The Jackrabbits (0-1) are looking to get into the win column vs the Aggies of UC Davis (0-1). The Jacks played them in the opening round of the playoffs last fall and came away with a dominant victory but we expect this matchup to be much closer for a variety of reasons that we will spell out below in our weekly “What to Watch.”
Penalties
The Jackrabbits had 13 penalties last week. A vast majority were pre-snap procedural penalties. They happen… but usually not to that amount! We all saw the impact that penalties had on the outcome of last weeks game. The self-inflicted wounds hurt the Jackrabbit offense before it could ever really get started. This week we’d love to see the Jackrabbits eliminate the penalties and play a clean game. Lets see 3 or less.
Make UC Davis one dimmensional
The Aggies were forced to abandon the run in last years contest due to the Jackrabbit offense and turnovers. UC Davis has a terrific running back in Ulonzo Gilliam Jr, who is 40 yards shy of the UC Davis career rushing record. The Jackrabbits must come out, stop the run and force the Aggies into abandoning the run. Their QB (Hasting) is turnover prone and had 10 INTs to 9 TDs last season. In the opener against Cal, he again tossed two interceptions. There are plenty of talented pass catchers for the Aggies and stopping the run early and often will allow the Jackrabbit secondary to focus on slowing down the perimeter players.
Can the offense get on track?
The offense faced one of the best defenses in the FBS last week and struggled to move the ball. Part of it was self inflicted, part of it was field position, but most of it was facing terrific players and scheme. Last year the running attack had over 400 yards while the passing game was fairly pedestrian (they didn’t need to be great). If we were UC Davis, we would load the box and force the Jackrabbits to beat us through the air. The Jacks have the weapons to do it but injuries are a concern following the Iowa game (read more below). A good balance on the ground and through the air would calm a lot of nerves for Jackrabbit nation.
Who steps up?
The Jackrabbits suffered some significant injuries against the Hawkeyes. Caleb Francl and Brian Williams are not listed on the depth chart after leaving injured. Tucker Kraft is out for a few weeks according to Dane Brugler of the Athletic. What about Jaxon Janke, Reece Winkelman, and Isaiah Stalbird? They were all players who went down vs idea and have an “OR” next to their name on the depth chart. Chase Norblade missed last week, will he be ready? The Jacks are already without Cale Reeder for the first half due to targeting. These are all questions that the Jackrabbit faithful have. Who steps up? We like Jarod DePriest, Colby Huerter, Landon Wolf, and Mike Morgan to have big games this week. Regardless if it is these guys, or others not named, someone(s) will need to step up and elevate their game to a new level.
We all predicted the Jacks to win. This should be a really good game and is a tough opener to get the home slate started. Show up and make some noise!
Go Jacks!
Ben, Brendan, Chad, Dallas, Kyle, and Matt
