Rants & Raves: USD



Writing "Rants & Raves" after a loss is never fun.  Writing them following a loss to USD is something I knew that eventually, I would have to do but I didn't believe that yesterday was the day.  I still feel somewhat stunned. However, I'm choosing to write now instead of tomorrow because this game needs to get put behind the team as quickly as possible.  The bracket will be announced today and there is zero time to wallow in self-pity.  This team has all the talent in the world.  The road to getting to Frisco will be tough but this team can do it.

Rave: Mikey Daniel was in my "What to Watch" and he did not disappoint.  He had 125 yards and 1 TD off of 17 attempts.  In my opinion, he wasn't used enough!   He was gashing the USD defense, especially in the second half.  However, once the team was down two scores it became tough to run the ball with limited timeouts.  

Rave: Christian Rozeboom's talent was on full display as he finished with 14 total tackles.  How the Jackrabbit defense was playing with OLB's really wide left a lot of room and responsibility for Rozeboom.  He answered the call and made plenty of tackles to limit potentially big gains.

Rant: As we have said all year the ball security issues are a real problem.  Four fumbles, all lost, are just unacceptable.  

Rave: Logan Backhaus's interception in the first half was huge and I think a testament to the type of season he has had.  He deserves to be an All-American this year but it will be tough because Rozeboom also deserves that recognition.  

Rave: In the SplittingHares podcast I talked about how difficult a time USD would have covering Cade Johnson.  He finished with 10 receptions for 139 yards.  It could have been more as he and Heide were just a few steps off on a couple of deep balls.  I'm confident that connection will improve.  

Rant/Rave: Speaking of Heide, I thought he looked good throwing the ball again as he finished 26/35 for 308 yards and 2 TD.  However, he again struggled holding on to the ball too long and I'd say at least 2 of the sacks were due to him holding it for too long.  It is such an odd contrast to what you see from a young QB (typically they want to tuck and run if the first read isn't available).  He can cycle through his progressions faster as evidenced against UNI and I believe this will be another learning moment in his progression.

Rave: The Jackrabbit defense was put in bad situations throughout the day due to the turnovers and they really stood up pretty well like they have throughout the season. I thought the #Chaingang played a nice game and really had an impact on the 4th quarter USD drives.  

Rant: As I talked about all week, SDSU's struggles covering tight ends again came into play.  Brett Samson finished with 6 receptions for 71 yards and 2 TD and Connor Hermann had 2 receptions for 25 yards.  I don't understand where this breakdown is happening but it has certainly been a sore spot for an otherwise really good defense.

Rave: Congratulations to Luke Sellers on his first career touchdown!  He's a great student-athlete and plays a position that is underappreciated.  

Rant: I didn't love the offensive gameplan in the first half.  The turnovers didn't help.

Rave: DyShawn Gales really impressed me with two big pass breakups.  For someone who is still learning how to play defense, I'm just really appreciative of what he is already doing out on the field.

Rave: The Jackrabbit tackles did a nice job of limiting the effect Darrin Greenfield had on the game.  He finished with just 3 total tackles (1 solo).  

Rant: Jackrabbit faithful... it is cool that you care so much about the team but I really question your motives when you call out or blame individual players for a loss.  It makes you look stupid.  Saying things like "This team sucks!" on twitter or immediately calling for Stig's head after the game are unreasonable.  If you feel that you just have to say it, keep it to a private conversation.  The players are all 18 to 22-year-olds.  Kids to young adults.  Those of us who are grown adults can do better.  As fans we are invested in a monetary way.  The players are putting in a heck of a lot more than that.

Rave: This team can still run the table.  They have the ability to take this show on the road and make it happen.  We'll know more once the final bracket is released but I believe in this team.  I hope you do too if you are reading this! 

Game Balls
Offense: Mikey Daniel and Cade Johnson
Defense: Christian Rozeboom
Special Teams: Chase Vinatieri

Go Jacks!
Matt 

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