3 Matchups to Watch: UNI


The Jacks travel to Cedar Falls to take on UNI tomorrow.  Again this week, Matt Zimmer has done a great job of breaking down the history between UNI and SDSU.  I hinted at it in my preview blog for UNI but I really think there is a dislike between these programs.  In my opinion, there is still a level of respect between SDSU and NDSU but I don't think the same feeling is present between UNI and SDSU.  I think this game is going to be incredibly physical which I don't think favors either team when they both seem to be banged up.

3 Matchups to Watch
1. Evan Greeneway and Aron Johnson/Jon Gruetzmacher vs. Ricky Neal
Greeneway played an outstanding game last week against YSU and completly erased whoever lined about across from him.  Evan has had a very good start to his 2018.  Johnson and Gruetz played well enough last Saturday but will have to play even better tomorrow.  Ricky Neal is a different beast.  Listed as an outside linebacker but playing primarily with his hand in the ground, he made USD's tackles look terrible last week while finishing with 6 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 additional QB hits.  I watched this game from start to finish and it sure seemed to me that he had even more pressure than that.  It seemed like he alone was destroying USD's offensive game plan.  Against USD he typically lined up across from the left tackle so Greeneway better be up for the challenge. 

2. Taryn Christion vs. UNI secondary
I think the UNI secondary is beatable.  On the season they have allowed 240.5 ypg passing with a high of 362 yards (NDSU) and a low of 164 (Montana).  Last week USD's offense was completely out of rhythm because of the pass rush and lack of protection and they still finished with 325 yards.  However, there seemed to be a number of times a receiver was open down field but was never seen because of the oncoming defenders.  If the Jacks offensive line can hold up, I expect a big day for Taryn.  I think it will be more important than usual for the Jackrabbit offense to start out fast and get points on the board.  Ideally the Jacks make UNI chase points instead of sitting back and pounding the ball through the run game.       


3. Jackrabbit OLB's and Safeties vs. UNI TE's and RB's
This matchup really intrigues me.  I wouldn't be surprised if Levi Brown plays a significant role this week if Logan Backhaus can't go.  I love how Seven plays but Levi is the better of the two in pass coverage plus possesses better size to matchup with UNI's dynamic tight ends.  Last week UNI's running backs were wide open in the flats consistently throughout the game.  The UNI running back and tight end groups finished with a combined 13 receptions for 141 yards and 2 TDs (Eli Dunn in total passed for 24 completions, 257 yards, and 4 TDs).  The wide receiver group for UNI is not scary so the corners will have to win their matchups.  If the Jacks can limit the involvement of the backs and tight ends in the passing game then it would certainly put more pressure on an inexperienced wide receiver group to make plays.

Should be a fun one.  Kickoff is at 4pm and it can be watched on ESPN+.

Go Jacks!
Matt 

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