The Jacks play host to the Wildcats bright and early on Saturday morning in what should be a very good game. The more we look at Villanova, the more concerning they are. They have a huge offensive line, great skill, and a weird defense that does take some time to adjust to. This will be a good game and the Jackrabbits better be ready from the jump. Here is what the JI team is keeping an eye on in this one.
The Weather
The weather forecast has really taken a nose dive the last couple of days. The high of 29 isn’t really that concerning and neither is the possible snow flurries. However, a steady 20-30 mph wind with gusts touching 40 mph will cause issues. We have seen punts at Dana J in the past go backwards in a stiff wind. We have seen passes hang up in the wind and die. Field goals have also suffered a similar fate. This type of wind does and will cause issues. The team that handles it the best will win.
Make Villanova Sustain Drives
The Wildcats are explosive on offense with 70+ plays of 20+ yards or more this season. Their wide receivers are very speedy and their QB throws a really nice deep ball. Against YSU, Villanova hit deep shot after deep shot. The wind will make this aspect of the Villanova offense interesting. Can the Jackrabbits limit these explosive plays and make Nova drive the field? We like our secondary a lot but this will certainly be a test.
Win Special Teams
As outlined in the “Know Your Foe” preview article, Villanova’s special teams are just okay. The Jacks have the potential to be phenomenal in this aspect of the game. Is this the game where Tucker Large finally breaks one or can Amar take one to the house on kick return? Again, we’ll see what the wind allows but this could be a sneaky important aspect to this game.
Win the LOS
This is always a key and for most games the past few years we haven’t had to worry about it. The #605Hogs and the #ChainGang simply took care of business. However, this Villanova 3-3-5 defense is weird and they are allowing just 112 yards per game on the ground and held a good YSU rushing attack to just 82 yards (2.7 ypc). This defensive line group for Nova is deep and the linebackers are as good as it gets.
On the flip side, Villanova has an offensive line that is as big and nasty as the Jacks have seen this season. Villanova runs the ball well and to the tune of 6.0 ypc as a team. They have experienced backs that all do a little something different. This game will definetly be a battle in the trenches.
Turnovers
Again, duh. I’m sure you may be thinking… “Boy, these JI guys are really going out on a limb here.” But we believe that the two turnovers last week cannot be repeated this week. This Villanova offense is good enough and if you give them extra opportunities, they will take advantage of it. The QB for Villanova has tossed 9 interceptions and he put a couple in play last week vs. YSU that could have swung some momentum early if the Penguins had been able to come down with them. The Jackrabbit back 7 need to be ready to catch the ball when given the chance.
Playoff Zay
He did not disappoint last week bringing his career playoff total across 13 career games to 1,592 yards (8 ypc) and 19 rushing touchdowns. The Wildcats certainly have “stop #22” as a key to their defensive game plan. However, stopping Davis is easier said then done. The body blows in the first half, turn into haymakers in the second half as we saw again last week vs. Mercer. What will Isaiah do this week? We’ll soon find out!
Go Jacks!
Alex, Ben, Brendan, Chad, Dallas, and Matt
