Rants & Raves UNI

Photo by Abby Fullenkamp

Well most clear-headed Jackrabbit fans knew that this was going to be a tough game.  UNI is a good team, playing at home, and playing in front of a rabid home coming crowd.  The Jacks had plenty of injuries and were starting a number of redshirt freshmen and sophomores.  The game didn't necessarily go how the Jacks had hoped but there is plenty to be excited about.

Rave: The Jackrabbit defense has played some inspired defense for all but one game this season.  On Saturday they held UNI to just 17 points and UNI to just over 326 yards of total offense and forced 9 punts!  The only problem is that they didn't force any turnovers or record any sacks.  There were a number of times the ball was bouncing around on the turf but it magically seemed to bounce back into the lap of a UNI player. 

Rave: Individual standout performances for the defense include Christian Rozeboom, Dalton Cox and Seven Wilson.  They were all over the field making tackles. I thought in the second half Logan Backhaus did a good job of covering Briley Moore as he finished the game with just 4 receptions for 60 yards.

Rant: I was disappointed with the regression of the offensive line this week.  Taryn was not sacked the entire game but there was plenty of pressure that caused him to leave the pocket or throw the ball before he wanted to.  Additionally, the Jacks were held to just 51 yards on the ground.  It seemed like there was just never a lane or crease for the backs. Yes, UNI has a very good front 3 or 4 (depending on the play) but the #605Hogs have to do better.  Hopefully Tyler Weir and Wes Genant can return soon.

Rave: It was good to see Blake Kunz get in on the action this week.  He finished with 3 receptions for 72 yards and showed good run after the catch ability.  The freshman is still raw but he is so athletic that it compensates for his lack of football experience.  He'll be an exciting player to watch grow.

Rave: Brady Hale had a really nice day (AGAIN!).  He is so reliable and has perfected the craft of the weird bounce inside the 10.  On the day he had 6 punts for a 44.2 average and landed 4 of those inside the 20 with zero touchbacks.  Nice job, Brady!

Rant: I know the offensive line play can determine how deep Coach Eidsness can get into the playbook but I wish I had seen a designed quarterback run or some type of opportunity to get Taryn loose.  Maybe its just selective memory but I think that when Taryn busts off a 20+ yard run he gets fired up and it seems to also lift his teammates.  I'm not saying it would have cured any/all of the Jackrabbit offensive woes but it may have helped. 

Rant/Rave: My initial reaction to the onside kick attempt was like most of Jackrabbit nation was confusion and anger.  What in the world were they doing?  There was still plenty of time left and the defense had been playing lights out.  However, after rewatching the game, Coach Stig was absolutely right.  The play was there and even just a decent kick from Chase would have likely led to a Jackrabbit victory which would have lead to the Jackrabbits having all the momentum, especially after Chase nailed a 57 yard field goal. 

Rave: The Jacks have developed a nice 1-2 punch in the passing game with Cade Johnson and Adam Anderson.  On a day when the referees were allowing the cornerbacks to be very physical and handsy, Adam and Cade were still able to wiggle lose for 13 combined receptions and nearly 190 yards.  Both are tremendous route runners and have reliable hands.  It is fun to just focus on them running their routes and using their bodies and eyes to trick defensive backs and gain separation. 

Rant/Rave: I'm so thankful that there are so many passionate Jackrabbit fans.  It is good to have high expectations and demand accountability.  BUT the number of people demanding that Coach Stig and Coach Eidness catch the next train out of Brookings was CRAZY! It was one bad game that didn't go well for a variety of reasons.  We all have bad days at work.  I'm thankful that I don't get fired, or have people calling for me to get fired, after such days.  The offense is going to be inconsistent.  They are extremely young, lost some incredible senior talent, and have three game one starters out of the lineup plus a number of others who are dealing with injuries that are not public.  Be passionate, be angry when the Jacks lose, but calling for folks to be fired after a bad game is ridiculous. 

Game Balls:
Cade Johnson (7 receptions, 121 yards)

  • Made plenty of plays on Saturday and could have had more.  

Christian Rozeboom (9 tackles, 1 pass break up)

  • Heart and soul of the Jackrabbit defense.  Just is consistently great.


Brady Hale

  • Already mentioned his stats for punting but he also does a great job on the holds.
Time to move on to Illinois State!

Go Jacks!
Matt 

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