The Jacks are set for their home opener against the University of Incarnate Word (UIW). This is a challenging game because of the unfamiliarity of the opponent and the immense talent that is on their roster. This game is certainly more like Montana State than like Drake in terms of home openers in the last few years. Will the Jacks be ready to play and put the loss to Oklahoma State behind them? We will soon find out.
What to Watch
The Pass Rush
The Jackrabbit pass rush was non-existent against Oklahoma State and that allowed their QB to do whatever he wanted and it put our cornerbacks in tough positions throughout the day. We believe Oklahoma State has an excellent offense line that allowed just 13 sacks in 2023. The Incarnate Word offensive line is jelling with some new additions but they are talented and they allowed just one sack in week 1. UIW plays with some tempo, runs a number of quick timing routes but also has the ability to run the ball. Sacks may be hard to come by again this week but we want to see pressure and create chaos around UIW quarterback Zach Calzada. The defensive line still has to maintain discipline in their rush but we’d love to see the Jacks heat Calzada up a bit. This is another tough task for the defensive line but they must make more of an impact than they did last week!
Run the Ball
The UIW defense may be better than many believe. The Southland has rightly earned the nickname as the “Southlan” because there is no “D” in the conference but UIW might be an exception. Last year they gave up 19.3 ppg and last week they surrendered just 7 vs. UNC. Their defense looked fast, they are experienced, and they forced three turnovers which is crucial for building or breaking momentum. The one area where UIW does appear vulnerable is on the ground in the run game where they allowed 214 yards to UNC last week. The Johnson & Johnson backs in Brookings had a nice start to their season with Amar averaging 8.1 ypc and Angel averaging 4.5. The scoring by the OK State offense dictated that the Jacks couldn’t run the ball as much as they wanted. Look for SDSU to establish the run early and often against the Cardinals.
Clean It Up
In week one, we saw the Jackrabbits make some uncharacteristic mistakes and in general some sloppiness. This is usually the case for early season games but we have grown so accustomed to seeing the Jackrabbits operate as a well oiled machine that the missed throws, errant snaps, tripping, missed blocks, and blown assignments were just a big jarring (even if they should have been expected). It’s the home opener against an FCS opponent and there should be some energy in the air as we celebrate a national championship. Hopefully, the team responds well and eliminates some of the unforced errors that hurt in week one.
Get off the field
Against the Cowboys the Jackrabbit defense buckled down in the 4th quarter and forced Oklahoma State to punt the ball a few times. Earlier in the game, the 4th down conversions Ok State had were back breakers. The Jacks have to find a way to get off the field. Turnovers, sacks, incomplete passes whatever it is. Get off the field!
The Atmosphere
It’s the home opener, a 6pm kickoff, a National Championship Celebration and 5 hours of tailgating. Let’s be rowdy, let’s make some noise, let’s make it difficult for UIW to communicate after Calzada get’s the play. Jackrabbit fans continue to raise the bar and Saturday is another chance to set the standard for what the 2024 season needs to look like.
Matchups to Watch
Beanum vs. #6 Jalen Walthall
Walthall looks like a legit #1 wide receiver for the Cardinals as he racked up 5 receptions for 103 yards and a TD in week one. He has a great size and speed combination. In week one, Beanum did a solid job vs. the NFL caliber wide receivers of Oklahoma State last week and we think that Walthall, a Hawaii transfer, presents a good challenge for what the Jacks will see at the FCS level.
Jackrabbit TEs vs. #1 Darius Sanders/#13 Dune Smith
Sanders and Smith play the hybrid “Star” position for UIW. They essentially corners/safeties that are aligned in a linebacker position. They certainly have the athleticism and speed to stick with the Jackrabbit tight ends but I’m curious if either has the size both in the run game and in the passing game the big bodies of the Jackrabbit tight ends could be a factor in this matchup.
Adam Bock vs. #3 Dekalon Taylor
Taylor is smaller than most running backs the Jackrabbits will see this season. However, his quickness and ability to hide behind his large offensive line present unique challenges. Taylor is a dynamic player with the ball in his hands and has excelled as a punt returner and kick returner and then last season did well catching passes out of the backfield. This year he started the season with a bang rushing for 79 yards and 2 TDs. Bock did a great job of sorting through the traffic and limiting Heisman hopeful Ollie Gordon’s effectiveness in week one. Bock can’t stop Taylor on his own, but we’re curious how this speed on speed matchup will shake out in the moments where Bock has Taylor lined up.
Griffin Wilde vs. #7 Kendrick Stone
Stone is a big cornerback who had a nice week 1 with 9 tackles and an INT. Wilde obviously had a great opening week. If he wasn’t on peoples radar before he sure is now. Stone has good size. Let’s see his speed and quickness in containing the excellent routes that Wilde is able to run.
We are all predicting a Jackrabbit victory but it will depend on how these matchups go. UIW is a very talented team and can not be taken lightly.
Go Jacks!
Alex, Ben, Brendan, Chad, Dallas, Jake, and Matt
