Rants & Raves: SIU

The Jacks didn’t take the bait, stayed out of the net, and off the wall of the SIU Salukis this weekend... not only did they do all this but they may have capsized the boat in a dominant 44-3 victory.

Rave: Easily the most complete game of the season, the Jacks looked very good in all phases of the game for the final three quarters.  It’s also not like the Jacks looked horrible in the first quarter.  They were moving the ball on offense and the defense forced two fumbles that were called back.  But anyways, this is the dominant performance we have all been looking for.

Rant: Tackling was a bit suspect early in the game.  All three backs were causing problems, not just Williams Jr.  However, the Jacks adjusted their pad level and did a much better job as the game went along.

Rave: The #605Hogs owned this game.  SIU has a good front seven with some very talented players.  For the most part, Notree, Strong, and Knighton were neutralized as the Jacks racked up 392 net rushing yards.  In the passing game, they kept a (mostly) clean pocket and didn’t allow a sack. It’s good to see this group working with so much cohesion after a frustrating 2019 campaign. 

Rant: I really prefer the TV announcers physically at the game.  The timing of the broadcast was off and it was hard to watch with sound for most of the game.

Rave: How about the performance of the Jackrabbit defense? Three interceptions, just 121 rushing yards allowed, 1 sack (along with continuous pressure), and holding Lenoir and Cox to just 8 receptions for 55 yards (Cox had 7 for 50).  This really was a great performance against a good offense. 

Rant: I still don’t understand what the refs saw after watching the replay and overturning the Williams fumble on SIUs opening possession.  Anyone else have an explanation?  This game should have been a shutout!

Rave: The Jackrabbit backfield was an area of concern entering the season outside of Pierre. But Davis, Meachum, and Lee should have put concerns about depth to rest yesterday.  All three runners looked decisive, physical, and at times, explosive.  Hopefully this gives the coaches the confidence to get Pierre as healthy as possible before returning him to the lineup. 

Rant: However, the running game wasn’t all roses.  There were two first quarter fumbles, one lost, that need to be addressed.  Ball security is still an issue.  SIU was ripping at it throughout the game but on the two fumbles they weren’t.  The Jacks have to do a better job of protecting the football. 

Rave: It was good to have Tucker Kraft and Xavier Ward back.  They both have big roles on this team and their return is a good sign.

Rant: Jon Greutzmacher, you are a long snapper now.  I’m sorry but your duties on the offensive line need to be done until you are no longer the long snapper.  Please, put this man in bubble wrap! 

Rave: One player that I have not singled out individually for his play this year is Aron Johnson.  He has flipped from right to left tackle pretty seamlessly and it has gone unnoticed (a good thing).  It looks like he has continued to add weight and the former walk-on should be in the discussion as the All-MVFC left tackle at the end of this season.  

Rave: Adam Bock sure looks like the real deal at linebacker.  He’s young but he’s getting better and better as the season goes along.

Rave: The Barracuda, Josh Manchigiah, has been on fire with an interception in three straight games.  He’s always had a nose for the ball but he’s playing at a really high level this season!

Rave: Outside of the blocked field goal, special teams was pretty special. Kick coverage spun the returner and forced a fumble.  Frahm banged in two field goals, Dustman nailed his 43 yard attempt and the punting game was solid and the Jacks had a long kick return.  I wish we could get the punt return game going.  

Game Balls

Offense: #605Hogs

Defense: Entire unit

Special Teams: Graham Spalding (forced the fumble on the kick return that completely flipped this game). 

Go Jacks!

Matt

Ps: I am on vacation with my family and wrote this from my phone so I apologize for any typos!