The Jacks head to Youngstown, Ohio looking to rebound from a disappointing loss to to UNI. As was talked about in the preview, YSU is dangerous and SDSU will need to play a good game in order to win. Here is what our crew is keeping an eye on.
Slow McLaughlin
As has been noted, Jaleel McLaughlin is a VERY dangerous running back and he has the potential to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. He is small and slippery, yet is powerful. The Jackrabbits have tackled pretty well on the whole this season. They are usually good at grabbing on and either making the tackle themselves or waiting for their teammates to rally. That is how the team will have to handle McLaughlin. We don’t think the Jacks can truly “stop” him but the team must slow him down. A goal of <75 yards would be a good place to start.
Turnovers
The Jackrabbit offense have 5 turnovers in the last 3 games. There has been a lot of focus on all of the drops last week and rightfully so. However, the turnovers have come at crucial times and in critical spots on the field. The turnovers MUST stop. The Jackrabbits were soooo good in the spring at not beating themselves and the version of the Jackrabbits we have seen in the two losses this fall seemingly cannot get out of their own way. Stop the turnovers and a win is likely.
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#605Hogs
The Jackrabbit offensive line was widely considered as the best offensive line in the FCS in the spring and for the first handful of weeks this season, including a DOMINANT effort against a Colorado State defensive line that many consider to be the best in the Mountain West. However, they just haven’t been great the last two weeks. They allowed 6 sacks over the past two games after surrendering just 2 in the first 5 games of the year. This is still the same group. They can still be elite and they must be or this team to remain in the National Title hunt. Returning their form to the spring season will help the Jacks sustain drives, keep their defense fresh, and break the will of the opposing defense. Is this the week they return to form? We sure hope so.
Eliminate the Big Plays
In all of his media availability this week, Coach Stig has talked about how the Jackrabbit defense was great outside of a handful of big plays in the passing game (passes of 40, 40, and 39 yards to Weston and 38 yards to Kershaw). Outside of that, the Jackrabbit defense gave up a long run of 13 yards and held UNI to just 103 yards rushing and 2.1 ypc average. Eliminate the big plays and lasts weeks game is likely a win for the Jacks. As previously mentioned, YSUs running back is explosive as is their running QB (Crenshaw) who’s status is still unknown. Eliminate the big plays and make the Penguins play perfect on offense in order to score.
Go Jacks!
Ben, Brendan, Chad, Dallas, Kyle, and Matt
