Offensive Output

The Jackrabbit offense has been less productive then we have come to expect over the years. They are replacing three starters on the offensive line, have a new-ish QB, are playing without a focal point of the offense (Tucker Kraft), lost a running back to the 4th round of the NFL draft, and have a new offensive coordinator, WR coach, TE Coach, and OL Coach. That is a lot of change in one off-season and frankly, we didn’t take all of this into account with our expectations for the season. Against UC Davis, the offense showed signs that they can be as powerful as past Jackrabbit teams. This should be the week they put it all together. It is our belief, that there is still too much talent on the offensive side of the ball for them to not put up more points and explosive plays. We are excited to see it happen!

O-line Consistency

One of the reasons for the offensive struggles is that the offensive line has yet to jell. Garret Greenfield was a near consensus All-American in the spring season at right tackle and was again very solid last fall but is now on the left side. Mason McCormick is a 2x All-American at left guard. They are counted on to set the tone for this unit but both have struggled at times this season. At center, Gus Miller got his first taste of having someone head-up on him against UC Davis and he struggled with his snaps. The right side has had a different lineup in both games and was inconsistent from snap to snap. For the team to reach their goals this season, the offensive line must improve. This is a game where they should dominate and hopefully that creates confidence in themselves and in one another.

Wrap Up!

UC Davis had a running back who was very slippery in the open field last week. He may not have had many rushing yards but he created chaos in the passing game and the Jackrabbits struggled to bring him down on the first attempt. Butler’s QB is elusive and will be the Jackrabbits first encounter with a mobile QB this season. However, he won’t be the last as the Jacks will face other elusive quarterbacks and running backs this season and it is important to get the correct form and angles down now. Coach Stig has commented on the poor tackling in nearly all of his media availability this week and the team did not name a “Defensive Player of the Week” this week due to not meeting the standards of Coach Rogers. We think that will motivate them to come out and wrap up and rally tackle this week.

Mobile QB

Speaking of mobile QBs… The MVFC is littered with quarterbacks who can make plays with their legs. Jason Shelley (MSU) , Cam Miller (NDSU), Carson Camp (USD), Tommy Schuster (UND), and Quincy Vaughn (UND) all have the ability to make plays with their arms and legs. Butler QB Bret Bushka has been excellent through two games this season. The Jacks must keep him in the pocket and make him win with his arm vs. his legs. Bushka should provide a good preview for how this Jackrabbit defense will hold up under the threat of a mobile quarterback.

Of note…

• The Jackrabbits will get back a fan favorite and special teams ace, Payton Shafer. Payton has not played since Sacramento State last fall and his tenacity on special teams and on the defensive should provide a boost to both units!
• Evan Beerntsen was listed on the two deep at right guard. It sounds like he was slated to start at right guard but was injured in fall camp and has missed the first two weeks of the season. Will we see him this week? It would be nice to give him some live reps before Missouri State!
• Brian Williams, Bo Donald, Tucker Kraft, Isaiah Stalbird, and Caleb Francl are all unlisted on the depth chart. Francl will miss the remainder of the season. It has been reported that Kraft will miss 6-8 weeks. The team is “hopeful” Stalbird will play again this season. There has not been reporting on Williams or Donald at this point.

Go Jacks!

Ben, Brendan, Chad, Dallas, Kyle, Matt