What to Watch: UNI


This week has flown by and I'm okay with that. Tomorrow at 2:00 pm (central) the Jacks take on the Panthers.  These games are always physical.  I still feel good about this one.  As Brendan and Ben pointed out on the Splitting Hares podcast, the Jacks haven't lost back to back games since 2015.  They are just a handful of plays away from being 10-0 but instead will look to move to 8-3. 

1. The Jacks better have a plan to block UNI's defensive end Elerson Smith.  He has 12 sacks already this season.  The Jacks tackles have struggled to block the top tier of MVFC defensive ends so far this season.  Johnson and Greeneway will have to win some one-on-one matchups but they will need help in obvious passing situations.  If the Jacks are keeping an extra back or tight end in to block then the Jackrabbit wide receivers will have to win their matchups too.  In my opinion, the best way to beat a good pass rush is to run the ball effectively. 

2. If Isaiah Weston plays, I think he will, then how do the Jacks eliminate his big-play potential? Weston has very good speed.  DyShawn Gales or Diamond Evans seem like the natural answer to me.  I think Don Gardner will eliminate Jaylin James or Suni Lane.   But the big matchup will be Weston vs. the other two. If the Jacks can shut down Weston, I really like their chances to lower their ppg allowed average of 17.3. 

3. Can the Jacks play a mostly-clean game?  Penalties and fumbles have been more frequent than in past seasons.  If the Jacks clean this up they should win this one. 

4. I like Jaxon Janke to make something happen in the punt return game this week. UNI's depth is not good right now (due to health) and the first place that shows is on special teams.  Jaxon, as punt returner, has been wild this year!  I'm excited to see what he can do on Saturday against a team that is already allowing nearly 9 yards per return.

5. I'm curious to see the game to game growth from Keaton Heide. He looked good against Missouri State and made a handful of really nice throws.  He showed good pocket presence and a strong arm against Illinois State but also held onto the ball too long and had a couple of costly turnovers late in the game.  Coach Stig said after the game that the next step is for him to move off of his first read quicker if it is not there.  Let's see if he is able to do that this week!

It's going to take a big effort and focused and consistent play to beat UNI.  They are good but so are the Jacks.  I like the Jacks chances to get the win still.  I'm sticking with my 21-13 prediction.

Go Jacks!
Matt

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Top 5 Favorite Jackrabbit Football Players

Image
Remember the great scene from "The Sandlot" where Benny wakes up to the ghost of Babe Ruth coming out of his closet?  If you remember, the boys from the sandlot were in a pickle.  A signed Babe Ruth baseball had been hit over the fence and into a junkyard that was roamed by a giant dog named "The Beast" and an old grouchy man who instructed the dog to eat intruders (or so the legend said) lived alone.  Anyways, the best part of the dream scene is Babe Ruth's advice to Benny, "Hero's get remembered, but legends never die." Who are the legends of Jackrabbit football?  What plays and contribution did they make that stand out?  I had this discussion on Twitter on my personal account a few months ago, but I decided I wanted to bring it to the blog.  We can debate all day who the BEST Jackrabbits are, but who are your FAVORITE Jackrabbits of all time?  Who are the legendary players to you?  I've been closely following the Jacks since the fa
Read more

What's Cookin': Dessert

Image
Alright, another year of Jackrabbit football is upon us. We are celebrating at Jackrabbit Illustrated, this our 5th season covering the team.  The players who we first covered as freshmen are now redshirt seniors. We hope you are as excited as us for this upcoming season. Chef Tim, a culinary instructor at Mitchell Tech and contributing writer, has some fun recipes for you this season.  He has committed to doing one a week. I have nothing but faith that he will get them turned in! We start the season celebrating with celebrations. Here are some fun baked goods that will lead to the healthy start to the season; Cherry-Chocolate Chunk Cookies ½ Cup All-Purpose Flour ¼ Cup Quick-Cooking Oats ½ Teaspoon baking Soda Pinch of Salt 2 tbs butter, melted and cooled 1/3 cup brown sugar 1 large egg 1 tsp vanilla Extract 2 oz semisweet chocolate 1/3 cup dried cherries 1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray large baking sheet with nonstick spray. 2) Combine Flour, Oats, baking soda, and salt in a
Read more

Guide to Fort Collins

Image
The Jackrabbit games about FBS teams are always fun.  It is a chance to take in a different town and watch the team prove themselves against a foe who is one classification higher.  This year the Jacks aren't playing a Power 5 team but are playing a Great 5 team, Colorado State.  We have a guest contributor today, Jackrabbit legend Austin Sumner.  Austin was the starting QB from 2011 to 2014.  .  Below are some of his recommendations for Fort Collins. Jacks Fans! I’m looking forward to seeing many of you Labor Day weekend as the Jacks take on Colorado State. I’ve lived here in Fort Collins for the last 6 years. Here are some recommendations for those visiting for the big game: Breweries – New Belgium and Odell Brewing Co (most popular) are great places to kill some time and enjoy some of the finest craft beers. Or keep it classy at the Anheuser-Busch brewery and grab yourself a Busch Light. Here is a list of the rest in town: Fort Collins Breweries | Local Colorado Craft Beer (visi
Read more