The Jacks and Yotes square off on Saturday for state supremacy. There are tons of storylines in this one and the fanbases have been at each others throats for two weeks now. Both SDSU and USD were tested last week on the road and now both are looking to prove they are dominant. Here is what the Jackrabbit Illustrated team is keeping an eye on this week.
Pass Rush
It is well established that USD’s quarterback, Aidan Bouman, is a good passer. He is probably more mobile than Theo Day but he definitely prefers the pocket. The Coyotes have a host of talented pass catchers who will be able to get open if the pass rush does not put pressure on Bouman. However, Bouman has only been sacked 4 times on the season. This is why consistent pressure is probably more important than total sack numbers. Get in Bouman’s face and disrupt the timing on these pass plays.
Dominate the Trenches
SDSU needs to stop the run and to run the ball effectively; this is basic football. However, USD has shown they have improved both their offensive and defensive lines. The 3-4 defense that USD plays is really talented and has some quality depth. The #605Hogs are coming off of their poorest performance of the season against a slippery SIU 3-3-5 defense. Can they improve their technique and sustain blocks for a tick longer this week than they did last week? The #605Hogs need to prove a point this week and physically dominate a really good front 7.
Limit the Explosives
USD thrives off of the explosive plays. They have scored 29 times this year. 17 of those were on explosive plays (20+ yards). Watching USD last week, against YSU, and against NDSU one can see that they have speed and athleticism all over the place at skill positions. Carter Bell, Jack Martens, JJ Galbreath, Travis Theis, Nate Thomas, Charles Pierre and Keyondray Jones all have shown homerun capabilities. Bell and Pierre are especially a nightmare to tackle in the open field. If the Jackrabbit defense forces USD to play perfect down after down and matriculate the ball down the field their chances of winning skyrocket.
Match the Intensity
The last few times SDSU and USD have met in the Dakota Dome, it was clear that USD was absolutely the more amped team. This game has mattered more to them and it is because they are the ones doing the chasing. However, now that USD is ranked #4 in the country and because they have knocked off SDSU two times in a row in the dome, SDSU should be fully focused on this game. There is 100% no excuse to come out flat and not take this rivalry seriously.
Maintain Offensive Identity
The USD defense has played well this season. They are fast and physical and tackle well. The Jackrabbit offense must maintain its identify, even if there are early struggles. Run the ball and utilize RPO looks to find openings. The unique thing is, USD’s new offensive coordinator (Josh Davis) will have a thorough understanding of our offensive tendencies and will have shared that with his defensive coordinator. We do think that the SDSU offense can eventually wear down this USD defense.
Turnovers, Win the Response, Capitalize on Mistakes
These are all basic tenants of winning football. Neither team turns the ball over frequently so if there are opportunities to pick off a pass or recover a fumble, the team must make the play. Both the Jacks and the Yotes have had their share of penalties this season. In this matchup there is typically a big personal foul or unsportsmanlike conduct. We prefer to see those called on the Red guys. In terms of limited mistakes, we have said all season that we believe the only team that can beat the Jackrabbits is themselves. Limit negative 1st and 2nd down plays, be efficient in the redzone, communicate well on defense pre-snap, etc. Limiting these type of mistakes and taking advantage of when USD makes these mistakes is key.
Go Jacks!
Alex, Ben, Brendan, Chad, Dallas, and Matt
