Rants & Raves: UAPB


Wow!  I never ever thought I would see a game like that live.  I never really understood how a game could get so out of control like that but after watching it live I now understand.  To be honest, I thought UAPB would put up more of a fight.  UAPB choosing to hold out their top two quarterbacks out of the game definitely added an unforeseen wrinkle.  However, I entirely did not expect their defense to be completely unable to tackle our skill players.  So with that, here are a few rants and raves this week.

Rave: I feel great about the wide receiver group.  Cade Johnson (5 rec, 162 yards, and 2 TD), Adam Anderson (4 rec, 128 yards, and 1 TD), Marquise Lewis, and Jacob Brown (1 rec, 9 yards, and 1 TD) are a great group.  Alex Wilde (4 rec, 66 yards) also made a few really nice catches on Saturday.  The Jacks will still be adding Deyon Campbell into the mix too.  I would not be surprised if he made his debut against NDSU.

Rave: Reece Winkleman made a statement in his first start, finishing with 4 tackles including 2 for loss.  If the Jacks can find a consistent pass rusher opposite Ryan Earith, watch out.  He was the 2016 Minnesota High School Defensive Player of the year but played linebacker at Marshall High School.  He spent last year learning the position but really stood out to me this summer.  I think he certainly earned more playing time even with Smenda and Wilson set to rejoin the lineup.

Rant: Fans... lets figure out this parking and exiting the parking lot thing.  You can't turn left on Jackrabbit Ave after the game.  Stop trying or you are going to cause an accident. When you are on the bypass and the cones are up, stop trying to turn south on Jackrabbit Ave.  Plan ahead and park accordingly.  No one wants an accident at the end of a fun day.

Rave: Isaac Wallace has at times been an overlooked man for Jackrabbit fans.  However, Saturday should serve as a reminder that he is still here.  5 carries for 192 yards and 2 TDs is Madden like.  He also had a 70 yard TD called back because of a holding penalty (more on that later).   Wallace has always possessed great speed, if he is able to make his cut and go this season, watch out MVFC. CJ Wilson and Pierre Strong will get their chance as feature backs but for now Isaac and Mikey Daniel are holding down the fort.  What a deep and talented group!     

Rant: I am a bit concerned about the number of open receivers in the first half.  A more polished quarterback would have hit a few of those open receivers.  I would expect the quality QBs and WRs in the MVFC to make these plays.

Rave: Zy Mosley stepped up and had a really nice game.  He finished with two interceptions and two solo tackles.  Zy has had his ups and downs as a young cornerback for the Jacks.  However, games like Saturday show his level of talent and growth from year one to year three.  He had a great fall camp and seems to be building on it with the opportunities he is given

Rave: Have we ever seen a better half of football then what Taryn Christion did on Saturday?  Going 13/14 for 332 yards, and 5 TDs is amazing and just crazy.  Again... please enjoy what he is doing this year.

Rant: The offensive line again had an up and down game.  There were too many penalties on this group and I  was surprised by the number of hits Taryn took.  He showed his toughness by taking these shots and making the completions.  However, the line will have to be more consistent in MVFC play.

Rave: I'm really happy that all the players got to play.  Seeing Michael Wandmaker, an all around good guy and good teammate, make a big play and score was awesome.  I could list players all day who made statements but overall it was just fun to see so many guys who bust their butt every day get into the game. 

The Jacks are working through the bye week and will next take the field at NDSU on September 29th.  The Bison have a game this week against Delaware but the words are already flying with former Bison defensive tackle Cole Jirik calling the Jacks a "dirty and classless program" on Bison 1660 radio.  The Jacks have defeated the Bison in the last two Dakota Marker games and have been winning head to head recruiting battles this year. Regardless of all the chatter, it should be a close game up in Fargo.  We'll have more content coming up this week in regards to the Bison.

Go Jacks!
Matt 

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