes and 33 seconds of the game. Great ball control offense.

Rant: One thing I’m thinking about… The Jacks did allow two sacks to a team that is not good at rushing the passer. I would guess that both of these sacks could be labeled “coverage sacks.” Chris had ALL DAY to pass many times. I know that will not be the case next week against a historically good NDSU defense so I hope that no bad habits were developed or encouraged this week.

Rave: Kudos to the wrinkle of using Rudy Voss as a running quarterback (3 carries for 42 yards and 1 TD). He is a capable passer as well so I am excited to see the tendency breaker down the road.

Rave: In the “What to Watch” on Friday, the JI team asked to hold McLaughlin to 75 or less yards. The Jacks did that and held him to just 54. Phenomenal work!

Rave: Malik Lofton’s interception was beautiful. YSU motioned his receiver and then moved him back to where he started. Malik followed the whole time, showing man coverage. Malik was in tight coverage the whole time, the QB threw a good pass but Malik was just better and snagged a beautiful interception.

Rant: The offense must stop the turnovers. This is now 7 turnovers in the past 4 games. The interception was thrown into double coverage and a fumble inside the redzone is just inexcusable. Take care of the ball! Yes, we were spoiled in the spring by a team that just didn’t turn the ball over but there has to be a happy medium somewhere. If the Jacks don’t commit turnovers there are very few teams in the country that can beat them. Period.

Rave: From what I can tell through social media, it looked like the sons trip for the coaching staff. What a cool tradition that Coach Stig hosts every year! I have no idea how long he will Coach but I’m sure he will do it until he is done. I hope that whoever leads the program after him will also do it. SDSU football is about family and this shows the commitment to it. Every program preaches it but few programs walk the talk.

Rave/Rant: Cole Frahm booted in the field goal attempt from 52 and it looked like it could have been good from 62. However, he may have just been making up for the kick out of bounds earlier in the day. That mistake plus the the phantom PI penalty on Griff gifted the Penguins 3 points.

Rave: The Jackrabbit defense finished with just 2 sacks but they provided pressure throughout the game. I wish there was a PFF for FCS football. I’d love to know what the Jackrabbits pressure rate is on the season. There are very few instances where the opposing QB is playing from a clean pocket.

Game Balls:

Offense: Pierre Strong (19 attempts, 163 yards, 2 TD)

Defense: Team Award

Special Teams: Adam Bock (Block, Scoop and Score of an XP is an automatic win)

Go Jacks!

Matt