Jackrabbit Illustrated

Thanksgiving Recap For those of us who were busy over the last week stuffing our faces with turkey and then braving the perils of black Friday (many of you) or heading out to the country for deer (myself), the SDSU men’s team played four games going 3-1 while improving to 6-2 overall. During this time the Jackrabbits got a big win over a Big 10 opponent (Iowa) and saw some changes to the starting line-up. Wyoming 77 SDSU 65 Rave – Point Guard Play The SDSU point guards did their part contributing to scoring. Junior Brandon Key managed ten points, the majority coming from the free throw line. Senior Chris Howell managed 8 points coming off the bench. Points from this the point guard position has been lacking early in the season, this improvement is most welcome. Rant -   Field Goal Shooting The Jacks managed only 37 percent shooting for field goals. They need to improve in this aspect or it might cost the team games down the road. SDSU 80 – Iowa 72 Rave – Dav

After a bye week, the Jackrabbit football team returns to action to face MVFC rival, UNI.  Jackrabbit fans may want to forget the ugly Hobo Day defeat but there are many lessons to be learned.  Here are the Rants & Raves from that game which was more of a pep-talk then anything.  Since winning in Brookings, UNI finished with wins against Youngstown, USD, Missouri State, and Indiana State with their only loss coming in Fargo to the Bison.  They also notched a dominate first round victory over Monmouth, of the Big South Conferene, by a score of 46-7.   UNI is certainly playing much better than they were before the first matchup with SDSU; which most UNI fans would associate as the turning point of their season. Offense As much as UNI has changed since the first meeting they still do many things the same way.  They come in scoring 30 points per game.  While performing really well in the red-zone scoring on 44 of 47 attempts.  They also convert on 40% of their third downs. 

In the past week the Jackrabbits have added two outstanding players.  The class is rounding in to shape with less than a month to go until the early signing period.  Great work to the coaches for compiling such an outstanding class.  A dream come true🐰🐰 #JacksNat18n pic.twitter.com/DlW21Co76j — Mike Timm (@mikest18) November 20, 2017 LB: Mike Timm ,  6'0 220, Wales, WI (Kettle Moraine High School) Mike first visited SDSU last spring during his spring break.  He got a tour from former-QB and current offensive GA Zach Lujan.  On the visit he loved the genuine feel of the people, all the coaches said "hi" to him and his family regardless of position.  This culture really had an impact. Mike was a finalist for the "John Anderson Award" which is given to the top Senior linebacker in Wisconsin.  He was also named the Defensive MVP for his conference. Came to summer camp and took another campus visit for UNI and Hobo Day this fall Plans to major in Exerc

Where did this regular season go?  It feels like I was just at the first practice back in July sweating in the sun.  This has been another great season for the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the top conference in the FCS.  As we move to the post-season I thought it would be fun to create a "Jackrabbit Illustrated All-Conference Team." I set out creating this list and thought it wouldn't be too hard.  However, certain positions really created some problems.  Quarterback, wide receiver, and linebacker especially.  Streveler was the most valuable player for his team and ultimately that is why I went with him.  At wide receiver, the MVFC has some amazing players.  I went with Wieneke over others who have greater stats because of the double coverage he faced nearly every week.  I left Deluca off of the list because he didn't seem to hit his stride until about halfway through the conference season.  Still a great player but Taylor, Rozeboom, and Farley put up b

November 20,2017 Well time for recap of the action that took place over last week. The Jack rabbits played two games that could not have been more different. First, there was a 94 to 63 rout of the Alabama State Hornets. Later that week the men’s team received a 98 to 64 drubbing from the third ranked Kanas Jayhawks. Alabama State- 94 - 63 Jacks Rave- Defense against Alabama State A strong defensive effort in the first half allowed the jackrabbits to get ahead early, leading to a 12 to 1 advantage on the scoreboard in the first five minutes. The Hornets were limited to just 35 percent shooting. Overall, this was the best game the Jacks have played defensively so this season, it helped them pull away early in the game. Rant- Sloppy Play in Final Minutes While the Jackrabbits were almost certainly ensured victory in the second half, they appeared to let up in the final minutes. The offense began committing multiple turnovers and allowing Alabama State scoring easy ba

What a game!  It certainly wasn't pretty at times but that is often how rivalry games play out.  The Jacks beat a good Coyote team in front of a packed Dakota Dome.  The Jacks made their share of mistakes and left points on the field but they found a way to win and that is what matters. 3 Matchups to Watch Revisited 1.  The 3 Amigos vs. the USD secondary Jake finished with 2 receptions for 80 yards and 2 TDs, including a vintage 69 yard catch and run after bouncing off two defenders.  However, Jake did have 4 drops, tough catches, but drops none the less.  Dallas had 11 receptions for 117 yards including an epic catch for a first down late in the game.  Taryn had a good day with his legs and arm, rushing for 38 and throwing for 299 and 3 TDs.  But he did miss on a few throws that I'm sure he'd like to have back.  This was a big win for SDSU.     2. The Jackrabbit offensive line vs. the USD defensive line This was a good matchup with both Greenfield and Schultz earni

Here is something to read as you get pumped for today's game.  I had to laugh as just 1 day after I gave my latest recruiting update with potential targets, the dominoes started falling into place for the Jackrabbits and the #JacksNat18n recruiting class. Two outstanding high school teammates joined the ranks and then they were joined a few days later by a name Brookings and SDSU fans will recognize.  This week the Jacks added another outstanding athlete from Brandon Valley which is certainly an SDSU pipeline.  Let's get to know these student athletes a little bit better. Proud to announce that I️ will be continuing my academic and athletic career at South Dakota State University🏈! Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way! #gojacks #jacksnat18n pic.twitter.com/Enhpa23i4Z — Sam Willmott (@SamWillmott2) November 9, 2017 DL: Sam Wilmott, 6'3 250, Rosemount, MN Sam was the first to announce his commitment on Twitter.  Sam has a big family tie to SD

Weekend wrap up. Well, there two games in the book for SDSU men’s basketball team after the opening weekend of the College basketball’s regular season. The men managed two wins over UC Irvine and the University of Mary. Here are some thought about the games over Veteran’s day weekend. Rave- The Three The three-point shot was especially crucial during the game with UC Irvine who dared the Jackrabbits to beat them from behind the arc. SDSU obliged them by making 14 three pointers by going 40% from three-point range and 8 three pointers for 35% against University of Mary. Rant- Struggles in the Paint The Jackrabbits struggled getting points in the paint against UC Irvine. They struggled early getting penetration with the point guards in the first half. A tight zone defense made it difficult for them to get to the basket and when they were able to get a shot off they were unable to finish at the basket or the ball just wouldn’t roll in. The Jacks only manages 6 points in

This game week has drug along.  The anticipation for both fan bases is huge.  The trash talk between fan bases is getting to the point where it is no longer friendly.  Saturday, 2pm, needs to get here now.   Besides the off-field garbage, there is so much to play for.  SDSU with a win, could be a 4, 5, or 6 seed. They would also share the MVFC conference title for the 2nd year in a row if NDSU were to lose to Illinois State. USD with a win would basically assure itself a spot in the playoffs.  They would also clinch their first winning record in MVFC play.  USD would have an outside shot of getting a seed and having a first round bye if they were to win.  This is by far the biggest matchup since the rivalry renewed 5 years ago in terms of playoff implications for both teams. 3 Matchups to Watch 1.  The 3 Amigos vs. the USD secondary Taryn, Jake, and Dallas have picked up this nickname from opposing coaches on the MVFC conference call.  The USD secondary is down three players due

Hi All, Since I started the blog this past summer I have been looking for someone to help cover additional sports.  Finally, I was able to get someone who is just as passionate about the Jackrabbits. Keenan Watson is graduate student studying Mass Communications and Journalism at South Dakota State University and former columnist and opinion editor at the Collegian.  Keenan spent a few years in South Korea following graduation teaching English.  He returned last spring to SDSU to complete his masters.  Keenan will be covering the Men's Basketball team.  Welcome Keenan! If you, or someone you know, have a passion for Jackrabbit athletics and enjoy writing, please let me know!  We are still looking for writers to help with Women's Basketball and Wrestling. Go Jacks! -Matt

Did you know that the Jackrabbit came before the Coyote?  I'm not just talking the transition to Division 1, I'm talking creation.  The oldest rabbit fossil is 53 million years old .  The oldest coyote fossil is just a mere 38 thousand years old .  Again, Jackrabbits before Coyotes. In all seriousness, the Showdown Series that will be played in Vermillion this coming Saturday has huge implications for both squads.  If USD loses 4 out of their final 5 games and finishes 7-4, they may be in danger of missing the playoffs, especially with so many other schools on the bubble.  If they win, they are in, no doubt.  If SDSU loses, they likely lose their seed and would play a game on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  If they win, they likely will be a 4-5 seed, have a bye, and could host multiple playoff games.  This rivalry didn't need any more fuel but knowing all this is on the line should only add to it. In only his second season, Bob Nielson has turned around program

Saturday was a beautiful November day for college football in Brookings.  It is hard to ask for much better weather.  This may not have been the best the Jacks have played this season but I think this was certainly the best opponent that we have faced in The Dana.  Illinois State's defense was big, fast, and physical.  Yes, the Jackrabbit offense shot itself in the foot a time or two but the length, physicality, and speed that the defense possessed had a lot to do with it.  I'm excited that the Jacks found a way to win. 3 Matchups to Watch Revisited 1. The Lawfirm (Brown, Johnson, Lewis, and Anderson) vs.  Willie Edwards and DraShane Glass Anderson didn't play so we will include Alex Wilde.  Combing Brown, Johnson, Lewis, and Wilde's stats shows 5 receptions for 57 yards.  Not a great stat line.  However, Brady Mengarelli had a large role in the passing attack catching 4 passes for 21 yards and Skyler Cavanaugh and Isaac Wallace pitched in with a reception each. 

Illinois State is coming into this game absolutely believing that they can win and they are playing for the playoff lives.  Realistically they need 1 win in the next two weeks to get to seven wins and likely guarantee their spot.  The Jackrabbits will need to start fast, break their spirit, and put them away.  In their losses, Illinois State has been a terrible second half team.  It looks like beautiful weather now for Saturday and it shouldn't be a factor in the outcome. 3 Matchups to Watch 1. The Lawfirm (Brown, Johnson, Lewis, and Anderson) vs.  Willie Edwards and DraShane Glass It is likely that Illinois State's outstanding corner, Davontae Harris, will be matched up with Jake Wieneke for most of the game.  The other Illinois State corners, Willie Edwards and DraShane Glass, are quality corners; Glass has 1 INT in each of the past two games.  Last week against WIU, receivers and tight ends not named Jaelon Acklin totaled 14 receptions for nearly 200 yards.  The Law

It is hard to believe but December 20th will be here before we know it.  That is the day when "Early Signing Day" takes place for the class of 2018.  The Jacks are nearly full but are adding the right type of play makers that will put this talented class over the top. Here is a quick review of the current verbals. Click the athletes name to view their highlights. QB- J'Bore Gibbs , 6'3 205, Chicago, IL (Phillips) TE- Zach Heins , 6'6 230, Sioux Falls, SD (Washington) OL- Mason McCormick , 6'4 275, Sioux Falls, SD (Roosevelt) OL- Garret Greenfield , 6'6 270, Rock Valley, IA OL- Max Howard , 6'7 345, Brandon, SD DT- Ryan Van Marel , 6'5 250, Sheldon, IA DT- Caleb Sanders, 6'2 260, Glenwood, IA LB- Seth Benson , 6'1 205, Sioux Falls, SD (Washington) LB- Joey Johnson, 6'3 210, Gretna, NE CB- Tijaih Davis , 6'0 175, Boys Town, NE DB- Nick Garlisch , 5'11 190, St. Charles, IL S- Saiveon Williamson , 6'1 190, W

This is a dangerous game; a "trap-game." The Jacks are coming off of the emotional high of defeating NDSU.  Next week the Rabbits take on in-state rival USD.  Illinois State (6-3) needs one more win to really have a chance of  making the FCS playoffs.  Their final two games are at SDSU and then they host NDSU to wrap up the regular season.  Illinois State has been incredibly unpredictable this season.  One week they look look terrible (losing to SIU 7-42) and then the next week like a top-10 FCS squad (defeating USD 37-21).  Last week they blew a 14-0 halftime lead against WIU and ended up surrendering 31 unanswered second half points. The Jackrabbits will again need their best effort of the season to win this game as it is a near "must win" for Illinois State.  The Redbirds beat the Jackrabbits in 2016, 38-21 by creating a lot of pressure on quarterback Taryn Christion and forced him into uncharacteristic mistakes.  Offense   The Redbirds are a balanced o