NCAA FCS semi-final: vs Montana State

[tbcruiser]

Five things the Jacks need to do Saturday to win.
1. Run the ball successfully
2. Throw the ball successfully
3. Score TD's
4. Stop MSU players from running the ball
5. Stop MSU players from catching the ball

You're welcome.

On a serious note
Adding to #3, I don't remember being as anxious about promising Jack's drives being finished as this year, so yah i think#3 is key

[goon]

My keys to win the game.....score more points then the other team.

[jakejc795]

On a serious note
Adding to #3, I don't remember being as anxious about promising Jack's drives being finished as this year, so yah i think#3 is key

Settling for field goals last week had me frustrated too, but let's not lose sight of the fact that the Jacks have what some would characterize as elite red zone efficiency.

[Theee Catrabbit]

On a serious note
Adding to #3, I don't remember being as anxious about promising Jack's drives being finished as this year, so yah i think#3 is key

I'd say my post was very serious. I just stated it in 5 easy sentences instead of long winded pseudo intellectual fan-forum coachspeak.....it's a low word count society, man, I'm just living in it.

[tbcruiser]

I'd say my post was very serious. I just stated it in 5 easy sentences instead of long winded pseudo intellectual fan-forum coachspeak.....it's a low word count society, man, I'm just living in it.

Understood

[LetsGoRabbits]

3 major differences between last years game against Montana State and this year. SDSU didn’t travel to 4 different time zones in 4 weeks, it’s at home, Troy Andersen and Lance McCutcheon are in the NFL. Those two completely changed the game last year as did Nate Stewart who graduated last year

yes, Anderson was a SERIOUS problem last year!! maybe i am not remembering correctly, but i am pretty sure he is the one who dropped ID for a 2 yard loss on your first drive, when we had 4th and 1 inside their 10. as i recall, of course someone for the jacks could have done a little better but honestly it was a pretty great play by him and changed the game in a HUGE way

[LetsGoRabbits]

I'd say my post was very serious. I just stated it in 5 easy sentences instead of long winded pseudo intellectual fan-forum coachspeak.....it's a low word count society, man, I'm just living in it.

sorry, you are saying you want fan board conversation that equates to, SO.... whadya think about this weather we been having. here is my pseudo weather prediction

create turnovers
DO NOT turn the ball over
wins you almost EVERY game

last year could very easily be summed up by the TO we almost had and the one we gave up, change the outcome of strictly those two plays and you can all but guarantee you change which team scores the most points

[Theee Catrabbit]

sorry, you are saying you want fan board conversation that equates to, SO.... whadya think about this weather we been having. here is my pseudo weather prediction

I'm just saying, the horse is dead, and can it be Saturday already.

[Mr_Tibbs]

I have enjoyed interacting with MSU fans in the past. That being said, they are very, very confident over on their board that they are going to run the ball for 300+ on Saturday and that their offense simply cannot be stopped. If I were them, I’d guess I’d feel the same with how their season has gone. They are hanging their hat on playing Weber and UM’s defenses, which were very good, and assuming the Jacks defense will only be slightly better. It’s hard to say, since we have very few common opponents. I know UM runs a 3-3-5, which isn’t built to stop the run (though they had a low YPC given up against everyone but the cats) but I’m not sure what Weber runs. I’m also wondering which Big Sky teams play a four man front?

Based on how we did last week, any neutral observer would be betting on the Cats to run for 300+. But I think last weekend is having a prisoner of the moment effect for a lot of people, including Jacks fans. We looked like we were playing flag football on Saturday for the first time all year, and MSU looked like an absolute machine.

I’m guessing neither performance will be replicated for either team this weekend. I think they are very good and will be our greatest challenge this season. I also think it’s entirely possible that they run for 250+ and we still win the game. In that scenario, if we hold their passing game in check and play ball control offense, it’s entirely possible they finish with good rushing totals and lower total yards than their average.

I could be way off, and credit to MSU if they prove me wrong, but I think our front 7 played their worst game of the year last week and they have been hearing all week about how Montana State is going to run through them. I think they overlooked Holy Cross and will play their best defense of the season Saturday and our offense will take advantage for the win. No idea on the score prediction, but I don’t think it will be as high as some are thinking.

If the Jacks win, it feels like it will be a 28-17 type game where our D is really making their offense uncomfortable and playing behind the chains.

If we lose, I think it will be to the tune of 42-21. I don’t see us getting into a shootout and keeping pace. We just aren’t built that way anymore. And I don’t see them winning if it’s a low score game.

[westernjack]

Seems like the storm keeps moving slower and slower leaving the area. Pretty strong winds (25+) now predicted all the way through Friday night. Will Montana st fans even be able to make it if they aren’t flying in? The field condition is a huge unknown for this game, can’t possibly imagine how it won’t be an ice track but our grounds crew has done a heck of a job before so maybe they can do it again

[Mr_Tibbs]

Seems like the storm keeps moving slower and slower leaving the area. Pretty strong winds (25+) now predicted all the way through Friday night. Will Montana st fans even be able to make it if they aren’t flying in? The field condition is a huge unknown for this game, can’t possibly imagine how it won’t be an ice track but our grounds crew has done a heck of a job before so maybe they can do it again

I know 90 is closed right now. It’s going to need to open back up within the next 12 to 18 hours for those folks to have a reasonable chance at driving and making it for the game by kickoff. Not looking likely.

[6-4-3 Jackrabbit]

Just browsed the SDSU ticket website. Looks like the east side will be a sparse crowd again this weekend. My guess is we won’t have many students in attendance either. I was hoping to be pleasantly surprised. No luck. We have our four tickets and are looking forward to making some noise on Saturday.

For entertainment purposes only:
SDSU - 5 1/2 . Over/under 59.

Go Rabbits!

[Cats2506]

I have enjoyed interacting with MSU fans in the past. That being said, they are very, very confident over on their board that they are going to run the ball for 300+ on Saturday and that their offense simply cannot be stopped. If I were them, I’d guess I’d feel the same with how their season has gone. They are hanging their hat on playing Weber and UM’s defenses, which were very good, and assuming the Jacks defense will only be slightly better. It’s hard to say, since we have very few common opponents. I know UM runs a 3-3-5, which isn’t built to stop the run (though they had a low YPC given up against everyone but the cats) but I’m not sure what Weber runs. I’m also wondering which Big Sky teams play a four man front?

Based on how we did last week, any neutral observer would be betting on the Cats to run for 300+. But I think last weekend is having a prisoner of the moment effect for a lot of people, including Jacks fans. We looked like we were playing flag football on Saturday for the first time all year, and MSU looked like an absolute machine.

I’m guessing neither performance will be replicated for either team this weekend. I think they are very good and will be our greatest challenge this season. I also think it’s entirely possible that they run for 250+ and we still win the game. In that scenario, if we hold their passing game in check and play ball control offense, it’s entirely possible they finish with good rushing totals and lower total yards than their average.

I could be way off, and credit to MSU if they prove me wrong, but I think our front 7 played their worst game of the year last week and they have been hearing all week about how Montana State is going to run through them. I think they overlooked Holy Cross and will play their best defense of the season Saturday and our offense will take advantage for the win. No idea on the score prediction, but I don’t think it will be as high as some are thinking.

If the Jacks win, it feels like it will be a 28-17 type game where our D is really making their offense uncomfortable and playing behind the chains.

If we lose, I think it will be to the tune of 42-21. I don’t see us getting into a shootout and keeping pace. We just aren’t built that way anymore. And I don’t see them winning if it’s a low score game.

Weber's base is a 4-3

Only common opponent is UC Davis, which we both played at home early in the season.
That game gives a little insight but it was early in the season and doesn't help that much when comparing the MSU offense to the SDSU defense which is what everybody is interested in. The other side of the ball and special teams will probably determine the outcome of this game.

My thoughts are that MSU will move the ball, but can we finish with TD's or FG's. SDSU will get some stops too, but how many and what field position are you left with. Other side I think MSU will get some stops but will there be enough of them.

Mistakes and turnovers are more likely with the weather, which team commits those could be a big factor.

I cant say that I am overly confident but I do think that this MSU team will find a way to win. If you happen to get up this team will fight until the end. The only thing that scares me a little is once in awhile our OC will think we are a passing team, it almost cost us the NAU game this year. "Run the Damn Ball"

Just as a side note, somebody here wrote a lengthy post on last years game, I watched it last night. I knew MSU was a different offense than last year, but the contrast was greater than I thought, TM has improved a ton in his understanding of defenses and reads. I have watched 3-4 of your games of lately and think SDSU is a far different team than last year too.

Anyway you look at it this should be an epic battle.

[Mr_Tibbs]

Rumor on the Cats board that the game might be getting postponed, but I think they are getting fed bad information based on what’s going on in Brookings right now. Snow isn’t too bad. The western part of the state is buried though.

Anyone hearing anything? I’d be shocked if this game was postponed unless MSU’s team can’t travel.

[Cats2506]

Rumor on the Cats board that the game might be getting postponed, but I think they are getting fed bad information based on what’s going on in Brookings right now. Snow isn’t too bad. The western part of the state is buried though.

Anyone hearing anything? I’d be shocked if this game was postponed unless MSU’s team can’t travel.

Just want to add that that rumor is completely unconfirmed and it only come from one guy who said he hear it 3rd hand. Our biggest concern is where the hell is our equipment truck that left yesterday. Last picture he posted was in the snow somewhere in SD.