3 Matchups to Watch: UAPB


In 2017 "3 Matchups to Watch" was my favorite blog every week.  Digging into the rosters and figuring out how the teams match up is part of the fun.  Every team has strengths.  Every team has weaknesses.  Sometimes one teams strengths align with the opponents strengths creating a "unstoppable force meets unmovable object" scenario.  How the opponent works to exploit those weaknesses or minimize the opponents strengths is part of the fun.

 So here we go with the 2018 version...

 3 Matchups to Watch:

 1. Jordan Brown vs. Josh Wilkes
This matchup has me pumped for Saturday!  JB is one of the best cornerbacks in the FCS and is drawing interest from NFL scouts.  Wilkes, a former Eastern Michigan commit, is 2nd in the FCS in receiving yards with 420 yards.  I would fully expect Brown to lock in on Wilkes wherever he lines up.  Last year, Wilkes was playing at junior college powerhouse Butler CC and was receiving offers from FBS schools, including Southern Mississippi.  He possess good size (6'3, 183) and appears to have above average speed.  With the MVFC graduating so many top wide receivers last season, this may be the best receiver that Brown will have the chance to face this season.  Jordan made a beautiful interception last week but also let a receiver get behind him in the 2nd half for a big gain.  This matchup will be one to watch.   

 2. Jackrabbit OLBs vs. Golden Lion quick pass game
The Golden Lions have two options in their passing game; chuck it deep or get it out quick.  The OLB group of Logan Backhaus, Dalton Cox, Seven Wilson, Levi Brown, and Eric Kleinschmit will have to balance their responsibilities of stopping the run while also getting out on the perimeter.  UAPB has four very good athletes on the outside so it will be important to be sound in angles and make the tackle when the opportunity is there.  Last week the Jacks really swarmed to the ball.  If they can continue that this week, they should be okay. 

 3. #605Hogs vs. UAPB Front 7
The UAPB front seven seems susceptible to the run.  Through two contests (D2 Morehouse and NAIA Cumberland) they are allowing 218 yards per game on the ground.  They have decent size but must struggle to get off blocks.  If the Jacks can establish a power running game, it could put this game out of reach early.  However, the Jacks are still breaking in a few new starters.  Last week, against a stout Montana State defensive line they were able to grind out 193 yards on a 4.6 ypc average.  I would expect the Jacks running game to have a big day.  If the Golden Lions can slow down the running game it could keep the game closer than many expect.

 I've seen on Twitter that a number of verbals and potential recruits will be making their official visits to campus this weekend.  Lets hope the Jacks can give them a good show.  Also, this weekend is the Beef Bowl. The meal  will be just on the north side of the SJAC. They will be serving from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm and you can get tickets on site for $8 per plate. It is still done by the Department of Animal Science and the proceeds go to support undergraduate scholarships in the department. 

 Have a great weekend! Jacks win 52-13.

 Go Jacks!
Matt 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Top 5 Favorite Jackrabbit Football Players

Image
Remember the great scene from "The Sandlot" where Benny wakes up to the ghost of Babe Ruth coming out of his closet?  If you remember, the boys from the sandlot were in a pickle.  A signed Babe Ruth baseball had been hit over the fence and into a junkyard that was roamed by a giant dog named "The Beast" and an old grouchy man who instructed the dog to eat intruders (or so the legend said) lived alone.  Anyways, the best part of the dream scene is Babe Ruth's advice to Benny, "Hero's get remembered, but legends never die." Who are the legends of Jackrabbit football?  What plays and contribution did they make that stand out?  I had this discussion on Twitter on my personal account a few months ago, but I decided I wanted to bring it to the blog.  We can debate all day who the BEST Jackrabbits are, but who are your FAVORITE Jackrabbits of all time?  Who are the legendary players to you?  I've been closely following the Jacks since the fa
Read more

What's Cookin': Dessert

Image
Alright, another year of Jackrabbit football is upon us. We are celebrating at Jackrabbit Illustrated, this our 5th season covering the team.  The players who we first covered as freshmen are now redshirt seniors. We hope you are as excited as us for this upcoming season. Chef Tim, a culinary instructor at Mitchell Tech and contributing writer, has some fun recipes for you this season.  He has committed to doing one a week. I have nothing but faith that he will get them turned in! We start the season celebrating with celebrations. Here are some fun baked goods that will lead to the healthy start to the season; Cherry-Chocolate Chunk Cookies ½ Cup All-Purpose Flour ¼ Cup Quick-Cooking Oats ½ Teaspoon baking Soda Pinch of Salt 2 tbs butter, melted and cooled 1/3 cup brown sugar 1 large egg 1 tsp vanilla Extract 2 oz semisweet chocolate 1/3 cup dried cherries 1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray large baking sheet with nonstick spray. 2) Combine Flour, Oats, baking soda, and salt in a
Read more

Guide to Fort Collins

Image
The Jackrabbit games about FBS teams are always fun.  It is a chance to take in a different town and watch the team prove themselves against a foe who is one classification higher.  This year the Jacks aren't playing a Power 5 team but are playing a Great 5 team, Colorado State.  We have a guest contributor today, Jackrabbit legend Austin Sumner.  Austin was the starting QB from 2011 to 2014.  .  Below are some of his recommendations for Fort Collins. Jacks Fans! I’m looking forward to seeing many of you Labor Day weekend as the Jacks take on Colorado State. I’ve lived here in Fort Collins for the last 6 years. Here are some recommendations for those visiting for the big game: Breweries – New Belgium and Odell Brewing Co (most popular) are great places to kill some time and enjoy some of the finest craft beers. Or keep it classy at the Anheuser-Busch brewery and grab yourself a Busch Light. Here is a list of the rest in town: Fort Collins Breweries | Local Colorado Craft Beer (visi
Read more