The Jackrabbits head to Normal, Illinois for a clash against a team that appears to be on the rebound. There is lots of good energy coming from the program and they are actually healthy this year. Illinois State always gives SDSU a good challenge and we expect this one to be anther hard fought game. Here are the things the Jackrabbit Illustrated team is keeping an eye on.
Own The Trenches
Yes, this is a repeat but in MVFC play it is critical! SDSU got a preview of the 3-4 defense last week against UND but Illinois States version is bigger and better. Their defensive line is very young right now but they are talented. The #605Hogs should look to have a repeat performance of last week and create some lanes for Isaiah, Amar, and Angel.
On the flip side, the #ChainGang played their best game of the season against UND and harassed the QB throughout while also stifling the running game. Last year Illinois State had just 45 rushing yards and a 2.0 ypc average but that was without their starting QB and the threat of a pass was pretty non-existent. The #ChainGang needs to own the line of scrimmage against this big and experienced Redbird offensive line.
Feed Zach Heins
Zach had his best game of the season last week against UND (3 rec, 46 yards) and last year with a more experienced group of linebackers, Jackrabbit TEs combined for 8 receptions for 77 yards and a TD. Again, the Illinois State defense plays a 3-4 and their linebackers are bigger and potentially less mobile. They have some experience at safety but Heins has them outsized at that position. This could be, and should be, a big day for Zach!
Win 1st Down
The Jackrabbits were terrific on 1st down last week on both sides of the ball. Isaiah Davis chewed up yardage while Mark was efficient. This Redbird defense loves to blitz and get after the QB (20 sacks and 15 QBH). The more successful the offense is on 1st and 2nd down, the harder it is for Illinois State to risk blitzing on 3rd and short. Continue to be efficient!
Manage the Energy
We anticipate a raucous Illinois State crowd. It looks like a beautiful fall evening, it’s a blackout, its the only night game of their season, and the Jackrabbits are still the #1 team in the FCS. What more could their fanbase want? Illinois State has started slow in every game this season but they are well aware they simply can’t do that against SDSU. If some early bounces do not go SDSU’s way, it’s important to manage that energy and stay focused on the moment. This is a new year and its the first time on the road. We’ll find out a lot about the team in this one!
Who are the Redbirds?
We have not seen Zack Annexstad or Mason Blakemore yet. As many are aware, Annexstad started at Minnesota as a true freshman walk-on QB. He did a good job of leading the Gophers and he obviously has plenty of talent. From the tape, he appears to really put some zip on the ball. That alone makes Illinois State MUCH more dangerous than the team we saw last November. In addition, Mason Blakemore looks like a really nice compliment to Cole Mueller at running back and was off to a fast start before an injury caused him to miss their last game. It sounded more precautionary at the time and he has had two weeks to heal. The Jacks will need to be prepared for a much more balanced and capable Redbird offense in this one!
Go Jacks!
Alex, Ben, Brendan, Chad, and Matt
