What to Watch: WIU



Last week, the Jackrabbit Illustrated Team felt pretty smart.  Everything we had in our "What to Watch: UND" preview actually happened... unfortunately the Jacks didn't respond.  This week, we are still optimistic that this roadmap to victory will be followed and all Jackrabbits will leave The Dana happy.  So here is what we are keeping an eye on.

MSTSA: Make Special Teams Special Again

The Jackrabbit special teams has been very good historically and is usually one of the top units in the MVFC.  Last week, however, was a different story.  The blocked field goal, the allowed fake punt, the blocked punt, and the long kick return were all unacceptable.  WIU does some tricky things on their punt team and has talent in the return game.  This group has to do it's third in order for the Jacks to win a National Championship.  Hopefully that trend starts this week. 

Strong 3rd Quarter

Through the first two contests, the Jackrabbits have not been good in the 3rd quarter.  We think one way to have a better quarter is to get the run game going. Pierre Strong has had some nice 20+ yard runs but they are followed up by too many negative or 1 or 2 yard gains.  There are opportunities to get some more 4 or 5 yard gains that help sustain drives and keep the third downs at a manageable distance.  We liked what we saw out of Jordan Meachum last week and we hope that we get to see Isaiah Davis add a few more carries.  If the Jacks can run the ball more effectively, the 3rd quarter should look a lot better.  

Does the ChainGang respond?

The defensive line for the Jackrabbits had arguably their worst game in recent memory allowing UND to rack up 177 yards on the ground.  This is likely a function of being gassed after being on the field for a majority of the game.  However, they were also held without a sack and rushing the passer is something this group prides itself on.  We hope for a response this week that essentially says "That won't happen again."  

Jackrabbit back seven vs. the Spread Offense

WIU threw the ball 46 times in their season opening loss to Missouri State.  Passes were caught by 10 different players and 10 different players had a rushing attempt.  On the podcast, Kyle used the analogy that it was like a basketball fast break at times and that the ball could get distributed to anyone in the formation.  #1 Tony Tate is a matchup nightmare because of his ultra athleticism and speed and we are excited to see how the Jackrabbits handle him.  This may be a week where we see an extra defensive back on the field at times.  Perimeter tackling and discipline on all of the crossing routes will be key.  

Finish Him

Like the classic Nintendo game, Mortal Kombat, said, "Finish Him".  Through two weeks, the Jackrabbits have had both opponents on the ropes early and have had every opportunity to knock them out but because of penalties, drops, or turnovers were unable to do so.  This week we want the team to "Finish WIU" early and break their spirit and make sure they know there is no chance they are coming back.


Go Jacks!

Ben, Brendan, Dallas, Kyle, and Matt   

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