The Jackrabbits head to Carbondale, Illinois to take on the Salukis at 2pm on Saturday. This matchup is really interesting because at their best, SIU can beat ANYONE at anytime. However, this is a program plagued by inconsistency over the years. For example, SIU does has a win over FBS Northern Illinois but did get thumped by YSU a few weeks later. But in recent history they have beat both SDSU and NDSU. This is a dangerous matchup and the Jacks must be ready. Here are the things we are keeping an eye on in this one.
Jackrabbit Run Game vs. Saluki Run Defense
The Jackrabbit run game has been humming to the tune of 270 yards per game in its 3 MVFC contests. However, SIU’s defense is giving up just 69 yards per game on the ground. Again, this is a “strength on strength” matchup and will be a true test. The only time SIU’s run defense has been gashed is against YSU when they allowed 167 yards. This is a stout group!
Who’s got the skill?
This week on the B-Team podcast, former Saluki Stone Labanowitz claimed that SIU has more talented skill players than SDSU. This is a bold claim given the consistency and history of the SDSU backs, receivers, and tight ends. However, Stone felt that the FBS transfers that SIU has have much more talent and potential than the SDSU players. If SDSU can find a way to contain SIU’s former FBS players and unlock their lightly recruited FCS talent, the game should be in hand.
Injured Doggies
SIU has been banged up at times this season and their best running back and wide receiver (Ro Elliot and D’Ante’ Cox) are returning from injury. Both are very good players and will add to the potent SIU attack. Elliot in particular can be very explosive out of the backfield and pairs nicely with the Saluki’s other running back, Justin Strong. These two make a very good SIU offense even better and it will be worthwhile to see how they perform early in this one and especially after they take a hit or two.
Contain Baker
Baker isn’t necessarily a true dual threat QB but he is very capable of slipping out tackles and extending plays. This can lead to explosive plays (which we hope to limit). When the defender gets their hands on Baker they must hang on and get him to the ground. The defensive line will have to be disciplined in their pass rush and work together to swarm him with pressure. Baker has been hit a lot this year and that will be a crucial thing to continue to do on Saturday.
Start Fast
We say this one every week and every week the team seems to do it. The Jacks have a potentially HUGE matchup against USD next week. However, the team can’t look past this matchup with SIU. This is a top-12 team for a reason. Again, it is SIU’s homecoming and they expect a big crowd. How fun would it be to take the air out of the stadium early tomorrow afternoon? If the Jacks can take care of business on Saturday afternoon, we think they will have proven that they are truly taking it one game at a time and are laser focused.
Turnovers
The Jackrabbits had a huge week last week vs. UNI in this department and this week presents another opportunity to make some plays. Baker has tossed 3 interceptions and SIU has fumbled six times this season, losing 4. SIU wants to be explosive and that means there will be chances for tipped passes or passes that get floated maybe more than intended due to a good pass rush. The defense needs to be disruptive and make some plays again this week!
Go Jacks!
Alex, Ben, Brendan, Chad, Dallas, and Matt
