Rants & Raves: UNI

 

The Jackrabbits debuted the 2021 version of themselves in a fun and memorable win over conference rival, UNI. Anytime a team wins, its a good thing.  When you beat a perennial power, in their dome, when they are ranked in the top 5 in most polls, it is a good thing.  There were plenty of "Raves" for this first matchup but enough "Rants" to prevent complacency setting in.  As we'll preview later this week, UND looks like another quality MVFC opponent so the team will have to grow from this opening win.

Rants & Raves

Rave: As expected the defense was up to the test.  The first half was as dominate as a performance as you will see.  In all reality, they only gave up 10 points as offensive turnovers put them in really challenging situations.  In the "What to Watch" we said that the defense needed to "eat their peas and carrots" on first and second down.  They did that.  The defense made UNI one dimensional and only allowed 28 yards rushing on 25 attempts.  Dominance.

Rave: To get specific on the defense, I thought the front seven were dominant, no matter who was in the game.  After losing Krockett Krolikowski early in the game, on top of already missing Xavier Ward, one could expect some problems upfront.  However, there was no drop-off.  Sanders, Stacker, Van Marel held up well on the interior, with Sanders especially proving to be a challenge for the Panthers.  He only finished with 3 credited tackles but he sure felt more disruptive than that.  On the outside, Hicks, Winkelman, Terveer, Tolu Ogunrinde, and Caden Johnson made life difficult both in the run and passing game.  

Rant: Pierre Strong is an incredible running back.  Best at the FCS level, consensus All-American and a threat to take it to the house at any point.  His shoe falling off after nearly every play was bizarre and hopefully will be taken care of for future contests.

Rave: This UNI defense is darn good.  They have All-MVFC performers at every level and two All-Americans. Overall, I thought freshman quarterback Mark Gronowski looked really good in his debut going 19-29 for 194 yards and two TDs.  Early in the game, he was making plays with his legs to extend the play and pick up extra yardage.  As the game wore on, he made some mistakes that show his youth but he also made plays that show his huge potential.  I saw enough to believe that Mark is the guy.  As the game slows down and he finds his touch he will only look better.

Rave: Overall, I think the #605Hogs had a good game and provided time for Mark and created space for Pierre.  #44 for the Panthers, Jared Brinkman, is going to make plenty of folks look silly this year.  He is a dominant player but I thought overall the Jacks did a nice job on him outside of the 3rd quarter and early 4th.  

Rant: The number of penalties was unacceptable.  The Jacks were tagged with 9 infractions for 80 yards with 3 giving the Panthers first downs.  They have to clean this up as they are too good of a team to make many of these mistakes.  In my opinion, the three penalties for pass interference/defensive holding are correctable as the players were in position to make the play.  They just have to trust their ability and technique.  

Rave: How nice was it to have Zach Heins back?  5 receptions for 90 yards including the 43 yarder that setup the game winning touchdown was a really nice "welcome back" stat line.  In the redzone, it was obvious that UNI was aware of his ability as it appeared that he was double teamed on numerous occasions.  

Rave: The linebacker group needs a tip of the hat.  Backhaus and Tetzlaff looked like the senior leaders we need them to be.  They each were credited with 5 solo tackles and were just in the right spot.  I also want to highlight the play of Adam Bock (5 tackles and a sack), Graham Spalding (4 tackles, 1 TFL), and Payton Shafer (1 tackle).  All three looked more than ready to contribute and indeed did.  Bock had the sack and Spalding had one of the biggest hits in the game in the second half.  

Rave/Rant: Special Teams overall looked really good.  The blocked punt by Stalbird was clearly something the Jacks felt like they could get as their rush against the Panther punt nearly got home on a few other occasions.  There were no mistakes in the place kicking game or return game either.  The facemask on punt coverage and the kick out of bounds can't happen again but otherwise it was a good effort.  

Rave: This one is pretty generic but how fun is it to have Jackrabbit football back?  I know I was pretty jazzed up all week and found it especially difficult to focus at work on Friday.   HUGE credit to the players and coaches for the dedication and commitment to make it this far so that we can watch a game.   Thank you for giving us all something to enjoy after the craziness of the past 12 months. 

Gameball

Offense: Mark Gronowski

Defense: Preston Tetzlaff

Special Teams: Isaiah Stalbird

Go Jacks!

Matt