3 Matchups to Watch: Indiana State


As one Twitter follower noted on my opponent preview, there are indeed no easy weeks in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.  Indiana State may not be at the top of the conference but that doesn't mean they don't have talent or the will to compete.  I'm sure they would love nothing more than knocking off the Jackrabbits at home and jump starting their rebuild.  Indiana State does have some pieces in place to be competitive and will likely score an upset or two in MVFC play this fall.

Matchups to Watch
1. Ryan Earith vs. Tate Leavitt
This is a fun match-up to watch as Earith is one of the best defensive ends in the MVFC.  Earith has just 9 tackles on the season but 2 have been tackles for loss and 1.5 have been sacks.  Earith is a very good pass rusher and is equally as skilled holding the edge on the run.  Leavitt was selected as a 2nd Team All-SEC selection in 2017 when he played at Kentucky.  Leavitt is a mauler and part of the reason ISU has had such luck running the ball this season.  I'm interested to see how this matchup shakes out.  Earith had a great week last week against very good NDSU tackles, lets see if he can build on that success.

 2. Christian Rozeboom vs. Ja 'Quan Keys
 Rozeboom leads the Jacks in tackles with 20 and 1.5 for loss.  Keys leads the Sycamores with nearly 500 yards rushing.  Keys is a physical runner but Rozeboom is not shy about contact.  Last week Rozeboom really seemed to diagnose Bison run plays well and off met the runningback in the hole.  Hopefully he can diagnose the ISU run game with the same ability.  I think a good goal for the Jacks defense would be to hold Keys to under 75 yards rushing.  UNI held him to 76 so lets beat that.

3.  Adam Anderson vs. Kaelub Newman
Anderson has been on a tear so far in 2018.  With 16 receptions for 316 yards he has become a go-to receiver when Taryn is in trouble or needs to move the chains.  Newman has had a great start to his 2018 as well.   8 tackles, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 pass breakups show that he is playmaker.  I think the Jacks will come out and look to establish the run but when they look to pass it will be interesting to see if Anderson can shake lose Newman. 

Lets hope the weather is wrong and that Saturday is nicer than what the forecast calls for.  I love the fall night games but wish one was being played during the day.  Either way, we are going to have fun tailgating and cheering on the Jacks!
 
Go Jacks!
Matt

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