What to Watch: UNI

Earlier this week we previewed what to expect from UNI on both sides of the ball.  As stated, they are talented, big, and return a wealth of experience.  Here are a few key matchups and things to watch.  This is list was not easy to make for our Jackrabbit Illustrated team as this is the first game and there are still plenty of unknowns just a few days away from the game.  On Wednesday, the team released the depth chart for the game vs. UNI and a few questions were answered. 

1. Don Gardner vs. Isaiah Weston

This is a huge matchup for this game.  The two All-MVFC players may not matchup for the entire game but I am assuming that Don will cover Isaiah pretty often.  In 2019, Isaiah was injured in the first matchup and only had 2 receptions for 13 yards in the second matchup.  He likely wasn't at full strength at that point but all indications are that he is fully healthy this spring.  As for Don, he was was one of the best corners in the MVFC in 2019 and was avoided by opposing offenses for much of the season.  UNI will likely look to establish the run first but will take shots to back-off the defense. Don will need to be ready for those shot plays. 

2. Garret Greenfield vs. UNI pass rush

Garret was a highly regarded recruit and is now getting his first opportunity to start as a redshirt sophomore.  We're excited to see Garret get his first extended action but also nervous because it is coming against UNI, a team who perennially has a great defensive line.  This year is no exception as UNI returns an experienced and talented defensive line and linebacker group.  Garret has the size to hold up and move people in the run game and has the athleticism to keep the QB clean.  We're looking forward to Garret's debut.   

3. Special Teams 

As noted in the previews of the Jackrabbits and the Panthers, both special teams units have plenty of personnel turnover from 2019.  How do these players hold up in a pressure packed conference game as they begin their careers?  Which special teams unit can avoid or force the costly mistake?  I don't anticipate a lot of points being scored in this one so every mistake could be magnified, especially field position flipping mistakes which often occur on special teams.  

4. Jackrabbit D-Line vs. UNI O-Line

The Jackrabbit defensive line is supposed to be the strength of this team.  UNI's offensive line is always  big and physical but struggled to create a ton of room in the run game in 2019.  If the Jackrabbits want to win, they need to eat their peas and carrots on early downs (nobody likes to eat peas and carrots but you gotta do it), stuff the run, and make life hard on McElvain on 3rd and long.  

5. Who catches the ball for the Jacks?

This is the question that everyone is wondering after who will be the starting QB.  Cade Johnson and Adam Anderson are gone and take with them a bevy of experience and receptions.  Jaxon Janke is the only pass catcher with significant playing experience at wide receiver.  So, who is the next man up?  How much will the tight ends factor into the game plan?  Yes, the Jacks have a trio of very talented running backs but at some point they will have to move the ball through the air.  That may only be 15-20 times per game but it is still very important.

6. Linebacker Group.  Who plays?  Where does Logan Backhaus line up?

Losing 4x All American Christian Rozeboom and 3 year starter Seven Wilson are significant losses.  However, as Matt talked about in the preview of the defense, there is plenty of athleticism and talent at the position still on the roster.  So, we are wondering who emerges and where does Logan Backhaus play?  With Levi Brown not listed on the depth chart, there are no questions if he is hurt or dealing with Covid or Covid exposure.  I think for game one, the lineup that we see on the field most often is Backhaus, Preston Tetzlaff, and Graham Spalding.  It could also be Backhaus, Adam Bock, and Graham Spalding or some combination of  that group with some Matt Barnett and Payton Shafer sprinkled in.  As we know, there are also many other young players chomping at the bit to get an opportunity to get on the field. 

7. Breakout player for the Jacks? 

The joy of sports is that there are constantly surprises and in college sports players emerge from out of nowhere to become difference makers.  So who is it this year?  For us, we think it is tight end Tucker Kraft and defensive tackle Ryan Van Marel.  As noted, Kraft is an athletic freak with a tremendous size speed combination.  We're really excited to see him on the field.  Van Marel appears to have taken a HUGE step forward since 2019 and is in line for an uptick in playing time.  Again, he has great size, strength, and flexibility that could make him a problem on the interior. 

Go Jacks,

Brendan, Ben, Kyle, Dallas, Matt