The Jackrabbits play host to their old NCC foe Augustana tomorrow. As far as D2 opponents go, this has to be one of the most exciting just because of the proximity of the schools, the history of the rivalry, and the friendship between the fan bases. Although the teams themselves may not be super familiar with each other, many of the individual players and coaches know each other and have respect for one another due to so much of the rosters coming from South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Iowa. We’re excited to see this one and here is what we are watching!
What to Watch
Stay Healthy
The Jackrabbits got dinged up against Oklahoma State and then lost a few more guys during the Incarnate Word game. We have yet to see Blake Peterson and Colby Huerter play a down. Last week we did not see Cale Reeder or Randy Keumogne. We also saw Tucker Large, Davin Stoffel, Ethan Vibert, and Zach Wilson all leave with injuries during the game. That is already 6 guys who we’d expect to appear on the 2-deep if everyone was healthy. We really have zero control over injuries and we fully realize that football is a violent sport but let’s keep our guys healthy. Please! It was a few years ago when Isaiah Davis was injured in a runaway game vs. Lindenwood. No repeats of that, please!
Start Fast
Part of staying healthy is starting fast, getting up big, and getting guys out. The Jacks have had their chances to score on their two opening possessions so far this season but have yet to seal the deal. It would be great to see the Jacks offense just look clean and precise on their opening few drives; everyone loves that “well oiled machine” look. Plus, if they start fast, Brendan won’t have to complain about the black uniforms being cursed. The Jacks need to score early and often and get their starters out so they can achieve “Stay Healthy”.
The Young Guys
The Jacks SHOULD have an opportunity to start fast and in order to stay healthy, they’ll get to sub in some of the young talent that we have yet to see or we have only seen sparingly in game action. Guys that we are excited to see in extended action are Chase Mason and Jon Bell at quarterback, Kirby Voorhees, Brendan Begeman, and the true freshmen at running back, Kentrell Prejean, Ky Oday, and Jack Smith at wide receiver, JR Lecuona at defensive end, Chase Van Tol, Bryce Johnson, Cullen McShane, and Joe Ollman at linebacker, Aydan Dautermann, Jalen B. Lee at corner, and the young guys at safety!
Pass Rush
Through two games, Coach Rogers is not concerned about the pass rush… but we are! Notice we didn’t say sacks, we said pass rush; meaning pressure. The sacks will come but the lack of pressure without designed blitzes is concerning. The Jacks have one sack on the season and it was really due to Calzada tucking the ball to run and getting pushed out of bounds a yard behind the marker. According to SDSU’s own statistics, they only have 4 other quarterback hurries. We’re ready for Bryce Hawthorne, Aaron Holsten, Dawson Ripperda, and Reis Kirschenman to get unleashed and get after the QB. This Augie o-line is okay but is far from the dominant and experienced group we saw in Stillwater.
Matchups To Watch
#11 Mark Gronowski vs. Safety #8 Peyton Buckley
The best QB in the FCS vs. the best safety (QB of the defense) in D2. Buckley stuffs the stat sheet and will plays all over the field. Mark will need to be aware of where #8 lines up on any given play. We’re excited to watch Buckley play as he just sounds like a fun player and it’s always fun to see how the best players at one level stack up at the next level of competition.
#99 Dawson Ripperda vs. Offensive Tackles #68 R00ts and #77 Wirkus
The Viking tackles are okay and Wirkus is new to the lineup this year. Ripperda is now elevated to starting defensive end with the aforementioned injuries to Wilson, Keumogne, and Peterson. Ripp has shown some explosive ability in this limited reps at SDSU and defensive line coach Jalon Bibbs raved about his hands in my pre-season interview with him. It’s time for Ripperda to show that talent and light the Augustana quarterbacks up!
#32 Adam Bock vs. Running Back #0 Jarod Epperson
Augustana’s biggest offensive weapon is #0 Jarod Epperson. Epperson is a 3x All NSIC selection and was selected to the D2 All-Super Region Second Team last season. He is a threat on the ground and in the passing game. We saw Bock, along with his teammates, eliminate the UIW run game last week and hold their running backs to just 25 yards on 13 carries.
Again, we are excited about this game! Sometimes D2 games are hard to get up for but this is the Beef Bowl and it’s against an old rival. PLUS Dallas’ dad get’s inducted into the SDSU Athletic Hall of Fame. Congratulations, Charlie!
The weather looks beautiful and it should be another great day in Brookings!
Go Jacks!
Alex, Ben, Brendan, Chad, Dallas, Jake, and Matt
