What to Watch: SIU

The Jacks return to the road after a two game homestand to face the dangerous SIU Salukis.  They are good on both sides of the ball and are able to attack on the ground and through the air.  This really should be a great game and the start of a tough four game stretch as the Jacks seek to return to the playoffs.  

Here is what the Jackrabbit Illustrated team is keeping an eye on in this marque matchup.

1. Wrap Up

Last week the Jackrabbit defense had too many missed tackles on the YSU duo of McGlaughlin and Waid who earned nearly 196 yards rushing on 46 attempts.  We don't know the exact number of missed tackles but it was more than a half dozen and likewise a number of those yards came after first contact.  Against SIU this cannot be the case.  Javon Williams Jr. is a load, standing 6'2 and 245 pounds.  It will be key for defenders to wrap up and at least slow him down so the rest of the defense can rally to the ball and finish the play.  Like McGlaughlin from YSU, Romeir Elliot is a slippery back.  Hopefully last weeks experience against McGlaughlin will prepare the defenders for this elusive type of back.  

2.  Redzone O

Last week in the SIU vs. UNI game, UNI had 4 attempts in the red-zone in the first half and had 13 points to show for it.  Likewise, the Jackrabbit offense has been okay in the red-zone.  They have scored on 92% of their trips but have scored touchdowns 62% of the time.  UNI moved the ball against this defense pretty effortlessly until they got in the red-zone.  It will be key that the Jacks convert their trips into the red-zone into touchdowns as the SIU offense is going to put some points on the board.    

3. Offense Off Script

It has been well noted that the Jackrabbit offense has been unstoppable on the opening possession of its first four games.  The offense has looked unpredictable and has moved the ball down the field on the ground and through the air.  After that, it has been inconsistent.  In his post game press conference last week, Coach Stig expressed frustration but also some introspection about what they are doing or not doing right.  Against SIU, the offense cannot disappear for long stretches of the game.  A consistent effort that allows the Jackrabbit defense to stay off the field and the SIU defense to stay on the field is required.   

4. Working on the Chain Gang 

Has the #ChainGang (SDSU's Defensive Line) been good this year?  Yes.  Have they been consistently excellent?  Probably not.  SIU's offensive line is physical and are more road graters than giants.  The Jacks are allowing 122 yards per game on the ground and we think if the Jacks keep SIU under that mark, they win the game.  In addition, the chaingang has provided a good pass rush at times (especially in critical situations) accumulating 5 sacks.  However, we hope that there is a consistent collapse of the pocket as it is likely that SIU will be down to their third string QB Stone Labanowitz.  The chaingang has to dominate this game and control the line of scrimmage and get to the passer.    

5. Committee Work

With the status of All-American running back Pierre Strong up in the air, we are looking forward to seeing Isaiah Davis, Jordan Meachum, and Jefferson Lee in more prominent roles.  Isaiah has been very good in his limited opportunities.  He's displayed good one-cut running ability, nice hands, and a good ability to pass block.  Meachum has plenty of playing experience from his time at  Sacred Heart and Jefferson Lee has been impressive in his end of game duties the last two years.  Hopefully Pierre can go but if he can't or if he is limited than the other three need to be ready for the shot.  

6. Slow it down, hit the shot, catch the ball

Freshman quarterback Mark Gronowski has led the Jacks on two game winning drives in four games.  That alone is pretty impressive.  However, his inconsistent play in between the first drive and final drives of those games was part of the reason that the final game winning drive was necessary.  We want to see him slow down, hit the check-down, make the intermediate throw, and trust his players to make the tough catches in traffic.  BUT his playmakers have to catch the ball.  There were hundreds, yes hundreds, of yards left on the field against YSU in narrow misfires and dropped passes between Mark and his playmakers.  If this offense can start connecting consistently, watch out, as the sky is the limit!  

Let's go get a big win!

Go Jacks!

Ben, Brendan, Dallas, Kyle and Matt