Rants & Raves: SIU Playoffs

I’m writing this on Monday morning from the W.W. Tire of Brookings and I’m still on cloud 9 about what we saw last night.  I’m tired, groggy, and writing this from my phone but I’m already making plans for next Saturday!  Jacks win 31-26. 

Rants & Raves

Rave: Voting already happened but Mark Gronowski showed why he is a front runner for the Jerry Rice award.  13 carries for 142 yards and a TD on the ground and 9 of 16 passing for 183 yards and 2 TD.  Just a tremendous performance.  He missed on a few deep passes that I’m sure he’d love back.  He’s so close on hitting on them though!

Rave: Likewise, Pierre Strong and Isaiah Davis combined for 19 carries and 90 yards and a TD.  They were also effective in the passing game catching 3 passes.  I’d like to see them get more touches but in a game where the Jacks were scoring quick at times that is tough to do.

Rant: On the Jackrabbits final possession on offense, I just don’t understand attempting to pass on 2nd down.  SIU brought the house and Mark never had a chance to scan the field.  I thought Mark could have got down and the refs should have blown the play dead sooner.  

Rave: The crowd was amazing!  It was less than 4,000 people but it was loud throughout the game and at all the right times.  Likewise, the SIU crowd was great and fun to talk to.  

Rave: Even though they only registered a sack on thought the defensive line did a solid job harassing Labanawitz throughout the night.  He made some incredible throws knowing he was going to get pooped.  The group is just so deep and they play with so much heart.

Rant: It is hard when the offense is able to score quickly but they have to find a way to possess the ball longer.  The time of possession was in SIU’s favor 35:43 to 24:17.  SIU had long sustained drives whereas the Jacks scored quick.  However the total yards were pretty similar.

Rave: I thought the #605Hogs really had a good second half and did what they needed to do.  SIUs dline was better than I thought they’d be and their future is bright.  But the hogs did what they do.  They just pound and pound on you and eventually three yard gains turn into six yard gains.

Rave: The tight end group has really come on in  the last three games.  Tucker Kraft, Blake Kunz, and Zach Heins have been excellent in the passing game and run blocking.

Rant: The pass defense still has to tighten up.  I’m not sure if it’s the corners, safeties, or linebackers or some combination but SIU was finding the gaps in the zone and beating their man in man coverage.  They did finish with two INTs and could have had a few more and that may have saved the game.

Rave: The run defense was solid throughout.  SIU had 127 yards total on the ground on 42 attempts.  They held the three running backs to a 2.5 average.  Really phenomenal!

Rant: We’ve talked about it on the podcast but the timing on the blitz has just been off and blitzing in general has been ineffective.  I’d rather just send the front four and use a LB as a spy on the QB.  Right now it feels like blitzing is just asking for a big gain. 

Rave: One play that can’t be overlooked is Keaton Heide’s hold on an XP.  Regular holder, and punter, Ben Dinkel was out and Heide is the backup holder.  One XP snap was low but Heide saved it and Frahm put it through the uprights.  SIU could have kicked a FG at the end of the game to send it to overtime instead of trying to pass for a TD. Obviously it effected their decision to go for two also.  Huge play by Keaton! 

Rave:  I love this team and this program.  The excitement in the stadium was incredible and I’m not sure I have felt that in the Dana.  The team, and fans, need to regroup, recover, and refocus to be ready for Saturday.  

Game Balls

Offense: Mark Gronowski

Defense: Michael Griffin II

Special Teams: Keaton Heide

What’s next?

Jacks return to the DJD on Saturday at 11am.  It’s commencement weekend so it should be a special feel on campus.  Be there and be loud! 

Go Jacks!

Matt