It has been an eerily quiet week this week from both the SDSU and USD fanbases. A week ago both the SDSU And NDSU fanbases were chirping at each other and it seemed liked the ramp up was intense as ever. Maybe we’ve missed it this week but we haven’t seen any squawking yet. Maybe it’ll ramp up in the next 24 hours.
Regardless of what the fanbases are saying or not saying to one another, this is a HUGE game. USD needs it to solidify their spot in the playoffs. SDSU needs it to solidify their spot as a top 8 side and first round bye and if a few other dominoes fall right, SDSU can move into the top 4. USD embarrassed the Jacks two years ago in Vermillion in a game where it looked like the Jackrabbits forgot to get off the bus. That cannot be the case this fall. USD is much improved in the trenches and has a terrific linebacker corps that causes havoc all over the field. Their offense is balanced and loves to control the ball. This should be a great game!
Here is what we are keeping an eye on.
Camp’s Closed
Carson Camp had an up and down spring season but has been really good this fall. He’s taking care of the ball, making good decisions, and making plays mostly with his arm but also with this legs. He took a scary looking hit against Illinois State and did not finish the game but he looked good in his return to the field last Saturday against WIU. The Jacks will need to keep Camp in the pocket and get pressure in his face to get him uncomfortable.
Trench War
Here are some crazy stats for you….
- SDSU is rushing for 209.4 ypg. USD is allowing just 94.
- USD is rushing for 189.7 ypg. SDSU is allowing just 92.3.
- SDSU controls the ball for 31:13 per game and USD has it for 31:19.
- SDSU has allowed 11 sacks and USD has allowed 23.
- USD has earned 30 sacks and SDSU 25.
All of these stats are correlated to line play. They are incredibly even. USD maybe a better run blocking team than passing blocking but that is splitting hares. The #605Hogs and the #ChainGang must come to play if the Jacks want to win the game. They showed last week just how physical and dominant they can be. Time to show it again.
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Sampson
He may not be their leading receiver but Brett Samson has made quite an impression on the JI team over the years. Three years ago he had 3 receptions and a TD. Two years ago he had a big game against the Jacks with two touchdowns and 71 yards and he was really a matchup problem. This year he has 17 receptions and 4 TD. He is really a strong senior leader for this team and I’m guessing the team thrives off of his energy and success.
Turnovers
The Jacks played a VERY clean game last week against NDSU. Two years ago against USD they did not… they had 4 turnovers all of the fumble variety. USD has forced 13 fumbles and recovered 7 and has also forced 8 interceptions. The Jacks must secure the ball and not give USD any big momentum swinging plays. In the games where SDSU has struggled this year, they have not taken care of the ball.
SDSU Passing Attack
If the USD defense is vulnerable, it is against the pass where they are allowing 222.7 yards per game. The SDSU passing attack has been good but not great for much of the season. They have made plays when they need to. In Vermillion, they may need to be great. We’re not saying chuck the ball all over the place but when the plays are there, they need to be made. USD is young in the secondary and due to injuries has virtually zero depth. The Jacks need to be able to run the ball (as always) but they MUST make plays through the air.
Should be a fun one on Saturday!
Go Jacks,
Ben, Brendan, Chad, Dallas, Kyle, Matt
