Quarterfinals, Villanova

[Southeast]

It’s not the “trap game” aspect of this matchup I’m most worried about, it’s the fact that this is our 12th straight week of games without a bye and the whole Brookings-Sacramento-Brookings-Philly travel week. That stuff is going to catch up with us without a few lucky breaks.

[da_coach]

It’s not the “trap game” aspect of this matchup I’m most worried about, it’s the fact that this is our 12th straight week of games without a bye and the whole Brookings-Sacramento-Brookings-Philly travel week. That stuff is going to catch up with us without a few lucky breaks.

Very good point. This worries me as well.

Villanova isn't a joke. If they beat JMU, they have some football players.

Going to be a tight game, either way.

[Mr_Tibbs]

I’m having a hard time getting a good read on this game. I think before the Sac game, I felt confident in knowing what their team was going to be like and how they would play. After our second half last week and Nova’s inconsistent play on Friday, I’m not sure what to think. I think we all know that Nova is a really good team, with a very stout D. They are also inconsistent and seem to be very mediocre when having an off day. I think the CAA is a distant third behind the Valley and Big Sky this year, so I don’t know what to make of their overall record. They beat JMU in Harrisonburg, which is a big deal, but I also feel like JMU has not been as strong as they were in 2016-17. They were very average this spring until the playoffs, and have had some close calls this fall too. I think how our game ended last week will hopefully light a fire for this Saturday to start fast and finish. I’m sure Nova will have the same motivation. To me, this game feels like it will either be a two score victory or a touchdown loss. They will either be the slow, bad offensive team we saw last week, or they will be balanced and attack us in the air and move the chains. We will either have a good offensive rhythm and move the ball, or we will panic and get ourselves behind the chains and punt.

Some people are saying that Nova is better than Sac, but I’m not sure I agree. They definitely don’t seem to be as dynamic on O, but their D is probably better. I’m not going to be shocked by anything in this game (outside of a shootout), but I think we are the better team. We’ve just proven time and time again this season that we can’t always play to our potential.

Like I’ve said in other games before, if our first drive is sloppy and filled with penalties, that might be a sign of things to come. If we are methodical and disciplined and can move down the field, I think that sets the tone. Still going 24-14 Jacks, with a late Nova score.

[Jackwagon]

It’s not the “trap game” aspect of this matchup I’m most worried about, it’s the fact that this is our 12th straight week of games without a bye and the whole Brookings-Sacramento-Brookings-Philly travel week. That stuff is going to catch up with us without a few lucky breaks.

The travel and wear and tear are going to catch up for sure. (survive this week and let adrenaline take you to next week)
The more you watch Nova, the more they remind me of UNI....which is not a good thing. They don't do anything great, but they don't have an obvious weakness as well. The biggest saving grace is Davis is still fresh and our depth on the D-line. As for those talking about the JMU game...their recipe for beating JMU was JMU getting in their own way, penalties, 4 missed FG's and TO's. (basically JMU played like we did against UNI) We don't need to be great, we just can't be bad.
With the Eagles on a bye week... I would expect to see our favorite kid from Philly lingering on the sideline.

[filbert]

The travel and wear and tear are going to catch up for sure. (survive this week and let adrenaline take you to next week)
The more you watch Nova, the more they remind me of UNI....which is not a good thing. They don't do anything great, but they don't have an obvious weakness as well. The biggest saving grace is Davis is still fresh and our depth on the D-line. As for those talking about the JMU game...their recipe for beating JMU was JMU getting in their own way, penalties, 4 missed FG's and TO's. (basically JMU played like we did against UNI) We don't need to be great, we just can't be bad.
With the Eagles on a bye week... I would expect to see our favorite kid from Philly lingering on the sideline.

The resemblance to UNI is . . . unsettling . . .

[Jacks]

Keep in mind that against UNI, our defense was without: Don G, Backhaus, Norblade, and Stalbird played maybe one series. We shut UNI down other than the long pass plays that don't happen if those four guys are playing.

I am more concerned with our ability to move the ball against Villanova as their defense looks stout and very aggressive. With the windy and rainy forecast, Chris O is going to have to make some plays as they will force us to pass.

[rabbits64]

I think its simple, if we play OUR game, (Colorado State, NDSU) we win, easily. Not many can stop us when we play how we can. Yes I know every team can say that, but we have seen how the Jacks can play, if that team shows up, I don't think anyone stops us. However we seen what happens when the other Jacks team shows up. IF that team shows up, then I am concerned.

[NWHSUandSDSU]

I assume team is supposed to fly out tomorrow? I swear to the highest power if they get stuck in the airport for hours and get off schedule for their Saturday game I’m going to lose it.

[YanktonJack7]

I assume team is supposed to fly out tomorrow? I swear to the highest power if they get stuck in the airport for hours and get off schedule for their Saturday game I’m going to lose it.

Was thinking this too. Had some bad WIU flashbacks in the process from a few years ago.

I would hope they looked at the forecast and are leaving earlier in the morning but I have no knowledge of that.

[jakejc795]

Was thinking this too. Had some bad WIU flashbacks in the process from a few years ago.

I would hope they looked at the forecast and are leaving earlier in the morning but I have no knowledge of that.

Hopefully it being finals week doesn't complicate that, and I suppose that's one advantage of playing in a suburb of Philly rather than Macomb.

The forecast has improved somewhat, and if accurate, the game may occur during precip.-free afternoon lull

[jakejc795]

Keep in mind that against UNI, our defense was without: Don G, Backhaus, Norblade, and Stalbird played maybe one series. We shut UNI down other than the long pass plays that don't happen if those four guys are playing.

I am more concerned with our ability to move the ball against Villanova as their defense looks stout and very aggressive. With the windy and rainy forecast, Chris O is going to have to make some plays as they will force us to pass.

Current forecast isn't calling for much rain during game.

Folks are focusing on the travel strain on the Jacks, but I'm equally curious about just how stout 'Nova's defense is against an offense like Jacks'. There seems to be a propensity to dismiss the Holy Cross game as an anomaly, but from what I saw, the Jacks could have ample opportunities for considerable gains rushing.

I think Jacks win by at least two TDs

[jakejc795]

For any Vikings fans among us, 'Nova WR Qadir Ismail is the son of former Vikes' WR Qadry.

[YanktonJack7]

Looks like the Jacks are flying out of Sioux Falls momentarily. Should be able to beat the brunt of the snow.

[Roy]

In the air Flight. SCX8616

[Carolina010]

In the air Flight. SCX8616

Looks like it might have been a bumpy flight to start with but should be smooth sailing the rest of the way