The Jackrabbits play host to the Mercer Bears on Saturday at 1pm. As fans, we are anxious to see some Jackrabbit playoff football. In the 2022 playoffs, the Jackrabbits were a buzz saw that annihilated opponents. Can the Jackrabbits again be that team or will they be tested a little more in the 2023 playoffs? Saturday will be the start of it and Mercer is the opponent. Here are the things the JI team is keeping an eye on for this team to win and advance.

Limit James

Ty James is a terrific wide receiver and is one of the best in the FCS. The Jackrabbit defensive backs have held some good wide receivers in check this year (Bryce Oliver, Bo Belquist, and Carter Bell) but have been gashed by others (Raylen Sharpe and Daniel Sobkowicz). However, James has two years of consistent and dominant play. He’s built well and his production is great. Can the Jackrabbits prevent him from becoming a game wrecker? We like our defensive backs but this will certainly be a challenge.

Rust?

Bye weeks are good for getting healthy but they don’t always equal sharp play immediately afterwards. Can the Jackrabbits show that they are still a finely tuned machine on both sides of the ball and get up and running again after a two week layoff and plenty of turkey? The Jacks have started fast in most games this season and we think it is important they do the same in this one. Get up early and break the will of the Bears. Losing teams swear it feels 20 degrees colder in Brookins during the playoffs. Let’s make sure the Bears get the full experience.

Playoff Zay

Isaiah Davis had a really good season but we only saw a few of the runs we have come to expect from him. He hasn’t had a 200 yard game and he has only had 20 carries in a game once this season and his longest run was 49 yards but that was all the way back in week two of MVFC play. However, the playoffs are now here and its time for Playoff Zay. Playoff Zay is the most dominant running back SDSU has ever seen. In 12 career games, Playoff Zay has over 1,477 yards and 16 rushing TDs. We can’t wait to see him in Brookings tomorrow.

Protect the Football

Mercer is not going to give the Jackrabbit defense many opportunities at interceptions as their QB Peevy has just 3 INT on the entire season. For this reason, the Jackrabbit offense needs to take care of the ball. Mercer has forced 14 fumbles and recovered 10 while also intercepting 13 passes. They will be going after the ball and the Jackrabbit ball carriers have to protect the football. We believe that Mercer can stay in this game if the Jackrabbits are sloppy with the ball.

Playoff Crowd

Not only do we expect to see Playoff Zay but we also can’t wait to see the Playoff Crowd. The playoff crowds are the best. They know when to cheer, they don’t tell their neighbors to sit down, they bring their cowbells, and they bring the noise! Some of our favorite Jackrabbit football memories are from home playoff games in the cold! Be there and be part of something special.

Go Jacks!

Alex, Ben, Brendan, Chad, Dallas, and Matt