What to Watch: USD



This week the chatter surrounding SDSU at USD has been pretty quiet.  The usual trash talk hasn't really been happening.  That could be because USD is so down or it could mean that SDSU fans are just hoping that it is a cleanly played game with no cheap shots and no injuries from dirty play.  Whatever the case, it has been weird!

1. As has been the story this season, if SDSU can take care of the ball they will likely win.  Fumbles and untimely interceptions have played a major role in all three losses this season.  Can the Jacks replicate their effort from last week?  If they do, I think the defense is able to contain USD's powerful offense. 

2. Evan Greeneway vs. Darrin Greenfield is an important matchup to watch.  Last year Greenfield was held in check and he finished with just 3 tackles and one QBH.  If Greeneway is able to replicate that effort the Jackrabbit offense will be in a great position. 

3. I'm curious to see the USD skill at the wide receiver and tight end position against SDSU's back 7.  Last year, Simmons threw for 295 yards, 2 TD, and an INT.  Both of his TD's were to his tight ends Connor Hermann and Brett Samson.  Having Levi Brown return to the lineup this week to cover one of these two would be a big help!

4. The Jacks defense needs to keep Simmons in the pocket and have a disciplined pass rush.  In Brookings last season, he rushed for 79 yards and 2 TD.  Simmons has no game to worry about next week and I know he would love to go out beating SDSU.  In the last three weeks, he has 202 rushing yards and a total of 541 on the season.  The SDSU defense did a great job on UNI's Will McElvain last week.  Let's see it again this week!

5. As I shared in my preview of USD, I'm really interested to see who the punt and kick returners are for USD.  I'd be shocked if they burned the redshirt of true freshman Carter Bell.  Bell has been the primary returner since Billy Conaway and Trey Rodriguez quit the team earlier in the season. On the "Game Notes" this week, starting wide receiver Randy Baker is listed as the punt returner and he has three returns this season for 18 yards.  On kick returns, Caleb Vander Esch is listed and he has just 1 return this season for 22 yards.  How can the Jackrabbit kickers take advantage of the inexperienced return men?   

6. Mikey Daniel will likely get his chance to shine as the lead back.  Mikey has been the ultimate team player during his five years in Brookings.  He has served as the goal-line back, the kick return lead blocker, and at times as a fullback.  I'm excited to see what he can do when receiving the bulk of the carries.  He grew up in South Dakota so he knows more than others what this rivalry means to the state. 

7.  I'm really interested in the atmosphere of the dome.  As you have likely read/heard there will be no fans behind the SDSU bench area.  The dome is under construction and seating is limited to around 5,200.  What will that be like?  I've heard there are a number of SDSU fans who were able to secure tickets so I hope they make their presence known! 

I'm sticking with my prediction from earlier this week.  I think we play a clean game and take care of business.  I do sincerely hope that USD plays with some class and dignity and doesn't try to muck this game up or intentionally injury our players like we saw last year in Brookings. 

Go Jacks!
Matt 

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